This position is with the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), a global network of communications professionals in the field of climate, energy and nature. GSCC is a programme hosted by the Meliore Foundation.
We seek an experienced Climate Impacts, Communications Senior Associate Officer - Brazil with a thorough knowledge of the climate crisis and its interconnected nature, a strong science communications and science engagement background, and a commitment to helping empower and amplify science voices and data in the public discourse.
The ideal applicant is experienced in turning scientific data into media stories through impactful reports and pitches, and has easy access to the climate science community, and growing relationships with journalists and scientists in Brazil and other South American countries.
Working in close collaboration with the Impacts team and Brazil Desk, the Senior Associate will scan media coverage daily for opportunities to insert stakeholders/key messages about how climate change is affecting life in South America, plan proactive media moments, and help scientific spokespeople develop standout soundbites. We are looking for someone who understands what journalists need, how to work with scientists to provide this, and how to pitch successfully to print and broadcast journalists, working closely with the media relations team. Strong writing and editing skills are essential, and digital experience is desirable.
The Climate Impacts, Communications Senior Associate Officer - Brazil will also engage regional scientists in attribution studies of the connection between climate change and extreme weather events, scan priority themes for national and international media, and promote interconnections between different research fields and people. Experience in working in networks with multiple stakeholders is desirable.
The ideal applicant is a self-starter and strategic thinker who takes initiative, enjoys collaborations and partnerships, thrives when trying new approaches, is open to feedback, is solutions-oriented and can successfully connect with stakeholders and peers across multiple time zones.
If this sounds like you, we'd love for you to apply.
How you'll contribute
- Develop and implement a compelling strategy for climate reports, papers and data, proactively developing credible, concise media pitches for news and feature stories that respond to key audiences’ interests;
- Respond quickly to climate news to provide LATAM journalists with relevant research and contacts to augment and further develop their stories;
- Identify and develop relationships with key journalists;
- Build and maintain a scientists’ contact list to support media coverage and provide media training tailored to spokespeople’s needs to boost their ability to deliver key messages with confidence;
- Write and edit engaging media materials such as op-eds and press releases to LATAM outlets;
- Liaise with digital teams to adapt science to digital audiences;
- Create credible, concise briefings and media reports for national and international teams;
- Develop and implement an engaging strategy to connect scientists from LATAM to international climate attribution scientists;
- Identify and support climate scientists to participate in event attribution studies with international scientists;
- Develop and maintain a relationship with those scientists to build a network of knowledge and ideas exchanging;
- As needed, support other team projects.
Our ideal candidate has
- A genuine interest in climate change, passion for connecting science and public discourse, and professional experience with science communications - as a journalist, a communications professional or a scientist - are essential;
- Experience working with reporters, including pitching stories to news and feature desks; deep understanding of newsroom mechanisms, pressures and needs, and how to secure media coverage in a changing media landscape; experience in newsroom is desirable;
- A proven ability to translate complex topics into easy-to-understand and quotable materials;
- Strong writing and editing skills in Portuguese and Spanish; professional use of English;
- Knowledge in coaching spokespeople or leading workshops on best practices in media interviews; experience in scientific and socioenvironmental institutions is desirable;
- Proven problem-solving, organisational and time management skills; entrepreneurial approach, open to new ideas and with a learning mindset.
- A team player and a natural collaborator who thrives working independently;
- The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to function in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment and work across phone/video conferencing, time zones, Slack, email etc;
- A passion to create change.
Why join us?
- Be part of a remote-first, international network of professionals working on climate, energy and nature. We offer coworking access in some locations.
- Work with a bunch of dynamic, culturally diverse individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.
- Enjoy regular opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues around the world.
- A full-time position with a consultant contract for 12 months, with possible renewal after one year. Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.
Location: Brazil, remote.
Some international travel will be required. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations. Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.
