Communications Officer

Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.

We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.

Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?

We are looking for a Communications Officer to support the Executive Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) to ensure that the Institute’s internal and external communication activities are on brand; serve as focal point for colleague’s engagement with the media, online and otherwise; and to facilitate programme teams’ use of communication expertise to achieve their objectives.
You will

External communication

• Maintain a lively website and social media presence.
• Support production of publications such as policy papers, reports, articles, etc. including proofreading and formatting article to meet the Institute’s house style.
• Organise public events by the Institute, sometimes in partnership with other organisations.
• Serve as focal point for engagement with the media and monitor references to the Institute.
• Build network of contacts with communication and public affairs responsibilities (e.g. in Brussels, donor capitals, peer organisations, Foundations etc.

Internal communication

• Ensure awareness of and help ensure compliance with relevant institutional policies (e.g. preparation of media engagement, house style and formatting, publications clearance, crisis management) by personnel as well as advisors.
• Develop products and activities to strengthen internal communication (e.g. debrief newsletters, brown bag lunches with guests, social events, etc).
• Identify events and meetings in Brussels and online of interest for the programmatic teams and share them to the relevant colleagues.

Support to Programme teams

• Support Programme Teams to use upcoming opportunities such as anniversaries, conferences and other events, publication launches, etc.
• Respond to programme team requests for advice and access to communications expertise to help define and implement programme objectives, e.g. to build partnerships, attract support, tell the story and report on results

Your skills and experience

• 3-4 years prior experience in a communications role, preferably in the non-profit sector
• Understand the best practices of main social media channels
• Excellent storytelling skills and able to compose engaging and accurate content
• Strong communicator who works well independently and with a team
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of photo/video/web editing apps and platforms
• Understanding of communications best practices
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts
• Legally entitled to work in Belgium (EU citizen or currently in possession of a Belgian work permit)

What we are offering

• An exciting job in an international and diverse environment (18 nationalities represented at the Brussels Office)
• Open-ended Belgian contract
• Competitive Benefits package which includes health care insurance and pension plan, meal vouchers, transportation and telework allowance, and SIM card
• 40h/week and 32 leave days/year
• The possibility to telework 3 days a week

Start date: February 2025

The selected candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts.