Senior Communications Officer

Coordinates with: Multimedia Artist and other communications personnel, technical staff and specialists, Country Director, program managers, WCS regional and global communications teams, as appropriate.

Expected travel : Regular travel to WCS Philippines project sites, as required

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Officer supports the development and implementation of communications strategies that advance WCS Philippines’ conservation mission and priorities. The position translates scientific findings, policy developments, and program achievements into accessible and engaging content across digital platforms, traditional media, and public engagement activities. It supports Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiatives through the development of audience-appropriate materials, capacity-building for colleagues and partners, and activities that promote conservation awareness, participation, and stewardship. The position also helps ensure that communications and CEPA activities are culturally sensitive, inclusive, rights-based, and consistent with WCS safeguards, including the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, community consent, privacy, and the appropriate use of traditional knowledge and community images. Working closely with program teams, partners, and stakeholders, the officer promotes consistent messaging and strengthens the visibility, public engagement, and advocacy impact of WCS Philippines’ conservation work.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communications and Content Development

• Support the implementation and monitoring of the WCS Philippines communications strategy and workplan, aligned with program priorities, organizational messaging, and donor requirements.
• Translate scientific findings, conservation results, and policy developments into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Develop, write, edit, and coordinate the publication of content for websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, feature stories, and other communication channels.
• Develop communication briefs, press releases, key messages, storylines, and content requirements to guide multimedia production and conservation campaigns.
• Support the preparation, writing, and editing of technical reports, donor reports, policy briefs, presentations, proposals, and other program documents in coordination with relevant technical teams, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with WCS communication standards.

1. Communications Coordination and Brand Management

• Coordinate communications activities across WCS Philippines programs to ensure consistent messaging and visibility of conservation priorities and results.
• Coordinate with the Multimedia Artist, technical teams, partners, and external service providers to ensure communications outputs meet content requirements, audience needs, branding and donor visibility standards, and relevant safeguarding, consent, and inclusion requirements.
• Maintain and update WCS Philippines’ website, digital platforms, media assets, and communications archive.
• Develop and maintain communications templates, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to improve the quality and consistency of communications outputs.
• Identify appropriate platforms and opportunities to disseminate science and policy messages to local, national, regional, and global audiences.

1. Stakeholder Engagement, Events, and CEPA

• Develop Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) approaches and materials tailored to local communities, Indigenous Peoples, government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Design and facilitate communications learning and capacity-building for WCS colleagues and partners, including conservation storytelling, content development, and CEPA approaches.
• Coordinate communications support for workshops, conferences, public engagement activities, advocacy campaigns, and field-based outreach, ensuring inclusive participation and compliance with relevant safeguarding requirements.
• Document program activities, community initiatives, and conservation outcomes through interviews, written stories, and coordination of photography and videography, ensuring appropriate consent, privacy, and respectful representation.
• Support media engagement and identify opportunities to increase public awareness of WCS Philippines’ conservation work.

1. Communications Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor the reach and effectiveness of communications outputs using digital analytics, media monitoring, and audience feedback.
• Prepare periodic communications reports and recommend improvements to content, channels, and audience engagement.
• Contribute communications materials, program highlights, and visibility documentation to donor reports, proposals, and organizational reporting requirements.

1. Administrative and Operational Support

• Prepare activity plans, budgets, and reports for communications-related activities.
• Coordinate procurement of CEPA materials, communications services, and other related requirements in accordance with WCS procedures.
• Ensure the proper use, care, and maintenance of communications equipment.
• Undertake field activities and process cash advances, expenses, and liquidations in accordance with organizational policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Environmental or Development Communication, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in communications, writing and editing, public engagement, or related fields, preferably in conservation, environmental management, or development.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific and technical information into clear, accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Experience in digital communications, social media management, website content management, and editorial content development.
• Experience in report writing and editing, including technical reports, donor reports, policy briefs, or similar documents.
• Experience developing and facilitating training or capacity-building activities on communications, storytelling, or CEPA for colleagues, partners, or other stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Filipino and Bisaya is an advantage.
• Strong coordination, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Candidates from Indigenous Peoples and local communities in WCS Philippines’ priority project areas (i.e. Siquijor, Tawi-Tawi, and Negros Island) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Willingness to travel to field sites as required.

Pay: Php45,000.00 - Php50,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Pay raise

Application Question(s):

• Briefly describe an instance where you had to translate complex scientific data, technical reports, or conservation findings into highly engaging public content. What platform did you use, and who was your target audience?

Experience:

• environmental, science, or development communications: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person