Brussels — Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe is recruiting a paid Communications and Press Officer based in Brussels. Details are below. Closing date for applications is 15 March 2013.

Location: Brussels, Position type: this position is for native English speakers only, 38 hours per week / 9 months contract initially (April-December 2013) Specialism: communicate externally, public, policy makers, health professionals and internally, staff, board and members Salary: up to € 45.000 annually Closing date: 15 March 2013.

HCWH is a non-profit organisation that works to transform the health sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it becomes ecologically sustainable and a leading advocate for environmental health and justice.

HCWH has offices in Europe, US, Latin America and Asia and works closely with health professionals, hospitals, healthcare systems, NGOs, local government, ministries of health and international organisations. HCWH Europe is active in 23 countries of the WHO Euro region and has 71 European members. The European office is located in Brussels. For more information please visit: http://www.noharm.org/europe/.

Position Overview

HCWH Europe is looking for a dynamic, communicative person that can take initiatives and follow them through achieving clear measurable results. Our external and internal communications are important strategic issues for HCWH Europe. The Communication and Press Officer will deliver effective and engaging communication internally and externally. S/he will report to the Executive Director. This is a fixed term contract of 9 months with potential for extension after that time. HCWH offers additional Belgium benefits, such as ticket restaurants vouchers, monthly travel support, holiday payment and a 13 months salary.

Job Responsibilities

1. Research, update and write content for the HCWH Europe new website to be launched in Spring/Early summer 2013;
2. Keep the new website content updated thereafter (minimum weekly)
3. Compile and research information for electronic newsletters in collaboration with the Membership Officer (currently published every two months, increase to monthly later during the year);
4. Revise and update existing Communication Strategy, identify possible funding opportunities for communication work;
5. Populate Blog, twitter, Facebook of HCWH Europe and develop a long-term social media strategy;
6. Proofread and/or assist with press releases when required by policy developments;
7. Proofread reports and funding proposals as required;
8. Create an educational web portal on various policy issues for the healthcare sector;
9. Coordinate the design and printing of publications and other communications material;
10. Produce a video, a leaflet and an on-line sign on campaign issues;
11. Keep to tight budgets;
12. Subscription to key journals;
13. Lead in the production of an annual review in collaboration with staff, board and members;
14. Maintain and develop contacts with European and International media and maintain this specific database (training will be given);
15. Maintain track of press coverage;
16. Participate in HCWH global communication calls to present HCWH Europe and communicate relevant information back and forth;
17. Carry out other duties that may reasonably be required in the light of the main purpose of the job;
18. Travel to meetings within Europe as required
19. Report to the Executive Director.

Educational/professional qualifications

• Master Degree in Media Studies, journalism or communications;
• Previous experience in communications, PR in house or agency, web design or online communications advantageous;
• Experience in editing and proofreading, information based work or advocacy-based communication;
• Working knowledge of EU institutions and processes;
• Experience or interest in environmental health policy.

Skills and Abilities

• You must be a native English speaker and able to formulate press releases and statements under time pressure with very good written and verbal skills
• In addition, good written and oral communication skills in French, Spanish and/or another European language would be an advantage;
• Ability to proof read with strong attention to details;
• Experience in website editing and writing online articles and blogs
• Familiarity with social media
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully within a team and autonomously;
• Enthusiastic and flexible personality with a sense of initiative and flexibility in undertaking a workload within tight deadlines;
• Ability to think strategically and creatively while organising time efficiently;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to generate ideas;
• Good working knowledge of standard office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), familiarity with website tools, prepared to acquire new skills if needed by the job.

How to Apply:

Please send a motivation letter explaining your interest in joining HCWH Europe and the contribution you believe you could make to the organisation in no more than two A4 pages and your CV to Anja Leetz, Executive Director, HCWH Europe, anja.leetz@hcwh.org Please include ‘Communication and Press Officer’ in the email subject line and clearly mark the documents you are sending by including ‘Communication and Press Officer, [your name] cover letter’ and ‘Communication and Press Officer, [your name] CV’ in the file name. Recruitment is open now and you should send your application as soon as possible.

Applications are scheduled to close on 15th March 2013. Please note that HCWH Europe will only consider candidates who have the legal right to work in Europe. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Conditions: 9 months contract with the possibility of extension. Starting date: 1st April 2013 latest.

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 500 organizations in 53 countries, working to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. Visit the HCWH website for more information.