Head of Communications - Ukraine

London

Organization: The HALO Trust
Location: London
Grade: Senior level - Senior
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Description

Position: Head of Communications – Ukraine

Type: Full-time, Fixed term contract for 12 months.

Location: Brovary, Ukraine with travel to other regions

Salary: Competitive - This post is open to Ukrainian nationals as well as other international candidates. Contract Terms and Conditions dependent on residency.

Location: Brovary, Ukraine with travel to other regions

About the role

The HALO Trust is seeking an experienced Head of Communications to build our Communications team in Ukraine and lead in developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the growth of the programme.

This is an exciting role for a dynamic individual with a strategic perspective and the energy to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging environment. We're looking for someone who is particularly strong in media relations and an experienced spokesperson. However, this role will set the framework for all external and internal communications, so skills across a broad spectrum of communications disciplines are required.

About HALO

Established in Afghanistan in 1988, HALO Trust is the world’s largest mine action organisation. Our mission is to save lives and restore communities threatened by landmines and other explosive hazards including unexploded or abandoned cluster bombs, projectiles, rockets and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). With a staff of 12,500 we are operational in 30 countries around the world.

We have been operating in Ukraine since 2016 and currently employ about 1,000 Ukrainian men and women, working in liberated areas. We are expanding quickly to meet the growing explosive hazard threat across the country and recruitment is a high priority. We can only work in liberated areas, but we need to plan for expansion into other regions and build brand awareness at a regional and national level, using all channels at our disposal.

Tasks and responsibilities

Develop and implement a cohesive, fully costed communications plan aligned with the programme’s goals and HALO’s global strategy

Ensure HALO Ukraine’s messaging and narrative are responsive and take account of programme dynamics and the evolving conflict

Build and manage a dedicated communications team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment

Work with Global Comms to ensure alignment with global comms goals, messaging and brand

Integrate the Ukraine comms team and function effectively across HALO Ukraine and with Global Comms/HALO USA, ensuring alignment on systems and processes

Oversee delivery of impactful campaigns in Ukraine

Serve as a lead spokesperson for HALO Ukraine, ensuring you and other spokespeople are on message

Manage crisis comms in country, aligning with Global Comms when required

Ensure that we have lines to take on all potentially controversial issues

Expand and strengthen HALO’s relationships with media in Ukraine

Proactively seek opportunities to raise awareness of our work and staff in Ukrainian media outlets

Oversee the efficient running of HALO Ukraine’s Press Office, working closely with Global Head of Media

Ensure that Comms is providing everything needed to support the Partnerships Team in good stewardship of our government and private donors

Establish a fit-for-purpose internal comms infrastructure that enables news, information and inspiring content to be shared in a timely way across the programme

Commission/manage agencies to deliver projects e.g. advertising campaigns, that will help to raise awareness and build brand recognition in Ukraine

Lead and oversee our digital communications in Ukraine, to build our web presence and grow our following/engagement across HALO Ukraine’s social media channels

Monitor, measure and analyse metrics, sharing lessons and recognising success

Ensure HALO Ukraine’s Comms team is making best use of technology/software to maximise efficiencies and performance

Answering to and supporting the in-country Programme Manager and work with other department heads to achieve the realisation of the programme's strategy.

Requirements

Qualifications and skills

Fluent in English and Ukrainian

Degree in communications, PR, journalism or marketing

Extensive, demonstrable experience in a senior comms/PR role, including experience in TV/print journalism

Good awareness of global geo-politics and the needs and sensitivities of donors

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Experience of working as a spokesperson in a conflict zone

Strong familiarity with the media landscape in Ukraine and globally

Solid understanding of digital communications including website content management, SEO and social media engagement

Familiar with Microsoft Office suite; able to adapt and adopt new tools quickly

Attributes

Strategic thinker

Team player

Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines

Good with people

All HALO staff are expected to undertake the following general duties:

Work within the framework of HALO’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.

Work towards achieving programme and/or group business plan objectives.

Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all HALO policies and procedures and keep informed of HALO activities.

Travel overseas as and when required.

To discharge duties and responsibilities under HALO’s Health and Safety Procedures which may include Risk and COSHH Assessments and participation in evacuation procedures as necessary.

Benefits

Benefits of working at HALO:

Competitive - This post is open to Ukrainian nationals as well as other international candidates. Contract Terms and Conditions dependent on residency.

HALO have a variety of attractive benefits including life assurance, emergency medical insurance and an attractive annual leave allowance, all of which will be discussed at interview.

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) in English, detailing why you are suitable for this role before the closing date for applications which is 8th October 2023. If there is a sufficient calibre of applicants, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than the date noted. Interviews for this role will be taking place on Thursday 12th October and Friday 13th October 2023.

The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people form a diverse candidate pool.

This vacancy is now closed.
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