Communications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Communications Officer (CO) is part of the EMN Secretariat based in Brussels and reports directly to the General Manager.

The CO develops and executes a communications strategy to position EMN as the leading network of microfinance practitioners in Europe. The CO supports the preparation of communications outputs (e.g., news items, social media, visuals, press releases), manages EMN’s internal and external communications, leads the organisation’s communications campaigns and liaises with member organisations, partners, and stakeholders.

EMN looks continuously to improve its online presence, in this view the CO shall further lead the development of new and creative ways of reaching out to the targeted audiences and further untap the potential of the CRM to improve its outreach, including strong presence on social media and organizing events and podcasts related to the needs of the sector.

The position has no direct staff responsibility but may take on an intern at a later stage.
TASKS

External Communications

Publishing regular updates on the website (news, calls, events, publications…).
Producing/writing the EMN newsletter, the members-addressed communications, and other EMN bulk mailings.
Managing and optimising the use of social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, eventually, Flickr and YouTube)
Monitoring financial inclusion, social inclusion, microfinance and EU policy news
Leading EMN’s communication campaigns
Drafting press releases and liaising with journalists/media to ensure coverage as well as podcasts
Measuring, analysing and improving the impact of EMN communications

Internal Communications

Update, maintain and develop the EMN CRM platform
Answer to requests from external bodies, European institutions, and other stakeholders
Provide support and information to EMN members and potential new members
Support the General Manager with fundraising/membership recruitment activities

Maintain and develop EMN’s visual and brand identity

Create visual content to support EMN’s communications outputs
Liaise with design/communications stakeholders and other service providers when required
If possible, manage the IT outsourcing firm in terms of user needs.

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and can evolve during the contract. Further responsibilities will be agreed mutually between the employer and the CO.
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Essential skills

Working experience (3-5 years) in communications in an international/European environment (experience in member-based not-for-profit organisation will be highly appreciated)
Fluency in English – close to native level (written and spoken)
Excellent writing skills (bulk-emails, website items, social media)
Proofreading skills (attending to communication criteria)
Experience with the implementation and management of CRM platforms (ideally, CiviCRM)
Good knowledge of Drupal (or any web management platform)
Knowledge of Google Analytics and MailChimp
Basic working knowledge of HTML
Well-organised and innovative-thinking mind; openness to test new approaches
Legally fit to work in the EU/Belgium

Desirable skills

Working experience in microfinance, social or ethical finance, social enterprise or similar is an asset
Knowledge of video/pictures editing software such as InDesign, Adobe Photoshop etc. will be considered a plus
Experience in liaising / building contacts with media & journalists

Other soft skills and requirements

Capacity to work in a small, international team (7 FTE) with strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
Be adaptable and possess a strong sense for a collaborative approach with member and partner organisations for the organisation of the activities under the role
Understanding of the role and functions of membership organisations

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The role will be hybrid with 2 to 3 days a week in the EMN office at Avenue des Arts 7-8, 1210 Brussels, Belgium and 2 to 3 days a week working from home, to be define precisely according to the COVID situation and subsequent Belgian regulation.

This is a full-time position in the organisation and gross remuneration will be agreed with the preferred candidate, commensurate with skills and experience.

Employment contract under the Belgian law.

Holidays of 20 days are available on the first year.

In addition, EMN provides a subsidy for travel between home and workplace, representation expenses, hospitalisation insurance, annual bonus and meal tickets.
STARTING DATE

As soon as possible.