About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In conflict, in disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps Europe (MCE) has grown rapidly in terms of volume of activity and complexity. With offices in Edinburgh, London and Geneva, we now attract over £90m in income, and employ around 100 domestic and expatriate field team members. The breadth and impact of our programmes makes Mercy Corps a unique and truly rewarding place to work. Our teams are proud of what we achieve in the field and we are always looking for talented individuals who share our passion and commitment.

The Role
The Head of Media and Communications is the strategic lead for all Mercy Corps Europe external media, communications, digital and brand marketing and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  The Head of Media and Comms is required to deliver and implement strategy and communications plans for Mercy Corps Europe that inform and excite the general public, media, donors and potential donors about the work of Mercy Corps, our vision, and the opportunities to engage with us.

The Head of Media and Communications works in partnership with the global organisation to align on global objectives to drive income, influence and impact.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Co-responsibility for delivery of strategic objectives as part of the three-year European Strategy and associated reporting to Executive Director, Executive Team (ET) and Boards.

• Lead the European Media and Communications strategy to inform and excite a varied external audience about the work of Mercy Corps, reinforcing and aligning with Mercy Corps culture and Global HQ.
• Deliver high standard, targeted media relations and build strategic relationships with key global media outlets to drive coverage and awareness about Mercy Corps’ work.
• Sit on the European Senior Leadership Team and responsible for advising all department heads on media and communication strategy – opportunities and risks, and amplification/mitigation strategies.
• Partner with Programmes, Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy and the Executive teams to support joint and integrated influence and income objectives.
• Actively contribute to Mercy Corps global media strategy and provide advice and direction to global team on European media, and training to Mercy Corps team members
• Act as Global Media Lead, when appropriate, and take responsibility for becoming a subject matter expert in the assigned topic area, drafting talking points, pitching stories and keeping key stakeholders informed.
• Oversee all European communications (for print, digital and broadcast media) as well as manage European HQ input into global assets and other global initiatives as they occur.
• Oversee Mercy Corps Europe’s digital communications strategy in coordination with global digital marketing, communications and fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with colleagues in Global HQ on global brand strategy development and implementation.
• Stay current on best practices in media and communications strategies and innovations across industries.
• Identify and retain new partnerships for strategic communications and brand awareness in furtherance of overall European Strategy objectives and the Scotland Strategy.
• Manage the activities of the Media and Communications Officer and Digital Communications Officer.

Other Responsibilities
To actively consider our stakeholders and beneficiaries in all areas of practice and to implement MCS and Institute of Fundraising best practice guidelines and policy.

• To observe all health and safety requirements.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: Media & Communications Officer, Senior Digital Communications Officer

Accountability:
Reports directly to: Executive Director, Europe

Works directly with: ESLT in Europe, Fundraising team, Policy and Advocacy team, Field teams globally, Global Director of Communications, Managing Director, Communications; Managing Director, Digital Marketing; Managing Director, Brand Marketing; Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Knowledge and Experience
Established track record of generating positive media coverage in European outlets; relationships with media in or reporting for these markets.

• Proven experience as an effective on-the-record spokesperson with print, broadcast and online media.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills a must; ability to “translate” technical language into compelling stories needed.
• Experience in international development or knowledge of development issues preferred.

Success Factors
Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing environment

• Strategic thinker who is able to ensure systems are in place to support growth and change within the organization
• Inquisitive and questioning mind in pursuit of increased efficiencies to contribute to organizations impact
• Demonstrated strong team leadership skills and commitment to individual development
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to “inclusiveness” and consensus-building

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Edinburgh or in London and may involve occasional national and international travel.

MCE team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a short term assignment or trip to country offices. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all Mercy Corps locations.

Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.