5 July 2017
Post of Communication Secretary
at the HELCOM Secretariat
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of a Communication Secretary at the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission - Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) Secretariat to take care of the external communication and public relations activities of HELCOM. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland at the Commission's Secretariat, will be filled in March 2018 .
The post is open to nationals of the Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention and nationals of any other state which is a Member State of the European Union.
HELCOM is an inter-governmental organization established for the purposes of the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, 1992, consisting of Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden. The aim of the Convention is to restore the ecosystems of the Baltic Sea Area and preserve its ecological balance by preventing pollution from all sources reaching the Baltic Sea and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources within the Baltic Sea Area.
The Commission is administered by its international Secretariat based in Helsinki, Finland. The Secretariat consists of an Executive Secretary, three Professional Secretaries, Communication Secretary, Administrative Officer and general and project staff. The Commission works in English.
HELCOM has over 40 years of experience of unique cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region bringing together the Contracting Parties and engaging actors from different institutions, sectors and interest groups in a common mission to reach a good environmental status of the Baltic Sea. The main duty of HELCOM is to make policies and recommendations on relevant measures to be implemented by the Contracting Parties. HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), including its follow-up commitments, is the main programme for action.
Responsibilities
The Communication Secretary is responsible for:
identifying, producing and using relevant information and communication means to support the implementation of the HELCOM strategies and policies;
actively taking part and contributing to HELCOM processes as well as searching for and synthesizing any relevant information, with the aim of possessing a wide understanding of HELCOM issues;
providing support for the development and execution of a HELCOM policy for information and awareness with the aim of influencing the political constituencies in the Contracting Parties in relation to the priority issues of HELCOM;
assisting in identifying relevant and interested data providers to a HELCOM information network, and being responsible for HELCOM's contact with those;
disseminating information about the activities of HELCOM to the media and the general public by producing news releases, preparing various publications and newsletters and by any other suitable means;
developing and editing the contents of the HELCOM website and producing social media content (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) and non-conventional and innovative means of communication;
any other tasks entrusted to him/her by the Executive Secretary.
The post description of the vacancy as well as the common requirements and duties for the Professional Secretaries can be found here.
Qualifications and experience
The person to be appointed shall:
have a suitable university degree and a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience (in communication, information, public relations activities or journalism in the English language, preferably within the environmental field);
demonstrate ability to apply digital media solutions, including social media , information management systems, word processing and other office-suite software as well as possess web and video editing skills and ability to employ other means of communication;
understand the role of HELCOM and its Secretariat;
have excellent social skills and be ready to communicate with a wide range of HELCOM contacts including officials and HELCOM stakeholders;
have excellent organizational and administrative skills;
have attention to detail and be meticulous, but also see how the details fit in the greater picture;
feel comfortable with both carrying out simple communication tasks and hands-on work but also tasks requiring greater responsibility and be able to work independently and deliver against tight deadlines;
be able to quickly grasp new issues, including technical and policy orientated, as HELCOM covers a wide range of topics and processes and enjoy expanding the field of responsibilities to new tasks and areas of expertise;
be flexible and able to step in and help other colleagues as the office is small.
A thorough knowledge of the English language as well as the ability to
draft quickly and concisely in English for various target groups is
essential. Professional experience at the international level is an
asset. Ability to use image editing and publication software is also an
asset.
Terms of appointment
The salary, which is non-incremental, is approximately 5.800 EUR per month. The salaries paid by the Commission are exempt from Finnish income tax. In addition, certain allowances may be payable, depending on personal circumstances.
The initial appointment is for three years, the first six months of which shall be a probationary period, with the possibility of a prolongation for another period not exceeding three years (3+3 years, maximum 6 consecutive years altogether).
The successful candidate is expected to take up his/her post in March 2018.
Applications
Applications consisting of a cover letter with motivation and CV should be sent, preferably by e-mail, to Administrative Officer Satu Raisamo (satu.raisamo@helcom.fi) on 24 September 2017 at the latest. Applications received after that date will not be taken into consideration.
The interviews will take place on 11 or 14 December 2017.
