Break Free From Plastic

Communications Officer (China)

The Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) Communications Officer (China) is responsible for the planning, evaluation and implementation of communication strategies and plans involving the agreed collective work of BFFP (or PFC) members in Mainland China to ensure satisfied members’ exchange and cooperation between China and other regions.

Additionally, the role supports communications capacity and expertise – developing our relevant, consistent and powerful voice to shift the narrative on plastics in the region. The role provides project communications support to help amplify the work of BFFP members in China particularly to audiences outside the mainland, and also to help improve the communication and translation of BFFP initiatives globally and in other regions for BFFP (or PFC) stakeholders in China, which are relevant to achieving identified priorities in China.

Job Description

Role Duration: Initially until March 2023, with potential to extend pending funding

Role Salary & benefits: Competitive

Role Type: Full time , Part time will be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Role Location: The position location is dependent on where the successful candidate resides, with a preference for the Asia Pacific region (in particular East Asia and Southeast Asia).

Role Flexibility:

  • Flexible working hours are required
  • As this role works across time zones, working hours will frequently be outside of normal office hours.
  • Some domestic, regional and international travel may be required, as travel restrictions changed based on local responses to the global pandemic.

Reports to: This role will report to the BFFP China Regional Coordinator/PFC Coordinator and the Global Communications Lead

Direct Reports: none

What success looks like
  • Collaboration and co-creation with various BFFP stakeholders, for the achievement of key strategies, in line with China-specific and global priorities.
  • Working with BFFP Communications Hub to ensure that key campaigns deliver outcomes and maintain exchanges in BFFP
  • Production of relevant communications tools tailored to target audiences.
Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Amplifying PFC and BFFP work in China to the rest of the world, and increasing relevance of global work to audiences in China.

1.1 Co-creation and implementation of communications strategies to achieve shift in narrative on plastic pollution.

1.2 Ensure a dynamic, consistent and collective voice for BFFP in China and China-focused communication internationally.

1.3 Deliver, share and amplify relevant communications outputs to target audiences (via social media, newsletter and traditional media)- in China and, from China around the world.

2. Promoting opportunities for BFFP members in China and their global colleagues to exchange, strengthening communications capacity and networks.

2.1 Deliver and maximize regional communications opportunities and initiatives (including capacity building.)

2.2 Promote communications and information exchange between BFFP China members and BFFP global networks, including:

    • Keep China members updated with possible cooperative actions and experiences that can be learned from other regions.
    • Ensure the BFFP network is well informed of the update of China projects, such as the achievements and experiences worth learning.

2.3 Build bridges with other relevant movements at national, regional and international levels through developing relevant and aligned communications products 

3. Contribute to the priorities of BFFP in China

3.1 As a member of the PFC team, contribute to the development and implementation of priorities in  China (including the Identification of communications opportunities for the China projects to align with, or intersect with other planned BFFP activities.)

3.2 As a member of the BFFP Communications Hub, contribute to the development and implementation of priorities of the Communications Hub (in line with BFFP’s shared strategy).

3.3 Provide risk assessment including quality assurance and information security to planned communications activities.

4. Contribute to responsibilities within the Global Comms Hub

4.1 Provide key communications support during global peaks

4.2 Contribute to social media editorial calendar and e-newsletter content

4.3 Participate and provide input during narrative and strategic meetings

5. Other

5.1 Support regular reporting and updates to key stakeholders

5.2 Contribute as part of the Plastic Free China and Global BFFP Teams

5.3 Any other duties as delegated

Key Relationships

This role will need to be able to maintain a range of different relationships – many which will be remote and online. 

  • BFFP Communications Hub – in particular the Communications Hub Asia Pacific team
  • BFFP / Plastic Free China team
  • Global Coordination Team and coordination teams in other regions
  • BFFP and PFC Members
  • Fiscal Sponsor/Host Organization (tbc)
  • Project Funders, potential donors and supporters
  • Media and communications professionals and networks
  • Suppliers and contractors
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences

Essential

  • 5 years of experience in communications and/or project management roles, preferably with a regional or global organization or network.
  • Exceptional multitasking and organization skills, experience in complex project delivery and capacity building; and the ability to work independently.
  • Strong understanding of the China landscape, and of the broader media landscape in relation to China and Chinese language media.
  • Strong writing and communication skills in Chinese and English, ability to speak or write in other regional languages is desirable.
  • Experience working with a diversity of stakeholders including: working with funders, and/or in coalition-based partners; grassroots groups; NGOs; government and agencies;
  • Demonstrated capacity for issue and audience analysis, strong presentation and persuasion skills including advanced skills in communicating complex issues to the public;
  • Computer literate, and experienced with media technologies and relevant social networking tools
  • Commitment to, and passion for, finding solutions to environmental and social issues.

Desirable

  • Experience working in remote/distance-based teams
  • Understanding of corporate campaigns, environmental movements, global inequalities
  • Experience working with an NGO or people’s movement
  • Located within the Asia Pacific preferred, any location is considered.
  • A strong understanding, knowledge and contacts within Asia Pacific regional media and landscape.

Personal Qualities

  • Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated experience in working with people from different cultures and nationalities in the region
  • Ability to handle high influx of communication across different channels (email, Slack, etc) and being responsive.
  • Flexible, open, adaptive, responsive and resilient. Takes initiative and is outcome and solution-focused.
  • Willingness to travel (including internationally) on a regular basis (once travel restrictions are lifted), and flexibility in working with international staff.

The Plastic Free China is an organization in China that specializes in promoting solutions for plastic pollution. It is committed to eliminating plastic pollution in life and the environment through corporate, public and policy advocacy.

How to apply

Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, two writing samples or links to work portfolio (one sample in Chinese, one in English), expected salary in USD, and two referee contacts to “Hiring Manager” at jobs@breakfreefromplastic.org with the subject: “BFFP Communications Officer (China)”. Encouraged to apply by August 20, 2022. 

This position will be open until filled. Screening and interviews will begin after the deadline. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. Please do not contact BFFP directly with questions or inquiries. Thank you!

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