GISF Admin & Projects Assistant

Role Context

GISF is an independent NGO peer support network established in 2006 to provide a platform for global security focal points to share experiences, knowledge and learning. GISF is dedicated to improving the protection of aid workers and operations, to achieve sustainable access to populations in need.

Recognising that NGOs need to develop expertise in security-risk management in order to deliver aid effectively in unpredictable operating environments, GISF’s vision is to continue to grow as a global hub for humanitarian security risk management for NGOs and other stakeholders that impact on security risk management in the humanitarian space.

The forum currently represents over 140 aid agencies operating internationally, its members including development, human rights and humanitarian organisations. Over the past 14 years, GISF has created a centre of excellence that gathers and disseminates good practice in security risk management (SRM) to improve policy and practice. GISF collaborate with a range of experts within and beyond the sector to ensure a coordinated approach and maximise gain for the whole sector. GISF crafts innovative research, hosts original training and events, and maintains a ‘one-stop-shop’ for security risk management in the humanitarian sector through its online hub.

GISF acts as a resource for the humanitarian sector and other stakeholders, including donors, academics and the private sector to improve good practice and build capacity on humanitarian security risk management.

GISF is supported by its membership and is funded by the US and UK governments. The Forum is not a registered organisation, but an independently run entity, hosted by a Member Organisation, – Mines Advisory Group (MAG), from 22 September 2020.

For more information, visit: www.gisf.ngo.

The Job

We are looking for an exceptional Admin & Projects Assistant to join our dynamic and successful GISF team. This is a fantastic opportunity to a join a small but growing NGO, with offices in UK/EU and North America.

This role will support the Research and Communications team with administrative and communications tasks to create effective communications around GISF’s work and research publications. This will include maintaining and updating GISF’s website and social media presence, designing communication materials and supporting in the dissemination of GISF output through various platforms such as research, podcasts and webinars. You will have the opportunity to contribute to identify possible allies for GISF communications and connect with them on specific projects. You will also provide support on different projects related to research and communications to maximise GISF’s impact on the humanitarian SRM sector.

You will come from a strong administration background, be social media savvy and have experience in developing engaging content across various channels. You will be a clear and effective communicator, with strong attention to detail and sound knowledge of Microsoft Office. Overall, you will be a collaborative team player, flexible, determined and keen to help GISF drive positive change in security risk management across the humanitarian sector.

Key Responsibilities

GISF Communications Tools (Social Media & Website):

• Maintain and update GISF social media and website content
• Design original communications materials such as flyers, graphics, newsletters (using Mailerlite and graphic design software (Canva Premium)) to promote GISF research and activities.
• Contribute to GISF’s social media presence by creating and uploading posts (e.g., Twitter and LinkedIn).
• Follow social media and sectorial trends to identify opportunities for engagement.
• Support the ongoing improvement of the GISF website and library, including adding resources to themes, writing news items, developing new sections, finding photographs, and liaising with GISF’s website provider.
• Support the collection of website analytics and the improvement of website functionality and reach.
• Ensure the GISF website is up to date and follows the GISF style guide.
• Support in the dissemination of GISF outputs by communicating with members and other stakeholders (e.g., research, podcasts, webinars) through various platforms.

GISF Communications:

• Contribute to the development of GISF Communication plans (contribute to meetings, find ways to increase GISF’s audience, etc.) and implement plans for specific GISF publications, events, and awareness campaigns (design posts, create allies list, etc.).
• Identify possible allies for GISF communications (including other NGOs, journalists, think tanks, universities, etc.) and connect with them on specific projects (promoting GISF research, collaborating on a joint event, etc.).
• Contribute to interpreting GISF’s communications impact and analytics (collect data on engagement, create surveys, etc.).

Research & Comms Team Support:

• Support the organisation of research and other GISF events (taking notes, drafting forum programmes, managing registration lists, contacting participants, etc.).
• Support the R&C team by looking for and contracting consultants on specific projects (translations of previous guides), following up on invoices, etc.
• Support with database updates like Salesforce – training will be provided.
• Provide general admin support to the team (sending publications to members, etc.).

Learning and Development Opportunities

• Opportunity to feed into and develop original content with guidance from the GISF Research Advisor (through blogs, research, or events).
• Opportunity to learn about the humanitarian sector and GISF projects (their content and processes through project management, MEAL, etc.).
• Opportunity to attend trainings (HEAT, comms training, etc.) and develop your interests in specific areas.
• Opportunity to engage with and meet various stakeholders within GISF’s network (academics, security managers of various international NGOs, etc.).
• Opportunity to attend humanitarian and development sector events (at ODI, Frontline Club, etc.) as well as events and workshops restricted to GISF members.

All HQ staff are expected to undertake the following general duties:

• Work within the framework of GISF and MAG’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.
• Work towards achieving programme and/or department business plan objectives
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all GISF and MAG policies and procedures and keep informed of GISF activities

This is a non-contractual document that can be varied from time to time as circumstances dictate. This job description is intended to summarise the main duties and responsibilities of the post; this is not intended to be a full and exhaustive list of tasks. Staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility and willingness to perform appropriate tasks when the need arises.

Person Specification

Essential Skills/Experience

• Undergraduate degree
• Excellent communication and writing skills, and excellent attention to detail
• Experience in developing communications content appropriate for different channels
• Ability to create visual graphics/designs for communications outputs
• Ability to summarise information and present it through clear and persuasive writing or visual representations
• Confident user of digital technology and tools (particularly in relation to managing websites and social media platforms)
• Independency in work and flexibility to changing priorities
• Willingness to support others and adapt to different tasks
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Strong interest in the humanitarian and development sector
• Ability to collaborate within an inclusive team environment
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Editing experience
• Graphic design skills and video editing/multimedia skills (or motivation to develop them)
• Interest and/or experience in compiling and interpreting communications analytics
• Additional language skills (especially Arabic or Spanish)
• Motivated self-starter and ability to take initiatives
• Experience in developing a communications strategy and identifying target audiences and key messages
• Experience in using Mailerlite for mass email communication
• Experience in managing websites (using WordPress) and SEO skills.

Other Details

• Fixed term contract for 12 months
• Full time – working 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £23,304 (HQ Grade 1)
• Location: London (with flexibility to work from home)
• People management – none