Lead Communications Officer

Application Deadline: 03/01/2027 Department: Office of the Director-General Section / Project: Communication Section Job Grade: P3/P4 ( SALARY SIMULATOR ) Language Requirements: Fluent in English (written & spoken) Contract Duration: Initial Employment Contract up to five years with possibility for extension The selection process will be conducted with the objective of filling the below vacant position with also the purpose of drawing up a reserve list of rostered candidates for future vacant positions. The reserve list initially remains valid for two years, with the possibility of extension at the Director-General's discretion. Please note that the entry grade of this position begins at P3 and the final grade offered to the selected candidate is subject to the decision of the IO Director General.

Overview

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity at the heart of an ambitious fusion energy project? Join us as a Lead Communications Officer where your goals will include: Leading the planning, delivery and evaluation of communications strategies, campaigns and annual work plans aligned with organizational priorities. Coordinating media relations activities, including management of major media opportunities and sensitive enquiries. Representing ITER with media and external stakeholders and at selected conferences, briefings and institutional engagements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads strategically significant or organization-wide portfolios and complex assignments, developing communications frameworks and programs within the scope of activity.
• Delivers and monitors media relations activities, including proactive engagement with priority media, development of relationships with key journalists, management of major media opportunities and sensitive enquiries, and preparation of senior officials for interviews.
• Provides communications support, including speeches, talking points, briefing materials, media lines, presentations, articles as required.
• Coordinates editorial planning and content governance to promote quality, consistency, accessibility and oversees communications for high-profile initiatives, milestones, issues, events, conferences, and public-engagement activities.
• Oversees the day-to-day delivery of internal communications, coordinating internal communications approaches, channels and content to ensure personnel receive timely, accurate and relevant information on organizational priorities, developments and achievements, in line with the strategic direction established by the Head of Communication.
• Develops clear, accurate and engaging communications plans, including tailored messaging, for major ITER announcements, milestones, institutional initiatives and high-profile issues, coordinating activities across relevant channels and audiences.
• Maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders, Domestic Agencies, Member institutions, international organizations and other priority stakeholders to strengthen coordination and external engagement.
• Applies audience insight, channel analytics, media coverage and stakeholder feedback to identify risks and opportunities, assess effectiveness and improve future communications.
• Represents ITER with media and external stakeholders and at selected conferences, briefings and institutional engagements, and may serve as an ITER spokesperson on matters delegated by the Head of Communication.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contributes to crisis and issues communications, working with the Head of Communication and relevant organizational functions to support timely, accurate and coordinated communications on sensitive matters.
• Manages external service providers and communications deliverables, including briefs, schedules, budgets, quality assurance, and performance monitoring.
• Contributesto the development of communications standards, tools, templates, processes, and coaches colleagues, ensuring cross-functional collaboration.
• Manages assigned communication contracts and related procurement activities as required.

Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the staff member may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above primary responsibilities.

Experience & Competencies

Essential:

• Substantial experience in a strategic communications role, preferably within the public sector.
• Public Communications: Assessment, development and execution of communication and outreach efforts to external audiences, including liaising with and presenting information to a variety of external audiences.
• Strategic Communications Planning: Develops and implements communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Strategic Mindset: Clarifies the Organiza