Communication Specialist

Who We AreInternational Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world.International Justice Mission (IJM) has implemented a collaborative approach to combating violence against those vulnerable for the last 25 years in 44 offices and 28 countries around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, collecting international best practices in tackling human trafficking. The capacity building model of criminal justice system transformation implemented by IJM includes individual support for survivors, support for government initiatives and jointly proposing policy changes to strengthen Criminal Justice Systems (CJS) to respond effectively to human trafficking.The NeedFor 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence by 2030, we are seeking a Communication Specialist.Position OverviewInternational Justice Mission (IJM) is seeking a talented, passionate communication professional, who is highly motivated to use his/her skills and experience to support the communication strategy of the organization in Bulgaria. The Communication Specialist in Bulgaria will be responsible for executing communication activities for IJM`s European AntipTraficking Program (EATP) in Bulgaria under the supervision of EATP Communication Specialist and the Director of Operations Bulgaria. This position requires excellent writing and content development skills, an excellent command of English language both orally and in writing, very good storytelling skills, a good expertise and understanding of media relations and social media communication, a genuine interest for social and political topics on the public agenda, as well as for justice and human rights. The role will contribute to content creation by producing various materials (news, reports, interviews, white papers, brochures, guides, manuals, presentations etc.) to amplify the organization’s mission. S/he will also engage in global content gathering, sourcing compelling stories and insights for integration into communications materials, handluing stakeholders and messaging specific to the strategies and organizational updates to promote a consistent and positive public image for IJM and its work. S/he will be involved in activities related to media relations, social media, events, constituent visits, advocacy, program, survivor engagement. The Communication Specialist will work closely with all departments and colleagues from other countries. The position is based in Sofia and reports to the EATP Communication Specialist on the communication line and to the Country Director Bulgaria on the administrative line.Key Result AreasThe success of this role is measured by the following KRAs:Prepare the communication plan for IJM Bulgaria, in line with program objectives and EATP communication strategy. Succesfully implement the communication activities in order to impactfull support IJM`s objectives in Bulgaria, including aactivities together with IJM`s partners in Bulgaria. Write and translate compelling stories and other content pieces (including articles, opeds, news briefs, memos, briefing papers, speeches etc.) for national and international audiences. Coordinate the development of photo-video content for IJM Bulgaria. Organize communication and media events or execute the communication / media components of IJM events in Bulgaria. Execute media relations activities to build public presence of IJM and its activities in Bulgaria and position the topic of human traficking and survivor voices high on the public agenda. Work with social media team to develop good quality and engaging content. Ensure communication materials are in line with global standards and policies for communications and branding. Roles And ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation: Plan and implement the communication activities in Bulgaria under the supervision of the EATP Communication Specialist and Director of Operations Bulgaria. Networking & PartnershipEstablish, maintain and strengthen relationships with IJM partners, external collaborators, media representatives and other stakeholders to drive positive media coverage. Build and update media contact list/database. Work with IJM local and regional team to plan and execute storytelling projects to be used by IJM globally. Identify quality vendors and contractors to provide various services needed for communication activities (ex. photography, graphic design, video etc.). CommunicationOrganized planning, delivering, monitoring and revising communication, both internally and externally, to ensure its flow from top to bottom clearly. Contextualize survivors informed messaging for target audiences; from professional networks, government officials, religious and cultural and traditional leaders, survivors and mass media to increase public awareness of human trafficking. Develop stories to activate IJM’s audiences locally and globally (creating content, proactively and reactively pitching ideas, fact checking etc.). Create, translate and adapt content pieces for various audiences. Work with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders to gather survivor stories to be used for awareness creation, behavior change and social demand for an end to human trafficking. Engage in survivor stories gathering and preparation of story packages (written, video, photo and audio materials). Assist in shaping and maintaining IJM brand identity and perception online and offline in Bulgaria. Identify communications and media engagement opportunities to strengthen the impact of the program in Bulgaria. Develop content about Bulgaria activities for IJM offices globally. Prepare and develop communication materials to support media, advocacy and program objectives in Bulgaria. Update media and communication plans regularly. Inform IJM team about reputation and communication risks, and take part in local crisis communications management, including drafting messaging and keeping the team informed of developments, reporting etc. Ensure that media messages and media interactions are conducted in line with the highest professional standards and comply with existing European and Bulgarian laws, professional ethics and IJM’s policies and procedures. Develop content and take part in activities related to donors and