📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Officer, International Energy Transition
🔹 Company: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
🔹 Location: Flexible, with regular working hours in Africa, Europe, or the East Coast of North and South America
🔹 Job Type: Full-time consultancy or staff position, depending on location
🔹 Category: Communications, Non-profit
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-04
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving communications for IISD Energy’s international team to support a managed phase-out of global oil and gas production and a shift in public financial flows away from fossil fuels
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to maximize the impact and visibility of the Program’s research
- Coordinating the production of various communications materials, including press releases, articles, social media posts, newsletters, and other outputs
- Managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including journalists, funding partners, peer organizations, and members of the media
- Mentoring junior staff and tracking current events related to specific workstreams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across different cultures and time zones.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Coordinate production of a wide array of communications materials, including press releases, articles, social media posts, newsletters, and other outputs
✅ In consultation with the Communications Manager, create and lead implementation of communications strategies and plans for major projects, high-profile or politically sensitive work, and/or secretariats
✅ In collaboration with IISD’s design team, manage the production of digital content, including social media cards, posters, videos, invitations, simple infographics, presentations, and other conference or workshop materials
✅ Play an active role in shaping new communications strategies at the program or institute level
✅ Regularly share program work and collaborate with IISD’s core communications team to ensure alignment on key messaging and amplification of programmatic expertise in broader, organization-wide communications activities
✅ Lead knowledge-sharing efforts such as presentations to the IISD communications team, program team, or broader staff during the annual Comms Week
✅ Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, liaising when appropriate with IISD senior leadership, funding partners, peer organizations, and members of the media
✅ Mentor junior staff, including Communications Assistants and/or Officers, through regular knowledge sharing, offering guidance and support on annual goals, key outputs, strategies, etc.
✅ Track current events and public discourse related to specific workstreams and communicate these to colleagues, identifying opportunities for new work and/or expanded thought leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., communications, journalism, political science, economics, environmental or development studies, etc.)
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in journalism or communications/media relations
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of written products in English and excellent oral and writing skills
- Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills
- Results-focused with an ability to prioritize and work quickly and accurately, with the flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature
- Strong ability to work comfortably across different cultures with an inclusive approach that respects the diverse backgrounds of fellow staff
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems
- Experience working in or with developing countries will be considered a strong advantage
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in climate or energy-related communications
- Confident and engaging communication skills, including an understanding of different communications approaches for different audiences
- An understanding of digital communications tools and the ability to use social media and other digital platforms in an effective way
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the energy sector, climate change, and related policy issues, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging manner.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Competitive and depends on location. Industry-standard salary ranges for a Senior Communications Officer with 5-10 years of experience in the non-profit sector are approximately $70,000 - $110,000 USD per year, depending on location and experience.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
- Generous vacation and leave policies
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time position with regular working hours in Africa, Europe, or the East Coast of North and South America
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's location and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a think tank that promotes human development and environmental sustainability through research, policy advice, and public engagement. It operates in over 100 countries and has offices in Canada and Switzerland.
Company Size: IISD has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: IISD was established in 1990, with a history of working on sustainable development, climate change, and related policy issues.
Company Description:
- IISD is an award-winning think tank that champions sustainable solutions to the world's most pressing problems
- Its mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability through research, policy advice, and public engagement
- IISD works at all levels, from intergovernmental forums to regional and local governments, to civil society and the private sector
Company Specialties:
- Sustainable development
- Climate change
- Energy
- Economics
- Governance
- Natural resources
- Water
- Investment
- Environment
Company Website: http://www.iisd.org/
ASSUMPTION: IISD's focus on sustainable development and climate change makes it an ideal place for professionals passionate about these issues to make a meaningful impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a minimum of 5 years of experience in journalism or communications/media relations, with a focus on climate or energy-related communications being a strong asset.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Communications Officer will report directly to the Communications Manager and work closely with the Energy Program’s international strategy team.
Work Arrangement: This is a full-time consultancy or staff position, depending on location, with regular working hours in Africa, Europe, or the East Coast of North and South America.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the communications team or the broader organization
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and campaigns, gaining valuable experience and exposure
- Chance to collaborate with and learn from experts in the field of sustainable development and climate change
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and impactful organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: IISD has offices in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Geneva, as well as remote work arrangements for some positions.
Office Location(s): The Senior Communications Officer position is flexible, with regular working hours in Africa, Europe, or the East Coast of North and South America.
Geographic Context:
- The role allows for remote work, providing flexibility to live and work in various locations
- IISD has a global presence, with work impacting economies, communities, ecosystems, and lives in over 100 countries
Work Schedule: Full-time position with regular working hours in Africa, Europe, or the East Coast of North and South America
ASSUMPTION: The flexible work arrangement and global presence of IISD provide unique opportunities for professionals to balance their personal and professional lives while making a meaningful impact on global issues.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through Bamboo HR
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
- Background and reference checks
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Project management and organizational skills
- Understanding of the energy sector, climate change, and related policy issues
- Ability to work effectively across different cultures and time zones
- Alignment with IISD's mission, values, and work culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of IISD's mission and the energy transition workstream
- Showcase your ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging manner
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Communications, Media Relations, Project Management, Digital Communications, Content Creation, Stakeholder Engagement, Social Media Strategy, Event Coordination, Writing, Editing, Research, Mentoring, Cross-Cultural Communication, Organizational Skills, Climate Communications, Energy Policy
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications through a thorough interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Cision)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the communications and non-profit sectors, and candidates should be comfortable using them to perform their job effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence: We produce high-quality work and our advice is backed by evidence.
- Independence: We are not driven by outside interests or hidden agendas.
- Creativity: We encourage bold ideas and unique approaches to complicated questions.
- Collaboration: We believe diverse partnerships produce better and more resilient outcomes.
Work Style:
- IISD values a flexible, results-driven work environment
- Candidates should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively across different time zones
- IISD encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your communication skills align with IISD's values of excellence and independence?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated creativity in your work?
- How do you approach collaboration and working with diverse partners to achieve better outcomes?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with IISD's values and work style during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
- The energy transition workstream is a complex and evolving field, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and policy changes
- The role may involve working with sensitive information and require a high level of discretion and confidentiality
- The flexible work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance for some candidates
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and sometimes demanding work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles in the non-profit sector, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile energy transition projects and campaigns
- Unlike many communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of energy policy and climate change, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging manner
- This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and impactful organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant skills and experiences in relation to similar roles and highlight what sets this opportunity apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a communications strategy and plan for a major report on the global phase-out of fossil fuels
- Coordinating the production of digital content, including social media cards, posters, videos, and presentations, for an international energy transition conference
- Managing the production of a newsletter series on energy policy developments and IISD's work in the energy transition space
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant skills and experiences in relation to these sample projects and highlight how they can contribute to their successful completion.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Energy Program?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for IISD?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the energy transition workstream, and how can this role help address them?
- How does IISD support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their fit within the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role
- If you are selected for an interview, practice common interview questions and prepare examples of your work to showcase your skills and experiences
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
