Do you want to contribute to enhancing the visibility and impact of peace research through strategic communication and leadership? Are you interested in research communication and skilled in public outreach? PRIO invites applications for the position of Communication Director.
PRIO conducts research on topics that are on the very top of the global political agenda, including peacebuilding, conflict prevention, non-violence, security, sustainable development, migration, gender, climate change, and humanitarian assistance. To ensure the impact of our research, it is vital that we effectively communicate our findings to a range of relevant audiences.
As our Communication Director, you will play a key role in formulating the Institute’s communication strategy and lead the operational work on PRIO’s diverse research communication activities. The successful candidate will head PRIO’s Communication Department, managing a strong team of communications staff. The Communication Director will also form part of the PRIO Leader Team, a group committed to overseeing the strategic direction of the Institute.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Assume overall responsibility for PRIO’s public-facing communication and branding
- Lead the Communication Department team, consisting of four people
- Provide strategic insights on research communication as part of the PRIO Leader Team
- Provide communication support and advice to the PRIO Director, including providing media guidance in relation to the annual Nobel Peace Prize Shortlist and during the Oslo Peace Days
- Further develop and implement PRIO’s communication strategy
- Ensure the professional communication of PRIO’s organization, activities and history
- Have the overall responsibility for PRIO’s main communication channels, including PRIO’s website, blog series, podcast, policy briefs and reports
- Provide support and advice to staff in matters related to communications, including national and international media, PR and branding
- Provide support and advice to staff in the planning and hosting of public seminars, events and conferences
- Organize large-scale events, such as the high-profile PRIO Annual Peace Address, PRIO events during the Oslo Peace Days, and the UN High-Level Seminar on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Strategies
- Ensure efficiency and quality in internal communication policies, practices, and channels
- Handle PRIO’s internal and external crisis communication.
About you
We seek a dynamic leader with a solid background in communications, relevant higher education, and a minimum of 10 years’ experience from strategic and operative communications work. We believe that you have a holistic perspective on communication, strong digital understanding, and experience in managing digital communication platforms. You seek the opportunities of building visibility, but are also able to balance different perspectives when developing communication.
Well-developed people skills and the ability to build relationships and maintain networks are essential for the position. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Norwegian are required. Finally, the candidate is expected to possess an interest for PRIO’s research activities.
About us
The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is an independent, international and interdisciplinary research institute conducting research for a more peaceful world. PRIO is the largest social science research institute in Norway, with more than 100 full-time positions. We are a truly international research environment: over 40% of our staff are international, representing more than 25 nationalities. English is our working language. PRIO is recognized worldwide for its cutting-edge research, bringing together a number of disciplines. We have a thriving and dynamic work environment, and have been growing significantly in size in recent years.
In addition to conducting research, PRIO runs a research school for PhD students and we own and run two internationally leading journals. We are also engaged in the promotion of peace through the training of mediators and through dialogue and reconciliation activities. We contribute to major public debates and engage with international organizations like the UN and the Word Bank, and with Norwegian and international policymakers. We aim to make our research available beyond the academic community to a diverse and expanding audience. There has hardly been a more important time for our mission than now.
What we can offer
- The opportunity to work at a world-leading peace research institute
- Positive and committed colleagues with high professional competence
- Attractive premises in central Oslo
- An exceptionally good work environment according to our recent work environment surveys
- Salary according to qualifications
- Group life insurance and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
How to apply and further information
Applications should be written in English and include:
- A letter of application, detailing motivation, competence and past experience, addressing the expected qualifications listed above
- A curriculum vitae
- Transcripts of academic degrees.
Applications must be submitted by way of an online form, no later than 22 April 2022.
For further information about the position, please contact Director Henrik Urdal (urdal@prio.org), tel. +47 920 47 841.
For questions about the recruitment process or the submission of your application, please contact Institute Adviser Cathrine Bye (cathrine@prio.org), tel. +47 22 54 77 15.
PRIO is an equal opportunity employer and values staff diversity. For more information on our HR and recruitment approach, please consult our Recruitment Principles and our careers page.
