HEKS/EPER employs around 600 full-time staff members. Its work is guided by the vision of a just world where peace prevails, the dignity of all people is respected, and natural resources are preserved. HEKS/EPER is active in 25 locations in Switzerland and 30 countries worldwide, running more than 380 programmes and projects with a total volume of 138 million Swiss francs. Within the framework of Agenda 2030, the organisation focuses on four priority themes: "Climate Justice," "Right to Land and Food," "Asylum and Migration," and "Inclusion." HEKS/EPER also provides humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts, aiming to bring about change at the social, economic, and political levels. HEKS contributes to improving the living conditions of people both domestically and internationally, advocating for their rights. It raises awareness and mobilises society, politics, business, and churches. In 2023, around 16 million people benefited from the work of HEKS/EPER.
The Communication Specialist will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing communications strategies and content for our activities. This includes creating anddisseminating key messages to diverse stakeholders, raising awareness about HEKS’ work, and ensuring effective communication both internally and externally. All activities and initiatives will be done in close coordination with HEKS’ Communication Officer
Short-Term Communication Specialist, Ukraine
Your main responsibilities:
- Develop clear, concise, and engaging content for different platforms (social media, website, newsletters etc.
- Write articles, success stories, and case studies to highlightHEKS Ukraine’s impact and activities.
- Create and manage content for theHEKS’ social media channels inclosecoordination withthe Communication Officer (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.), ensuring regular updates and engagement
- Track and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns
- Monitor media coverage and publicperceptions of the organization and its programs
- Suggest improvements and adjustments based on performance analysis and feedback
- Help develop tailormade communication materials to partners, donors, beneficiaries, and other key stakeholders to ensure they are informed and engaged
- Support the development of presentations, reports, and updates for stakeholders
- Identify existing competencies. Understand the current skill levels of staff, especially those involved in field activities,with regard to storytelling, communication, and documentation
- Identify gaps.Determine what is missing in terms of technical, writing, or narrative skills that may hinder the ability to capture relevant success stories
- Based on theabove, contribute to increasedcapacity amongHEKS staff, enabling them to effectively contribute to capturing success stories from ourfield activities
By the end of the contract, the Communication Specialist will have delivered:
- High-quality written materials including articles, blog posts, newslettersetc
- Social media content and management plan
- A media engagement strategy
- Trainings for staff on how to capture relevant stories from our field activities
- Final report on communication outcomes, with recommendations for further development of HEKS UA’s work on visibility and preferred communication channels
To be successful you bring:
- At least5-7 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, ideally within an NGO or international development context.
- Strong writing and editing skills with experience in crafting content for different media (print, online, social media).
- Familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms, including social media analytics, and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suiteetc).
- Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with experience in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
What you can expect from us:
- Short-Term service contract (2months - from mid. January 2025 till mid. March 2025)
- Work hours: 40 hours per week
- An interesting and challenging position in a dynamic international context
- Ukraine, based in Kyiv with frequent travels to field bases in Donetsk and Mykolaiv regions. Frequentvisits to project sites to document activities
- A competitive salary package