The International Press Institute (IPI) is expanding our work to defend press freedom and independent media at a time when journalists around the world face growing threats. This is an important time for us as we build up our work to monitor attacks on the press and on internet freedom around the world; advocate for laws and policies that respect and enable media freedom, online expression, and privacy, and that respond to the needs of at-risk journalists carrying out public-interest reporting.
To help us keep pace, we’re looking for an ambitious, talented individual who combines exceptional editorial skills with strong communications expertise and instincts to support the visibility and impact of IPI’s advocacy and monitoring work in defence of press freedom and independent journalism. This position will work closely together with IPI’s advocacy team to elevate our voice, activities, and advocacy work as part of our efforts to protect and promote press freedom and journalist safety as essential pillars of resilient democratic societies.
This position will have a strong focus on carrying out editorial and communications work as part of IPI’s growing Africa press freedom team, including a new program to combat the legal harassment of journalists in Africa by advocating for laws that respect fundamental rights to expression, information, and privacy.
The Press Freedom Editor and Communications Coordinator will:
Editorial
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Edit IPI public advocacy and communications outputs (including statements, reports, letters, social media content) for alignment with IPI’s messaging; adherence to editorial and research standards; and alignment with IPI style guides.
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Lead the production (drafting, editing, design, and translation) of programme publications – including newsletters, calls to action, reports, fact sheets – in line with IPI standards and style guides.
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Ensure consistency, cohesiveness, and quality control across IPI external advocacy communications in line with wider IPI communications guidelines.
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Contribute to the development of IPI editorial policies and standards
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Develop and operationalize a clear internal workflow for the editing, approval, and publishing press-freedom-related content.
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Edit programme donor project reports and project proposals for style and clarity.
Communications
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Develop and implement communications strategies and dissemination plans to strengthen reach and impact of IPI advocacy content, with a strong focus on Africa, including IPI members, media, the diplomatic community, partner organizations, and advocacy targets.
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Develop campaign messaging and talking points on key issues.
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Develop and implement a social media plan to maximize reach and impact of IPI content.
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Be responsible for publishing IPI press freedom and programme output, including publishing content to the IPI website and social media channels. This includes implementing publishing guidelines as well as SEO best practices.
A strong candidate for this position will have:
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Exceptional English writing and editing skills with sharp eye for detail and the ability to produce impactful copy, with targeted campaign messaging.
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A strong understanding of press freedom and free expression, and digital rights issues and challenges
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This position will have a strong focus on editorial and communications work for IPI’s Africa programmes. Knowledge of the press freedom, media, and civil society environment in Africa would therefore be a significant advantage when applying for this position.
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At least three to five years of previous experience in an editorial role, with demonstrated experience in establishing clear editorial workflows and processes. A background in journalism or communications work with non-profit human rights organizations (strongly preferred).
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Be willing to dig deep as an editor, with attention to detail and an ambition to ensure high-quality, consistent, and cohesive writing and messaging
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Experience developing communications strategies and implementation plans.
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Bring a critical and analytical vision to IPI’s external communication, focused on streamlining advocacy-related editorial and communication tasks and growing impact, with a focus on growing IPI’s impact in Africa.
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Bring strong attention to detail and ability to craft cohesive messaging across multiple platforms and multiple communications outputs.
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Bring clear insight on achieving quality social media engagement and reach
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Have excellent planning and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and requests.
IPI understands that qualified candidates come with a mix of valuable skills and experiences. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if you don’t meet all the exact criteria listed here.
Location and Term
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IPI has a preference for this position to be based remotely in sub-Saharan Africa. Candidates based in this region will therefore have an advantage.
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This position is expected to begin in late fall 2024.
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This position is subject to the availability of project funds.
Remuneration
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Salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location of hire.
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All IPI team members are afforded 25 days of paid holiday per year.
Application Procedure
Apply by e-mail now. We will be interviewing shortlisted candidates as applications are received.
Applicants should provide the following:
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Cover letter should not be longer than two pages where you explain:
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why you are interested in the position
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what part of IPI’s work is most interesting or relevant to you
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your previous experience in editorial and communications roles
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what skills, qualities and strengths you would bring to the position.
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Current CV
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At least two original writing or editorial samples in English. (Please note that samples or cover letters written using AI software will not be accepted.)
