JOB ADVERTISEMENT: Communications Manager

Hiring Organization: OuTrop (Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project) Position Description: OuTrop is looking for a new Communications Manager to help meet opportunities for maximising the outreach and impact of our research and conservation activities to all audiences, in particular our funders and non-academic stakeholders. OuTrops field project is based in the Sabangau Forest located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo) and includes: three primate behaviour projects (orang-utans, gibbons and red langurs), biodiversity surveys, camera trapping, forestry research, regeneration research in our Seedling Nursery, numerous student and short-term research projects, and supporting a variety of on-the-ground conservation initiatives implemented by our local partners. The successful candidate will coordinate our communications and non-academic outreach activities, including continually updating our website, blog and other social networking media, and actively identifying and writing interesting and regular stories and updates for these; obtaining photos and video footage to accompany these stories and updates, and for general use; coordinating the compilation of our monthly Funder Updates and quarterly Project newsletters; communicating with other organisations; and other tasks directed towards improving Project communications and the impact of our work. The successful candidate will also be expected to familiarise themselves with the full spectrum of OuTrops field activities, to enable them to effectively fulfil the above duties, and to assist the field team in successfully achieving our research aims. We are looking for a highly organized and motivated person, who can identify and compose interesting stories, manage themselves effectively to meet deadlines and fulfil Directors requests, plus has excellent written communication skills, an ability to effectively communicate complex messages to general audiences, basic biological knowledge and a dedication to wildlife conservation. You must be able to manage a flexible, productive schedule from emails, phone communications and varying frequencies of meetings. Previous experience of work in the tropics or for extended periods away from home is desirable. The candidate needs to be flexible, patient, amicable (good social skills), able to work alone and as part of a team, and physically and mentally fit. Applicants must also have the ability to cope well under stress and to readily master new skills. Duties include: Managing, improving and updating OuTrops website, blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts, and identifying opportunities for such revisions and updates; Identifying and writing interesting stories about the research and conservation activities of OuTrop and distributing these through the internet and other media; Coordinating all team members to write interesting and regular updates for posting on the OuTrops website, blog, Twitter and Facebook sites; Compiling photographs and videos to support our communications; Coordinating the whole team in writing quarterly Project newsletters; Assisting the Directors in preparing reports and other documents for internal and external distribution, including sending reminders, etc.; Contributing towards identifying, writing and distributing press releases;

Assisting in maintaining, improving and developing communications with other organisations; Assisting and helping manage advertising, recruitment and pre-arrival communications; and Carrying out field research, collecting data and learning all research protocols.

Qualifications/Experience: Previous science communications experience and output production; Excellent ability to identify and write interesting stories, and to effectively communicate complex messages to general audiences essential; Experience of managing social media accounts; Ability to design attractive templates for communications essential; Ability to enthuse others to identify and share stories; Excellent computing skills, including desktop publishing software (Mac preferred, e.g. InDesign), plus experience in website design (HTML/CSS) and use of online communications technology; Fluent spoken and written English essential; Photography, filming and photo/film editing experience/knowledge preferred; Under-graduate or post-graduate degree in Science Communications preferred; suitable applicants with training in Biology or other relevant topics will also be considered; Experience in tropical field research projects and/or living for extended periods away from home preferred; and Previous experience of working in Indonesia and competence in the Indonesian language preferred.

Salary/funding: GBP 200/month. Local stipend to cover basic food and other minor costs in Palangka Raya.

Support provided for positions: Accommodation in the Research camp in Sabangau and OuTrop Office/House in Palangka Raya, with all associated facilities. One set of international flights up to GBP 700 and one set of domestic flights from Jakarta to Palangka Raya will be reimbursed for each 12 month contract period. All visa-related costs will be covered by the Project Travel insurance up GBP 25/month will be covered by the Project. Candidates will generally be expected to provide a laptop/notebook that can be used for the purposes of this post.

Term of Appointment: 1 year, extendable upon agreement by both parties. Application Deadline: 31st January 2014. References will be received up until 7th February 2014. Interviews are anticipated to occur in mid-February 2014, with an aim for the applicant to start work in the field in May 2014 (visa dependent). Comments: To apply, please prepare (a) a covering letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for the position; (b) two reference letters; (c) an up-to-date CV and (d) an example based on a contemporary environmental news story that illustrates your ability in science communications, including both design and text elements (this can be made up based on a contemporary news

story, if no previous examples are available). These should be sent to OuTrops Managing Director, Dr Mark Harrison (mharrison@outrop.com), with the job title as the subject header. Website:

http://www.outrop.com/ http://www.outrop.blogspot.com/