Like us, you are convinced that the issues we work on are important challenges to tackle. Whether it’s addressing the climate crisis, countering global anti-gender and anti-rights forces, or helping remove the gag being put on civil society around the world.

We believe that the work of our partners, their perspectives, and the positive societal impact we jointly realize deserve a wider audience. By strategically communicating about our work externally, we can publicize the threats to our values we encounter, influence political and legislative decision-making, platform ideas, and inspire others.

Job context

As International Media Lead you will be part of the Global Communication Team. The team is based in The Hague at Hivos’ Global Office. You will also work closely with (communication) colleagues doing Hivos-wide or program-specific communication throughout the world.

Your responsibilities

1. Recognizing and writing/creating stories of impact
You have a knack for storytelling. Besides being curious of nature, you proactively engage with program teams around the world to identify important and newsworthy developments.

It is up to you to translate these developments into content. For example, articles, convincing opinion pieces, blog posts or impact stories, and social media posts created with a general (non-sectoral) audience in mind.

2. Connecting our work to current affairs
You follow (international) news closely and have a keen understanding of political developments. News and events both help you make your content relevant and encourage you to look for related content within our organization. The aim is for you to use this content to create external entry points for Hivos’ work and narratives.

3. Sharing and pitching
Finding an audience for your work is a crucial part of your activities. This does not only happen by sharing your content on Hivos’ website and social media channels. We’re also very keen to have a greater presence on external platforms. This means you need to be well connected to relevant international (media) platforms and journalists and get them interested in sharing content about our work and concerns.

4. Part of the communication team
You are a member of the Global Communication Team in The Hague, which consists of four people and is part of the Communication and Fundraising unit. The team meets weekly to discuss angles, stories and developments outside and within Hivos.

In addition to the responsibilities above, you also provide support when necessary. For example, writing/helping write communication plans for events Hivos participates in (e.g. the Africa Climate Summit or the UN’s annual CSW meeting), advising program teams on how to get traction for products they develop (e.g. research papers) or updating our social media platforms.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a communication professional who has a network of international online platforms and/or journalists focused on the same thematic areas as Hivos. Written and verbal fluency in English is an absolute must; Dutch is desirable. In addition:

• You’re a good writer: you get to the core of a story fast and your style is both engaging and accessible.
• You’re interested in current affairs and able to use these developments to create thought-provoking content about our work and our partners.
• You know how to pitch a story to relevant (media) platforms.
• You have experience writing communication plans for events and campaigns.
• You help non-communication colleagues identify external communication opportunities and improve how they communicate about their work.
• You’re sociable and eager to (virtually) connect with our many international colleagues at our regional offices.
• You’re sensitive to cross-cultural communication and are at ease working in an international organization.
• You enjoy sharing what you know with others as well as learning from them.

What we offer

In this position you will preferably be based at our Global Office in the city center of The Hague.

At Hivos, you’ll have the pleasure of working with highly motivated and dedicated colleagues. Hivos offers a gross salary between € 3.428,11 and € 4.561,52 based on experience and a 32-hour work week. A 36-hour work week is negotiable. Hivos issues a laptop, and pays for travel expenses according to our commuting policies. We operate on a 50/50 schedule, which means you may work from home for 50 percent of your contract hours.

How to apply

Please apply on or before October 29, 2023. Both a letter of motivation and CV in PDF format need to be submitted in English.

APPLY HERE

Background checks for final candidates
If you get selected for the final stage of the selection process, please note that professional references and a certificate of conduct (VOG) will be requested due to our Safeguarding Policy. Exceptions will only be made, if there is a local legislation prohibition or when the candidate is unable to obtain such a certificate due to activities on LGTBIQ+ and Human Rights. We may check social media – unless applicants state they do not wish us to do so. Accuracy of information in the curriculum vitae will also be checked.