Fixed-term WAZA COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT – Maternity Leave Cover (Dec 2026–Oct 2027)

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA); Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) seeks a Communications Assistant for maternity cover in Barcelona. Hybrid schedule: two days in-office, three days remote. Responsibilities include managing social media, writing and editing content, producing newsletters, and supporting campaigns and publications.

The role supports global communications and awareness of conservation and animal welfare. Requires English proficiency and a degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• University degree in journalism, communications, marketing or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in communications or digital content.
• Experience supporting internal and external communications activities.

Responsibilities

• Support digital communications and social media channels.
• Assist with writing, editing, scheduling, and publishing content.
• Support campaigns, newsletters, and member communications.
• Contribute to website maintenance and content accuracy.

Skills

Excellent writing & editing

English proficiency

Digital content creation

Canva familiarity

Mailchimp familiarity

Social media tools & scheduling

MS Office

Education

University degree in journalism, communications or marketing

Tools

Canva

Mailchimp

Social media scheduling tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Fixed-term WAZA COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - Maternity Leave Cover (Dec 2026-Oct 2027)

Tentative timeline for recruitment process *Subject to modification:

• Call for applicants: 30 September to 18 October
• First round of interviews: Second week of November
• Second round of interviews: Fourth week of November

Location

Barcelona, Spain (a work permit to work in Spain is required)

Employment type

• Full-time, temporary contract (maternity leave cover)
• Contract period: early December 2026 to mid-October 2027
• Flexible working hours (bandwidth: 7.00 am-7.00 pm)
• Our working arrangement is hybrid, with two days per week based at the WAZA Executive Office in Barcelona and three days working remotely
• Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Spain

Supervision

The Communications Assistant reports primarily to the Interim Head of Communications.

If the Interim Head of Communications is unavailable, the role reports to the CEO.

Posts Responsible for:Not applicable

Overview and Job Purpose

The Communications Assistant supports the promotion of WAZA's key messages, programmes, and member initiatives through digital platforms, campaigns, and publications. The role contributes to increasing awareness and appreciation of the global progressive zoo and aquarium community and its role in conservation, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Scope

• Coverage: Supports WAZA's global communications activities, including digital communications, campaigns, newsletters, and member communications.
• Supervised Staff and Contributors: None. Collaborates with internal teams, members, and external partners as needed.
• Budget Responsibility: No direct budget ownership; may support tracking of communications-related costs.
• Programme and Operational Scale: Supports global communications outputs, including social media, campaigns, newsletters, and communications support to committees and programmes.
• Collaboration and Internal Interaction: Works closely with the Head of Communications, Executive Office, Membership, and Events teams; liaises with members and campaign partners.
• Impact Measures: Contributes to WAZA's global visibility, brand consistency, and stakeholder engagement through high-quality communications outputs.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Communications and Social Media

• Support the management of WAZA's social media channels.
• Assist with writing, editing, scheduling, and publishing social media content.
• Support the creation of graphics and visual content for social media and digital platforms.
• Monitor social media interactions and support stakeholder engagement through timely and professional responses where appropriate.
• Monitor and support reporting on social media performance, analytics, and reach optimisation.
• Support the creation and editing of multimedia content, including short-form videos, graphics, presentations, and visual storytelling assets.

Campaigns and Strategic Communications Support

• Support the development and implementation of communications campaigns.
• Support collaboration on global campaigns such as Reverse the Red and similar initiatives.
• Assist in preparing campaign materials and coordinating content contributions from partners and members.

Publications and Member Communications

• Support writing, editing, and issuing the weekly electronic newsletter.
• Support the planning and production of the WAZA news Magazine.
• Support preparation and distribution of member announcements and communications.
• Support the maintenance, updating, and optimisation of the WAZA website and other digital platforms, ensuring content accuracy, usability, and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Provide communications support for WAZA meetings, conferences, webinars, and other organisational events.
• Coordinate content contributions from WAZA members, committees, national and regional associations, and partners, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered on time and in line with organisational priorities.

General Communications and Administrative Support

• Collaborate with colleagues across teams to support communications needs.
• Provide communications support to committees and internal working groups when required.
• Support general administrative tasks related to communications activities.

General and compliance

• Ensure compliance with WAZA policies, procedures, and relevant legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and support administrative workflows.
• Perform ad hoc tasks as required by supervisors.
• Participate in professional development and appraisal processes.
• Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required.

Person Specification (WAZA Communications Assistant)

Criteria

Job Specification

Desired Education and Experience

• University degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in communications, digital content, or similar role (preferred).
• Experience supporting internal and external communications activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English.
• Experience creating digital content for social media platforms.
• Familiarity with communications tools such as Canva, Mailchimp, and social media scheduling tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with AI-powered communications tools and a willingness to adopt emerging technologies to improve efficiency and communications impact.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and fast learner.
• Creative, enthusiastic, and adaptable.
• Interest in conservation, animal welfare, sustainability, and the zoo and aquarium community (desirable).

Language

• The primary language of WAZA is English, and the WAZA Communications Assistant must be proficient in spoken and written English. Other languages will be advantageous but not required.

Additional information

• None

Planning and Organising

The role supports planning and delivering communications outputs across multiple platforms, following communications calendars, campaign timelines, and organisational priorities. The role operates with initiative within defined communications frameworks and under supervision.

Communication and Relationships

Requires regular communication with internal teams, members, campaign partners, and external stakeholders. Clear written communication is essential to maintain WAZA's professional image and messaging consistency.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Resolves routine communications and content-related tasks using established processes and editorial guidelines. Escalates strategic messaging, sensitive issues, or reputational risks to the Head of Communications. Accuracy, judgement, and discretion are essential.