Communications Specialist - Editorial and Media

About the opportunity ##

Our client is a leading international organization operating at the intersection of global health, international development and strategic partnerships.

We are looking for a Communications Specialist, Editorial & Media to strengthen the organization-s visibility, positioning and influence among international stakeholders.

This is a hybrid communications role covering editorial content, thought leadership, media relations, external positioning, spokesperson support and digital amplification. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating complex technical, policy and programmatic topics into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

The role involves working closely with senior leaders, internal experts, partners, journalists and external stakeholders in a fast-paced, multicultural and politically sensitive environment.

Key responsibilities ##

Editorial content and writing ###

• Draft and edit communications materials, including key messages, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, press releases, briefing notes, reports, summaries, Q&As and digital content.
• Translate complex technical, policy and programmatic information into clear and engaging narratives.
• Contribute to flagship publications and major corporate communications products.
• Ensure that external and digital content is accurate, consistent and aligned with the organization-s positioning, tone of voice and terminology.
• Develop and maintain messaging for priority issues and leadership communications.

Media relations and external positioning ###

• Develop and implement proactive and reactive media strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, media outlets, digital influencers and communications partners.
• Identify and pitch relevant stories, opinion pieces and media opportunities.
• Handle media enquiries and coordinate responses, interviews and spokesperson engagement.
• Prepare press releases, media briefings, Q&As and other supporting materials.
• Plan and coordinate media activities, including briefings, media events and journalist visits.
• Monitor media coverage, external trends and reputational risks.

Spokesperson support and thought leadership ###

• Identify and support key spokespeople and thought leaders.
• Prepare senior leaders and experts for interviews and public engagements.
• Provide media training, coaching and interview preparation.
• Support thought leadership initiatives and ensure consistency of messaging.
• Help amplify diverse voices across the organization-s wider partnership network.

Digital and social media amplification ###

• Adapt editorial and media content for digital and social media platforms.
• Work closely with digital and social media colleagues to align messaging, timing and campaigns.
• Integrate traditional media, digital communications and social media activities.
• Contribute to data-driven storytelling and communications performance analysis.

Strategic communications support ###

• Act as a communications lead or focal point for priority issues, initiatives, markets and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice on messaging, positioning and media opportunities.
• Coordinate with technical, stakeholder-facing and communications teams.
• Apply sound political judgment and strong problem-solving skills in sensitive and time-critical situations.
• Contribute to protecting and strengthening the organization-s reputation.

Candidate profile ##

Essential requirements ###

• Advanced university degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Public Health, International Development or a related field.
• Approximately6 to 8 years of relevant experiencein journalism, public relations and/or communications.
• Experience working in an international organization, multilateral institution, global NGO or similarly complex environment.
• Experience in global health, international development or international financing institutions.
• Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality content across multiple formats.
• Ability to translate complex technical, policy or programmatic information into clear and compelling narratives.
• Experience developing and implementing media engagement strategies.
• Strong relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets.
• Experience advising stakeholders on messaging and positioning.
• Excellent political judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate across teams in a multicultural and matrixed environment.
• A proactive, creative and solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent command of English.

Desirable experience ###

• Experience supporting donor-facing initiatives, major institutional campaigns or high-profile international events.
• Understanding of donor priorities, geopolitical contexts and international relations.
• Experience contributing to flagship publications or major corporate communications products.
• Experience organizing media events, journalist visits or media briefings.
• Experience supporting spokesperson preparation and media training.
• Familiarity with social media content development, digital amplification and data-driven storytelling.
• Experience working with civil society, advocacy networks and international development partners.
• Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Key competencies ##

• Strategic communications
• Editorial and storytelling excellence
• Media relations
• Stakeholder engagement
• Political and geopolitical awareness
• Project management
• Analytical thinking
• Multicultural collaboration
• Adaptability

How to apply ##

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the required profile, please submit your CV.

Due to Swiss work authorization regulations, only candidates who meet the applicable eligibility requirements will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates whose profile matches the requirements will be contacted by our recruitment team.