Job: IMS is looking for a new Head of Communications

IMS is looking for a Head of Communication with journalistic experience and an understanding of human rights, media development, press freedom and digital media to head our communications team.

You are a visionary and inclusive team leader with relevant experience from a similar position in an NGO or in development assistance and are ready to position IMS as a global leader in media development. 

Who are we? 

IMS (International Media Support) supports independent media and media advocacy groups in countries affected by armed conflict, political transition, humanitarian crises and authoritarian rule.

Established in 2001, the organisation has worked with hundreds of local and international partners to support independent journalism, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa.

The Head of Communications supports IMS’ institutional goals and ensures IMS is seen as a professional media development organisation with expertise in current issues impacting journalists and the media.

You will refer to the Executive Director and Executive Management Team.  

IMS is currently revising its strategy and implementing a new transformational leadership model that reinforces our core values of Trust, Inclusion, Solidarity, Responsiveness and Ambition.

Your role will be to:

• Lead a dedicated communications team in promoting the work of our partners and staff.
• Support IMS departments’ targeted communication to donors and other stakeholders.
• Position IMS as a professional, solutions-oriented and relevant partner.
• Strengthen our profile and identity through our outreach channels.
• Ensure IMS produces sharp, concise and appealing content.  

Your tasks will be to:

• Prioritise and balance the allocation of the Communication Unit’s resources in an impactful and cost-effective way according to IMS’ mandate and the strategic direction provided by the organisation’s Executive Management, knowledge hubs and regional departments.
• Guide the Communications team’s delivery of high quality and timely communication support to IMS’ programme departments.
• Ensure our Executive Director and experts’ visibility in key global fora and IMS’ own publications, including through drafting high-quality articles and texts.

You have:

• The proven ability to be an inclusive and empathetic leader who inspires others, brings enthusiasm and experience to the role and remains calm and focused during a crisis.
• A relevant educational background, preferably in journalism, communications and/or international relations.
• A global outlook and at least 12 years’ experience in communicating complex issues within newsrooms and/or communications departments. Experience working in a region where IMS operates, in international development or in a global newsroom is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Excellent coordination, problem-solving and organisational skills and the ability to drive team processes in a multi-cultural and fast-moving environment. The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining an eye for detail.
• Impeccable written and spoken English.
• A solid understanding of media, global affairs, technology and international development.
• An interest in developing IMS’ communications channels.

Duration and location

This is an open-ended, full-time position of 37 hours per week, starting as soon as possible. Compensation commensurate with experience and IMS policies. Your duty station will be Copenhagen with occasional travel.

How to apply

Apply by submitting your resume and application in English through the link below/to the right no later than 15 June. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Please direct any questions you may have about the position to HR Manager Marie-Louise Lykke ([email protected]).

Who can apply

IMS encourages everyone with the required qualifications and skills to apply, regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Code of conduct

IMS shows no tolerance to any kind of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct.

Therefore, all employments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

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International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support local media in countries affected by armed conflict, authoritarian rule and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to promote press freedom, strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

IMS was established in 2001 in the wake of the tragic events in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia where these and other conflicts saw media being manipulated and used as a tool to fuel violent conflict. IMS was set up in response to this trend with the aim to help local media working in conflict-affected areas to remain operative and professional.

We support the production and distribution of media content that meets internationally recognised ethical standards and work to ensure safe media environments with sound laws for journalists. We do this because citizens and leaders need information they can trust to make decisions that develop their societies in a peaceful and democratic way.

The organisation is headed by Jesper Højberg Executive Director of IMS. Our headquarters are based in Copenhagen with field offices currently in Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya/Somalia, Thailand/Myanmar, Niger and Pakistan.

Application due: 15/06/2023

Homepage: https://www.mediasupport.org/

Questions regarding the position: Marie-Louise Lykke, HR Manager, [email protected]

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