Job description

The Ideal Candidate

CLASP is seeking a creative, seasoned professional to lead communications for our portfolio of European programs. CLASP Europe works alongside policymakers and partners to promote the most efficient appliances while also eliminating equipment that is hazardous to human health and the environment. CLASP advises and collaborates with the European Commission and member states, UK government, environmental and civil society NGOs, and industry partners to advance better appliances for people and the planet. 

A successful candidate will demonstrate dedication to CLASP’s mission and theory of change and understand how impactful communications can further that mission. They’ll provide strategic communications guidance for the team in Europe and deliver compelling products for our digital platforms (websites, newsletters, social media). The Communications Senior Associate will lead awareness raising and media engagement efforts focused on educating the public on the risks posed by harmful appliances – like fluorescent lighting or gas cooking.

The successful candidate will be an excellent writer and editor and know how to turn complex ideas into impactful and concise narratives. They will understand and move between the small details and the big picture with skill, adapt to evolving priorities, and bring well-honed listening and interpersonal skills. Candidates with experience in petitions, media engagement and outreach, and coordination among partner and stakeholder networks are strongly preferred; those with specific experience in environmental advocacy, communicating complex climate change topics, renewable energy, sustainable development, and/or energy efficiency will also be preferred. 

The Communications Senior Associate will work day-to-day with the virtual programmatic Europe Team and contribute to wider CLASP Climate team communications – coordinating with communications colleagues in the United States, Kenya and India. This position will report to the Climate Communications Manager, who is currently based in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead public awareness raising efforts: Build relationships with advocacy partners to drive EU and UK-wide petitions, campaigns and coordinated advocacy efforts. 
• Pitch media across the EU-27 and the UK: Build a media database and relationships with key media personnel to pitch and place compelling stories on the role of our work in climate mitigation efforts.
• Convene diverse stakeholder groups: Coordinate efforts among CLASP and our partners on campaigns, media outreach and other communications efforts.
• Communicate cutting-edge research: Support our Europe team in packaging and messaging their reports for specific audiences for maximal impact, through newsletters, website stories or blogs, and presentations. Experience facilitating an editorial process a plus.
• Generate compelling stories & case studies: Work with CLASP Europe to turn technical information into compelling stories through articles and case studies for a variety of audiences, including the CLASP Board, donors, international agencies, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Digital media management & engagement: Identify new opportunities to drive CLASP’s brand and message through media outreach and management. Support website editorial calendars and ensure the timely dissemination of programmatic developments.
• Proposal development & donor reporting: Contribute to the expansion and continuity of CLASP Europe’s programming by supporting proposal development and fundraising activities, as well as reporting.
• Track progress: Monitor and evaluate the performance of external communications products and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Connect: Make connections from CLASP Europe’s portfolio to related sectors (e.g., environmental movements, public health and chemical groups); to broader development goals; and the international agenda for climate change mitigation.

Qualifications

•  4-6 years of previous communications experience
• International experience required; preference for experience in more than one EU-27 country and/or the United Kingdom. 
• Bachelor’s degree (relevant field preferred)
• Media relationships and experience are strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; English fluency a must and other EU language(s), a plus
• Proven ability to take complex, technical ideas and turn them into compelling stories in a variety of formats: web, print publications, briefing papers, digital media, and social media all a plus; experience writing funding proposals ideal
• Good visual eye; must be able to reproduce CLASP’s brand across multimedia
• Effective project management and team coordination skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time under deadline while managing other colleagues
• Strong interpersonal skills and an orientation toward working in a collaborative environment; ability to maintain composure, flexibility, and a sense of humour under tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Microsoft Office Suite
• Candidates with experience in a movement or advocacy topic (climate change organizing, public health advocacy, etc.) strongly preferred

Location

This is a full-time position based in the UK or Belgium. Although the Europe team operates remotely, regular meetings in Brussels and London are expected. Travel within Europe is expected quarterly for Europe Team meetups, strategy sessions, and team building. Occasional international travel outside of Europe is expected 1-2 times per year. The Senior Associate will have access to a co-working space if they prefer to work in an office environment.

Diversity Statement

CLASP is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. CLASP complies with all federal, state and local employment laws in the countries we operate and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, credit information or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit. CLASP’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs.