Islamic Relief Worldwide is an independent humanitarian and development organisation, serving humanity for over 38 years. With an active presence in over 40 countries across the globe, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflicts and natural disasters.
IRW is recruiting for the position of ‘International Media Coordinator’ to join its dynamic External Relations & Advocacy Division, to be based in either its London or Birmingham Offices. The organisation is currently working to a hybrid working model which involves 1-2 days in the office per week with the remainder working remotely in the UK.
The International Media Coordinator will deliver high-profile and impactful media coverage of Islamic Relief’s global work and strategic priorities. The postholder will design and deliver media strategies, build strong relationships with journalists and colleagues around the world, identify strong news angles, pitch compelling stories and develop creative ways to tell important stories. They will respond quickly to disasters, get neglected issues back into the news agenda and promote advocacy campaigns on issues such as women’s rights, climate change and forced displacement.
The successful candidate must have or be:
- Extensive relevant professional experience, either in media-related roles with an NGO or government department, or as a journalist
- Proven track record of delivering high profile international media coverage on relevant issues
- Proven ability to make and maintain strong working relationships with journalists
- Demonstrable sense of news values and what makes a good story
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to take complex and technical information and package it in a concise and engaging way for different audiences
- Strong storyteller with the ability to develop and pitch stories in a compelling way
- Creative ‘out of the box’ thinking, good imagination and innovative ideas
- Experience of producing high quality press releases, news articles, op-eds, blogs etc
- Ability to work proactively and show initiative, and to work calmly under pressure, deliver quality work to tight deadlines and balance multiple competing priorities
- Knowledge of current trends in digital communications and social media
- Strategic insight into which outlets and journalists to target for different stories
- Understanding of international news and global affairs, and the complexities of doing media work in politically sensitive or conflict-affected countries
- Willingness to work flexibly at short notice - e.g. working some evenings and weekends when emergencies occur, and travelling to countries where Islamic Relief works
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.
If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit:
https://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us/what-we-offer/
PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on 01/02/2023.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- screening clearance
- proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- receipt of satisfactory references
Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer