Senior Communications Officer

Join our international non-profit research organization and help bridge environment and development science to policy and practice. SEI is a world-leading research institute in its field. We are a dynamic and expanding workplace that employs around 110 people from 28 different nationalities in an activity-based HQ office in central Stockholm (Garnisonen). We have an additional 200 employees in seven centres around the world.
The role
We are currently recruiting for a Senior Communications Officer to take on a strategic role at the heart of SEI’s climate communications work. The role spans several areas of SEI’s global work:
Strategic communications aligned to the International Climate Risk and Adaptation (ICRA) team based at SEI HQ
Communications lead for SEI’s climate-focussed strategic policy engagement, including includes coordinating SEI engagement at the climate COP and working with colleagues across SEI’s global centres
Leading communications and policy engagement work across multiple climate-focused projects.

The Senior Communications Officer will have a strong ability to draft and implement communications strategies and projects, communicate complex climate concepts and harness connections between climate research and policy. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join a dynamic communications team in SEI, driving the impact of the organization’s research.
Key duties and responsibilities
Strategic Policy Engagement (SPE) on Climate Change (40%) Communications Lead
Co-create and co-implement SEI’s annual work plan on strategic policy engagement on climate change
Keep abreast of discussions, issues and developments in international climate policy and identify/pursue opportunities for SEI research to inform them
Lead creation of communications outputs and activities that harness SEI research in climate policy processes and during key influencing moments, such as perspectives, op-eds, policy briefs, events and media briefings
In partnership with SPE lead, coordinate engagement and visibility of SEI during COP and act as SEI UNFCCC focal point throughout year
Support knowledge sharing on international climate policy with SEI staff
Work in collaboration with Senior Policy Fellow (SPE lead) and Communications Assistant.

Strategic communications ICRA team (20%)
Lead and implement annual communications strategy with monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) components for ICRA team in consultation with team members to generate visibility and impact for research
Build relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders and target audiences to leverage strategic communication opportunities
Support application of SEI communications policies, processes and MEL for communications activities, strengthening their quality
Harness relevant news/policy agendas for opportunities to develop op-eds, press releases, SEI perspectives and other outputs such as for example podcasts related to SEI strategy
Draft or support development of key messages, summaries and briefs, providing strategic advice and editorial judgment.

SEI Climate Twitter (10%)
Provide strategic guidance and editorial suggestions for climate-related content
Share relevant materials and insights from external organizations with SEI social media team.

Adaptation Without Borders (AWB) (20%) – Communications and Policy Lead
Draft and implement external communications strategy
Work with AWB partners and partnership bodies to coordinate and implement communications plans and activities
Coordinate production of high-level publications and templates
Work with AWB digital providers to manage relevant digital channels, outputs and activities
Coordinate planning and delivery of events and convening activities
Coordinate media, policy and stakeholder engagement
Harness opportunities as requested by the AWB Steering Committee or relevant funding authorities, ensuring compliance with grant agreement terms and conditions.

Formal qualifications and knowledge
Degree in communications, marketing, journalism or other relevant degree
At least eight years of experience in communications, marketing and/or journalism
Excellent written and oral English skills (working knowledge of Swedish an asset)
Strong project management skills
Experience with digital communications (CMS, social media) and communication technologies and practices
Experience convening events
Knowledge and expertise in field of at least one of the following topics: climate adaptation, just transition, environmental policy, climate mitigation, strategic communications and/or policy engagement.

Personal skills
Strong leadership, interpersonal, diplomatic and communication skills and ability to network within research/policy arena of expertise
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to set priorities and deliver under pressure
Strong team ethic and collegial approach to working with colleagues
Ability to act as a role model, conveying core values of SEI in everyday work, including importance of high-calibre work, flexibility, respect and trust
Strong negotiation skills.