The International Press Institute (IPI) seeks a Senior Advocacy Officer to lead IPI’s efforts to advocate for press freedom and journalists’ safety worldwide. This role is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about press freedom and human rights to have an impact on the global fight for these rights at a critical time.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and implementing IPI’s global advocacy strategy and response to critical press freedom developments, including through public advocacy and engagements with policymakers, international organizations, civil society organizations and coalitions, and local stakeholders to advance an environment conducive to press freedom and resilient media systems. We are looking for a strategic thinker, with excellent writing, communication, and networking skills and instincts, and a deep understanding of policy-making processes and advocacy dynamics. This is a full-time position reporting to the Director of Advocacy and working closely with the IPI senior leadership team.

Location: Vienna, Austria or remote for the right candidate

Key Responsibilities

1. Global advocacy and campaigns

  • Develop and implement IPI’s advocacy strategies and response to press freedom issues, focusing on the most urgent global and regional challenges and developments.
  • Lead campaigns aimed at defending press freedom and protecting journalists in high-risk environments.
  • Engage with governments, international organizations (UN), and civil society organizations to advocate for stronger protections for press freedom and the rights of journalists.
  • Develop and draft public advocacy efforts, including statements, reports, and open letters.

2. Monitoring and analysis

  • Monitor and document violations and threats to press freedom and incidents of harassment, detention, and violence against journalists.
  • Monitor global press freedom trends, including legal, political, and technological developments and trends that impact the media and journalists.
  • Develop and draft regular statements, reports, policy briefs, and analysis on critical press freedom issues.

3. Policy and legal advocacy

  • Engage in policy advocacy at the national and international levels to support a legal and regulatory environment that protects press freedom and enables the free flow of news and information on- and offline.
  • Participate in and contribute to international and regional fora, conferences, and workshops on media freedom and the protection of journalists.
  • Track, analyze, and respond to legal threats to press freedom, including laws that restrict the free flow of news and information on- and offline.

4. Stakeholder engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with key global and regional stakeholders, including international bodies, embassies and governments.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with press freedom partners and civil society organizations and coalitions.
  • Represent IPI in press conferences, media interviews, and at international events
  • Foster partnerships with media organizations, human rights groups, and other civil society actors to promote common advocacy objectives.

5. Media and communications

  • Develop and deliver advocacy messaging and strategies across multiple platforms to raise awareness about global press freedom challenges and IPI’s mission.
  • Support IPI’s media outreach and communication efforts, including drafting press releases, op-eds, and policy recommendations.
  • Assist in managing IPI’s online presence, including contributing to content on social media, the IPI website, and publications.

6. Fundraising and resource development

  • Support IPI’s fundraising initiatives by providing advocacy-related content for donor proposals and reports.
  • Assist in identifying potential funding opportunities to support IPI’s advocacy and press freedom initiatives globally.

Qualifications 

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in global advocacy, human rights, or press freedom-related work.
  • Proven track record of advocacy in a global context, with strong knowledge of international law, human rights frameworks, and press freedom issues.
  • Experience working with international organizations, governments, and NGOs on policy development and advocacy campaigns.
  • Demonstrated experience working in challenging and high-risk environments is an asset.

Skills

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must, with the ability to convey complex issues to a broad audience.
  • Strong strategic thinking and diplomatic skills, with a deep understanding of the media, policy-making processes, and advocacy dynamics.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Fluent in English, with proficiency in additional languages a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
  • Flexible working hours and remote work options.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a globally recognized press freedom organization.
  • IPI is able to sponsor Austrian work visas for staff who are not citizens of the European Union.

How to Apply

IPI encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the position, and what skills, qualities, and strengths you would bring to the position and to IPI. Providing any details on an advocacy campaign you have led or implemented would be a plus.

The application should be submitted online by  Friday, March 21, 2025, 23:59 Central European Time.

We will consider applications on a rolling basis.

**Applicants who submit materials created with the use of AI will be disqualified.