Advocacy and Communications Consultant

Position type: Contract (12 months)

Language: Bilingual (English/French) required

OBJECTIVE

The Advocacy and Communications Consultant plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission through the development and execution of Cuso International’s advocacy policy, thought leadership work, and promotion of its strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Director Communications and Marketing and CEO on key strategic initiatives in the areas of thought leadership, media relations and advocacy needed to meet our organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities to respond to current and emerging issues, including the development of op-eds, press releases, speeches and letters to the editor to raise Cuso International’s profile and further its mission and position on key issues.
• Work with the Director, Marketing and Communications on media advocacy, public relations and public policy issues, including the development of key messages and news
• Create and implement communications strategies for advocacy campaigns that target external stakeholders, in Canada or internationally. Work with internal stakeholders to develop processes which support thought leadership and advocacy.
• Monitor news media and government sources for potential changes in regulatory and legislative areas to ensure the Cuso International reacts effectively and advises its members of the resulting impact on their operations.
• Lead the development and execution of key events including new initiatives to convene sector around critical issues, international development advocacy receptions with key stakeholders, including invitations and follow ups; development of meeting materials; briefing of speakers and participants.
• Collaborate with and provide strategic support to partner organizations on issues of common interest.
• Aid in the development of advocacy-related corporate proposals, and in researching and writing/editing communications related content.
• Work closely with external consultants to elevate the Cuso International presence and advocacy efforts including outlining opportunities for engagement, and direct outreach, as needed.
• Other related projects or duties as assigned by the Director, Communications and Marketing.

DELIVERABLES

• Develop and execute events around international development advocacy etc.
• Develop a Media advocacy plan for Cuso International
• Create and implement Communications strategies for advocacy campaigns.
• Develop Advocacy-related corporate proposals

We’re also looking for people who share our values:

• Partnership: We believe in the power of people. We employ a people-centered approach to development and the challenge of overcoming poverty and inequality.
• Respect and Integrity: We value diversity. We recognize and care about the rights and dignity of others.
• Accountability: We proactively demonstrate that we work with and on behalf of others. We seek to achieve and inspire excellence and are accountable to the donors that make our work possible; the partners we work with and to our Cuso International family.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree, or equivalent of education and experience, preferably in communications, political science and/or public affairs.
• At least six years of related experience in communications, demonstrating progressively greater levels of responsibility.
• Strong understanding of best practice strategies in advocacy and public relations in the Canadian context.
• Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with media relations in Canada, in both French and English.
• Experience with international development and/or social justice issues.
• Excellent administrative skills and a proven ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and external partners.
• Well-organized, able to work with deadlines.
• An analytical mind with attention to detail.
• Strong networking skills.
• Excellent research and analytical abilities.
• Fluently bilingual, English and French (professional level capacity in writing required in both languages), Spanish an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

Please click the "Apply for This Job" button to submit your application by November 25, 2022, at 11:59PM (EST). Expressions of interest should be sent in English.

Please note that a confirmation email will be generated once you submit your application, but it may be directed to your spam or junk folders of your email inbox.