Communications Manager

Inc Research; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An impactful research organization is seeking a Senior Communications Manager for its Research Commissioning Centre in the UK. The successful candidate will oversee communications and manage the GRTD website. They should have excellent English writing skills and a strong background in strategic communication and project management. This largely remote position encourages impactful contributions in the development sector, with occasional travel to London for meetings. A master's degree in a relevant field and extensive experience in communication roles are required.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexibility for remote work

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in a communication role in the development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication strategies.
• Experience working with UK government departments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the GRTD website and communications strategy.
• Lead engagement and develop campaigns for external partners.
• Manage stakeholder engagement activities for RCC-funded research.

Skills

Strategic communication

Project management

Excellent English writing and editing

Knowledge of graphic design tools

Social media management

Education

Master's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Mailchimp

Canva

Drupal

Job description

Background

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage research to enhance development and foreign policy impact. The RCC, co‑led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and the University of Birmingham, provides support to FCDO teams for commissioning and delivering high‑quality and impactful research. It addresses challenges associated with research bureaucracy by providing a streamlined process for commissioning and delivering FCDO‑funded research. This role is based at 3ie, working closely with colleagues at the FCDO, University of Birmingham and across the RCC consortium. This is a fixed‑term position for the RCC, which is a pilot project that began on the 6th June 2023, and is due to run until the 5th June 2028. The role is linked directly to the project funding. The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation is a mission‑driven, non‑profit organization dedicated to using evidence to transform people’s lives in low‑and‑middle‑income countries. We are the global leader in funding, producing, and synthesizing high‑quality evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost. We believe better policy‑relevant evidence will make development more effective. 3ie is a registered non‑governmental organization in the US. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.

Position summary

3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this is an exciting time to join the project. The role will be responsible for the strategic management of RCC communications and for the oversight and management of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website (https://www.grtd.fcdo.gov.uk/). The position will work closely with the team of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and FCDO’s Deputy Head of Research to support the development and rollout of GRTD, suiting a strategic thinker with experience or knowledge of leading communications and engagement campaigns. The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products such as blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories and case studies, as well as editing technical writing. Prior experience in social media and event management, is desirable. They will be a self‑starter with a can‑do, team‑player attitude. The ideal candidate will be based in the UK and have the flexibility to travel to London for in‑person meetings and events as required. The candidate will need to work according to UK office hours. The role will largely be remote working with dedicated in‑person time with the RCC team and with FCDO.

Key job responsibilities

• GRTD website development oversight and strategy; FCDO GRTD communications, branding and development

  • Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners.
  • Manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD.
  • Lead engagement with FCDO to determine design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors (when required) and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose.
  • Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders.
  • Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives.
  • Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC‑funded research.
  • Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimisation.

• RCC presence on GRTD

  • Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages is coherent and promotes the RCC vision.
  • Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required.
  • Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.

• RCC Communications Strategy

  • Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC’s overall communication and engagement strategy, including areas of thought leadership around best practice evidence led by the RCC.
  • Strategise on new communication products (including website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media and multimedia content), launches, events and online promotions.
  • Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements, FAQ sessions, etc.
  • Work with RCC Grantees and project teams editing and publishing RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications.
  • Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie’s social media channels, working with 3ie colleagues (NB: RCC social media channels may be established and in this case the role will directly manage these).
  • Provide end‑to‑end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing.
  • Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.

• Project management

  • Ensure that RCC publications and communications products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD.
  • Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
  • Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC’s branding and logo suite as needed.

• Stakeholder support

  • Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees.
  • This is likely to include RCC representation at external events.

• Support RCC grantees

  • Provide guidance and advise on dissemination activities to grant recipients.
  • Review and approve the engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC‑funded projects and support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.

• Knowledge sharing

  • Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements.

Qualifications and skills

Master’s degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in the development sector. Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organisations and research projects. Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal, etc.). Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on‑time delivery. Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross‑platform writing experience is desirable. Self‑motivated, creative and multi‑tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally. Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix‑organised team environment. Experience working with UK government departments is desirable.

Eligibility

3ie is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, caste, religion or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

Terms of employment

The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate based on qualifications and experience. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero‑tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

How to Apply

• A cover letter (not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the terms of reference.
• Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.