partners visits in Bulgaria. Work with social media team to develop innovative content, consistent messaging and branding, and optimal engagement. Prepare communication materials, updates and media inquiries for grant-specific projects in line with donor requirements. Prepare video and photo documentation of IJM Bulgaria activities. Coordinate production of various branding and communication materials (prints, swags etc.)Support with speakership and engagement opportunities for IJM speakers and experts for meetings and events. Prepare content (presentations, talking points etc) for IJM internal meetings and events, and external engagements when needed. Manage communication department contractors. Prepare procurement and financial documents for communication activities in compliance with IJM standards. Organize and maintain the communication archive (digital, prints) and maintain an organized file-management system for images and videos, ensuring easy access and retrieval. Training And DevelopmentPrepare training materials for training / session on communication topicsDeliver presentations on communication topicsResearch, Program Management And M&EMonitor and report communication activities in Bulgaria, including media mentions. Documentation, Reporting & Data ManagementDocumentation of IJM activities in Bulgaria through case studies, success stories and best practices. Prepare communication reporting, news briefings and trend reports on trafficking in person and media/influencers landscape and analyze emerging themes and trends to inform program strategy and response. Work to develop position papers, policy briefs, presentations and materials for presentation in local and international conferences e.g. compendiums, best practices documents, research fact sheets & briefs. Report on Bulgaria activities in various reports for global, regional and advancement teams. Events And LogisticsOrganize communication events in Bulgaria. Co-organize events that have communication components in collaboration with other departments. Participate in events done by IJM and IJM partners as per assigned tasks. Manage contractors for the communication activities in Bulgaria in accordance with procurement policies. Responsible with production on communication, branding materials in accordance with procurement policies. Clerical And AdministrationHandle clerical and administrative tasks related to role`s activities. Follow organizational workflows and procedures. General TasksAssist in hosting regional and international visitors to the field. Assist in organizing events, advocacy and program activities. Perform other relevant tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the communications team and the program. SupervisoryThe Communication Specialist reports directly to Director of Operations Bulgaria on administrative line.The Communication Specialist will report to Communication Specialist EATP on communication line.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, literature-languages or related field. At least 3 years of professional experience in public relations, communications or media (experience working in NGO sector or social/CSR projects preferred); Experience in implementation of communication and media relations activities and campaigns. Experience in writing and preparing a diverse range of content materials (press releases, op eds, speeches, presentations, press kits, video and photo content packages etc.)Experience in working on various mediums (press, social media, events). Demonstrates active involvement in development of content for social media channels (including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok etc.). Very good understanding of Bulgarian and European media landscape. Very good understanding of Bulgarian and EU political landscape and justice system. Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with partners, staff and colleagues with a high level of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to respond effectively and with an appropriate degree of urgency to the needs of a dynamic team, internally and externally. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Bulgarian. Proven ability to present complex data and information in a clear and compelling manner to a wide range of audiences. Experience working both in English and Bulgarian, verbally and in written, at a fast pace. Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills in Bulgarian and English tailored for diverse audiences. Good presentation skills and public speaking abilities. Experience with budgeting, invoicing and contracting suppliers. Excellent computer skills - highly proficient in Microsoft Office programs, digital apps, AI apps. Critical QualitiesHumble servant leaderVery good organization skills and attention to detail. Passionate commitment to IJM’s mission and values including humility and being a servant leader. Professional in demeanor, appearance, writing and oral communication. Ability to work autonomously and prioritize tasks. Pro-active, creative, and problem solver. Ability to contribute outside of the designated areas of responsibility, team player. Ability to work and cooperate effectively in a multi-cultural environment. High ethical standards, honesty and integrity. RequirementsFull-time, willingness to work 40+ hours per weekAbility to travel within Bulgaria and within Europe, up to 30% of the timePreferenceDriver’s license (Bulgaria and/or international)This position is based in Sofia, Bulgaria and is available to be hybrid (onsite Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) and remote Monday and Wednesday.This position requires the right to work in Bulgaria.Application ProcessPlease submit Resume/CV, Cover Letter, in one document to bulgaria@ijm.org (IJM reserves the right to contact only the selected candidates)Initial interview in Bulgarian and EnglishTechnical Interview in English Assessment TaskFinal Interview Reference CheckJob OfferWhat does IJM have to offer?Comprehensive Medical Service PlanLife Insurance 24 days paid leaveQuarterly retreatsRobust staff care resourcesIJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Conduct. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection, and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.