Following the Brexit vote, international trade became one of the government’s top priorities, and has received a huge amount of public and media interest. The UK has a unique opportunity to develop trade policy which helps lead the fight against climate change. However, the government’s proposed trade deals risk undermining climate goals. To date there is no clear strategy to ensure that trade deals are aligned with climate objectives. TJM has developed analysis and policy proposals that could allow this to happen. This role will help us to make the best use of these resources to ensure that they have a high profile in media debates and that civil society organisations are equipped to act on the issues.

About the role

The Senior Communications Adviser’s role is to raise the profile of TJM’s work on trade and climate change:

• Develop a strategy and help TJM to build our reputation for strong expertise and analysis in trade and climate policy.
• Lead TJM’s communications on trade and climate change with civil society, the media and online.
• Convene TJM’s network of partner organisations and develop new relationships so that an increased number of organisations advocate in trade and climate policy in partnership with TJM.
• Support TJM’s influencing work within key civil service departments including Cabinet Office, BEIS, DIT and Defra and with the aim of influencing the UK’s approach to COP26 and beyond.

Working with a small team, you will need both a strong ability to develop innovative approaches in the areas identified, manage your time and work plan and to be proactive in developing networks. This is an exciting opportunity to make a big impact as the UK develops its independent trade policy and hosts COP26.

Role Description

Trade and Climate Communications Strategy

• Develop TJM’s strategy for communications with the media and civil society organisations in this area, taking into account the political and media context and the need to achieve impact with minimal resources.

Development of External and Network Communications

• Lead the delivery of TJM’s communications with the media and civil society organisations on trade and climate change, including identifying key audiences and tailoring messaging to them.
• Build TJM’s media profile and networks, including through regular press releases, developing opportunities to place opinion pieces, and increasing TJM’s social media presence.
• Establish effective, regular communications with member and partner organisations.
• Maintain TJM’s web content on this issue.

Convening Civil Society Organisations

• Provide opportunities for civil society organisations to collaborate and advocate in this area, including through regular meetings, joint letters, and engagement with civil service departments.
• Organise a number of seminars and briefing meetings for TJM members to build civil society capacity on trade and climate change.
• Work with the Senior Adviser to engage with existing climate change forums.

Institutional Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with key UK civil service departments including Cabinet Office, BEIS, DIT and Defra.
• Where appropriate, identify and engage with other international institutions, this might include the WTO, the UN or the OECD.
• Work with other team members to respond to opportunities to engage including consultation responses, meetings and online forums.
• Track preparations for COP26 and highlight opportunities to influence the process, as well as the UK’s broader trade and climate policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Establish and maintain good monitoring systems against project aims.