Job Description
SLYCAN Trust
Terms of Reference
Consultant: Communications Officer
Deadline for application: 21st May 2025
Expected date for entry on duty: As soon as possible, subject to availability of the selected candidate
Duty station: Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Background
SLYCAN Trust is an internationally recognised non-profit think tank working to address climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, animal welfare, and social justice, with a particular focus on gender and youth empowerment. Our work spans national, regional, and global levels, combining policy analysis, evidence-based research, and on-the-ground implementation. For more information, please visit our homepage or the Adaptation & Resilience Knowledge Hub.
Overview
SLYCAN Trust is seeking a dynamic and creative Communications Officer to support the planning and implementation of communications, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement activities. Working closely with the Senior Management, the Communications Officer will be responsible for managing SLYCAN Trust’s social media platforms and affiliated channels, developing and curating content, engaging diverse audiences, and expanding the organisation’s outreach and impact. The role also includes supporting knowledge dissemination, content development, and internal coordination across various projects and programmes.
Key responsibilities
The Communications Officer will support and lead activities including:
- Creating, editing, and publishing multimedia content for SLYCAN Trust’s social media channels, including short videos, posters and other creative materials.
- Managing and coordinating regular updates across all platforms, tracking analytics, and reporting on performance and engagement.
- Compiling and analysing monthly social media reports with actionable recommendations to improve communications strategies.
- Supporting outreach and communication efforts by responding to messages, comments, and queries as well as engaging stakeholders online.
- Coordinating the backend of SLYCAN Trust’s websites, ensuring optimal performance, functionality and accessibility.
- Collaborating with the team members to ensure content and messaging align with the organisation’s brand identity and strategic objectives.
- Staying informed on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in social media and exploring innovative platforms for engagement.
- Leading the design component of outreach materials and knowledge products to strengthen SLYCAN Trust’s visibility.
- Supporting the planning and implementation of events such as consultations, webinars and awareness-raising activities.
- Managing podcast production, editing, and publishing.
- Contributing to other relevant communication and outreach-related tasks as required by SLYCAN Trust and its partners.
Timeframe
The position is expected to begin as soon as possible and continue until December 2025, with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement and satisfactory performance.
Duty station and places of travel
The Communications Officer will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with potential travel within and outside of the country for fieldwork, meetings and participation in relevant events.
Qualifications and requirements
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in communications, media, or a related field with proven skills in digital communication, content creation, and analytics.
- A bachelor’s degree in media, communications, journalism, media law and policy, social sciences or a related field is preferred.
- Strong writing, presentation, and creative communication skills with the ability to effectively engage varied audiences.
- Experience managing websites, including backend functionality, content updates, and optimisation is an added advantage.
- Proficiency in visual content design and familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Knowledge of podcast production including recording, editing, and publishing is an added advantage.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and in team environments.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required; proficiency in Sinhala, Tamil, or other languages are an asset.
Application process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a brief expression of interest outlining their interest and relevant experience, along with a CV that includes the contact details of two unrelated referees, to [email protected].
For further information and clarifications related to the scope and activities of this consultancy, kindly write to Shehan Liyanage via email at [email protected].
