Communications Officer

Communications Officer (80-100%)

Your Mission

Are you a scientist or an engineer with a flair for communication, interested in learning about global challenges, and enjoy explaining science to non-experts? At the Food Packaging Forum, you will communicate the latest science on food contact materials and chemicals to key decision-makers, with the aim of protecting global environmental and human health. You will be in a position to create scalable impact as part of our small intercultural and interdisciplinary team by developing clear and engaging communications across multiple projects. This is an entry-level position that offers a unique opportunity to apply and further develop your professional skills for the public good.

Your Experience and Skills

• Educational background in natural science or engineering (completed degree at MSc level)
• C2 level English in writing, reading, and speaking (a native English speaker is preferred)
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional colleagues and stakeholders
• Proactive and independent task management
• An agile problem solver and fast learner who is purpose-driven and a strong team player
• Previous project experience (or a strong interest) in chemical risk assessment, environmental protection, human health, or prevention of chronic diseases
• Keen motivation to lean in and contribute to the common good of society as well as to the conservation of planetary health

Our Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience working within project work packages and/or managing projects
• Experience with or an affinity for marketing, relationship building, and networking
• Digitally savvy and enjoys working with web tools and social media platforms such as WordPress, Canva, LinkedIn, Google Suite, and Office 365 applications
• An eye for visual design
• Likes developing ways to better communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Is adaptable and able to prioritize and manage time under pressure
• Enjoys reading, writing, and speaking about scientific topics – even within new fields
• Has strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and negotiation skills
• Conversational skills in another language(s)

Your Responsibilities

• Research scientific and policy developments globally across the field
• Develop short, fact-based news articles to keep our stakeholders informed
• Support the development and implementation of communication strategies for projects including the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard
• Layout and draft regular newsletters
• Maintain an overview of relevant global policy consultations
• Lead the updating and maintenance of our Brand and Retailer Initiatives Database (BRID)
• Support the development of content for digital training platforms
• Support the development of digital communications including press releases, social media posts, and updating project websites and events calendars
• Support the planning of webinars, live trainings, and in-person events including FPF workshops and consortium meetings for partner projects
• Contribute to other ongoing FPF activities and scientific/outreach projects as needed
• As we are a multifaceted organization, additional tasks can be agreed upon depending on the candidate’s skills and further interests.

Why the Food Packaging Forum?

The Food Packaging Forum (FPF) is a charitable (not-for-profit) organization based in Zurich, Switzerland. Our work enables global actors to make robust, informed decisions by applying the latest science on hazardous chemicals in food contact materials and on the environmental impacts of food packaging. Through our independent, balanced, and science-based publications and tools, we contribute to protecting human and environmental health. We communicate interdisciplinary science, transdisciplinary information, and the knowledge context to make data actionable for professional stakeholders. As an employee, your benefits include:

• A modern office space well connected to public transport in central Zurich
• 5 weeks paid vacation per year plus public holidays
• A competitive salary
• Retirement contributions and social insurance exceeding the standards set by Swiss law
• Being a part of a supportive, actively engaged, and high-achieving team
• A job with purpose: Our work has a global impact and contributes to protecting public and environmental health while working with highly respected, multi-stakeholder expert project partners from around the world.

Interested in this unique opportunity?

Please note that this role:

• Requires you to already have permission to work in Switzerland (e.g. a Swiss residence permit (Permit B/C/Ci/G/S) or EU/Swiss citizenship). Applicants without permission to work in Switzerland will not be considered.
• Requires regular in-person presence at our Zurich office.

To apply, please submit a letter of motivation and your resume/CV (pdf format) here via the Idealist platform by November 20, 2024.