Press Secretary

Head of Communications IOE is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Communications to lead the organisation’s communications function. Reporting directly to the Secretary-General, the successful candidate will develop and implement IOE’s communication strategy, strengthen the organisation’s visibility and reputation, oversee digital communications, and manage the Communications team. Responsibilities Develop and implement a communications strategy aligned with IOE’s organisational priorities and strategic objectives. Lead, manage and develop the Communications team, setting priorities and fostering professional development. Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of communications for IOE members, partners and other key stakeholders. Oversee the organisation’s digital communications, including the website and social media channels, ensuring the delivery of engaging, high-quality written and multimedia content. Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating media opportunities, and providing strategic communications advice and support to senior leadership. Oversee the production of publications, newsletters and other corporate communications, ensuring consistency with IOE’s Visual Identity. Develop and implement IOE’s Visual Identity to ensure it reflects the organisation’s values, priorities and strategic direction. Establish and maintain high editorial standards across all communications, ensuring accuracy, consistency, accessibility and quality. Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communications activities, using data and audience insights to drive continuous improvement and inform future communications strategies. Qualifications The ideal candidate will have: High sensitivity to business priorities and challenges, particularly those affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), together with a sound understanding of the role and values of national employers’ and business organisations. Experience in communications at employers and business organisations is an asset. An advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations or another relevant field. A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, media relations or corporate communications, preferably within an international organisation, business association, employers’ organisation or NGO. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that enhance organisational visibility and stakeholder engagement. Proven experience leading and managing communication teams, including planning, prioritising workloads and mentoring staff. Proven experience managing digital communication platforms, including websites, social media channels, content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools and digital campaigns. Excellent drafting, editing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Strong project management, organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to monitor communication performance, interpret data and translate insights into strategic recommendations. Fluency in English is required (native or near-native proficiency); proficiency in French or/and Spanish is highly desirable and a strong asset. Good understanding of the international policy environment, including the role of multilateral organisations and international institutions. Familiarity with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the international tripartite system and global labour and employment issues would be considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. A proactive, innovative and solution-oriented mindset, with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. High level of professionalism, integrity, flexibility and commitment to teamwork. What You bring 8–10+ years of senior experience in communications, public relations, public engagement, brand management or campaigning within NGOs, humanitarian, nonprofit or purpose-driven contexts. Demonstrated success in awareness-raising , narrativedevelopmentand public-facing campaigns. Strongtrack recordin mediaand externalrelations andexperience as aspokesperson.Knowledge of the Swiss communications and media ecosystem is an asset. Experience with brand campaigns, communications for fundraising and partnerships ,media planning, influencerengagementand crisis communications. Proven experience leading teams and agencies , managing budgets, and delivering multichannel strategies. Advanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent in experience to reach master level Commitment to refugee rights and humanitarian principles; prior experience with UNHCR is an asset. Strategic,analyticaland solutions-oriented mindset, with strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to turn ideas into action. Excellent communicator, with strong written,oraland interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively across multicultural and multilingual environments. Empathetic and cross-culturally sensitive, with a collaborative and diplomatic approach to working with internal and external stakeholders. Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and lead a high-performing team. Highly organized and structured, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure. Autonomous and proactive, while also being an effective team player. Strong stakeholder engagement,negotiationand advocacy skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and open new opportunities. Sound budget management skills, including planning, analysis,decision-makingand reporting. Fluent inGerman,French and English (written & spoken). Swiss-German is an asset. Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications #J-18808-Ljbffr