Communications Lead

WWF-Malaysia; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

WWF-Malaysia is seeking a Communications Lead for the Peninsular Malaysia Terrestrial Conservation Programme. The successful candidate will spearhead strategic communication efforts, develop donor relations, and ensure effective media engagement, all while contributing to broader conservation goals. Applicants should have substantial experience in communications and a passion for environmental issues.

Qualifications

• At least seven years of working experience in a related field.
• Must be computer literate and able to present effectively to stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid driving license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the communications team in conceptualising and implementing strategic communications.
• Develop and monitor integrated communications plans for major donors.
• Oversee day-to-day tasks of the PMTC communications.

Skills

Excellent communications skills

Organising skills

Good interpersonal skills

Knowledge on environmental issues

Relationship with media

Education

Basic degree in mass communications or related field

Job description

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to lead the communications unit of the Peninsular Malaysia Terrestrial Conservation (PMTC) Programme, covering aspects of communication work at the Peninsular Malaysia terrestrial landscape by conceptualizing and implementing the communications strategy for the programme, which is guided by the Peninsular Malaysia Terrestrial Conservation Strategy (PMTCS) and other related project documents.

While the incumbent is responsible for specific deliverables related to the Peninsular Malaysia Terrestrial Conservation Programme, he/she will also be guided by and is expected to contribute towards the achievement of WWF-Malaysia Strategy 2021-2030 and Global Programme Framework (or their revised versions) directly or indirectly.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The incumbent will lead the PMTC communications team in conceptualising, planning and implementing strategic communications across all landscapes. This will primarily focus on the following:

1. Responsible for developing the annual strategic communications plan for the programme, which will include targeted urban and community events, digital and media engagement (owned, earned and paid where required), speaking engagements and influencer profile development for PMTC leads.
2. Responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring integrated communications plans for major donors.
3. Provide leadership and implement major communications projects and campaigns within PMTC.
4. Oversee day-to-day tasks and management of PMTC communications, including media monitoring, media relations, crisis communications (where required), and digital media plans.
5. Assist in developing media releases/stories for purposes of publicising PMTC conservation efforts and highlighting WWF-Malaysia’s concerns and recommendations related to freshwater, forest, protected areas and policies relevant to PMTC’s programme, as well as attending to related media enquiries with guidance from the PMTC team and in coordination with WWF-Malaysia’s Corporate Communications Unit.
6. Coordinate and manage responses to reactive communications on matters related to PMTC as and when the issue arises, whether it is on mainstream media or social media.
7. Oversee publication and development of PMTC communications materials, such as (and not limited to) programme factsheets, updated master briefing documents, infographics, updates to PMTC information on WWF website and any other related programme communications materials required by PMTC teams; including quality assurance in terms of the editorial aspects and conformity to network standards and branding.
8. Collaborate with WWF-Malaysia’s Corporate Communications Unit and Marketing Department to publicise and promote the work and accomplishments of PMTC’s conservation efforts through in-house publications (such as the Annual Review and Green Heart), campaign activities and corporate tie-ups.
9. Conduct annual media and events training for the PMTC programme.
10. Organising, coordinating and managing media trips to PMTC project field sites in collaboration with other PMTC team members and the WWF-Malaysia Corporate Communications Unit.
11. To identify collaborative work between the different landscapes, understand project cycle management and generate communication project proposals as and when needed.
12. To monitor the communications work plan for the landscapes and thematic areas of work (Freshwater and Protected Areas) and make sure that the plans are up to schedule.
13. To collate on a monthly basis progress of upcoming events, outcomes of events, and needs of the PMTC in relation to key stakeholders, namely donors/funders, partners and beneficiaries.
14. To build a strong database of contacts in the media, like minded NGO’s and institutions for the purpose of networking and future communications work.
15. To look for and secure opportunities with various forms of media (i.e radio & TV interviews/PSA slots, magazine feature slots, etc.) and suitable events.

Specifications

Persons with qualifications and abilities that ‘best match’ these specifications may also fulfil this role:

1. A basic degree in any discipline (preferably in mass communications, conservation communications, journalism or marketing) with at least seven (7) years of working experience in a related field.
2. Must be computer literate and can use appropriate technology for presentation to partners, stakeholders and potential donors.
3. Excellent communications skills (written and verbal) in English and Bahasa Malaysia at various levels and types of audiences and stakeholders. Proficiency in other languages commonly used in Malaysia would be an added advantage.
4. Organising and management skills are required.
5. Good interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, versatile ability to work in a team and work independently.
6. Good understanding of current issues, especially having knowledge on environmental and biodiversity conservation issues.
7. Good relationship with the media, strong understanding of the media and ability to develop and execute media initiatives.
8. Must possess a valid driving license.
9. Team player, committed, dedicated and focused to the conservation cause.
10. Meticulous, disciplined and consistent approach to work and ability to produce quality outputs.
11. Must be willing and available to spend time (up to a few weeks at a time) at a project site/other sites as required by the project work plans.
12. Able to accept challenges constantly.
13. Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.
14. Adheres to WWF’s brand values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
15. Demonstrates WWF behaviours in ways of working: strive for impact, listen deeply, collaborate openly and innovate fearlessly.

Salary Range

RM5,000 - RM6,000