THE NEED:
Video has changed the game for communities and activists around the world. With smartphones, anyone can become a human rights defender and expose injustice, making it harder for perpetrators to hide. But using video for justice can be dangerous – videos can put activists (or those they film) at risk, can be used against activists in court, or discredited when it matters most. WITNESS has spent the last 29 years working with partners around the world to develop the field we call video-for-change. We’ve turned all we learned into step-by-step resources designed to help movements, activists and communities use video more safely, ethically and effectively. All our materials are free and available on our online library in several languages. But our small team of 30 people can’t be everywhere our resources are needed, and this is where the Programmatic Communications team comes in.
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THE TEAM:
This position reports to the WITNESS Senior Program Manager – Brazil/Latin America and works closely with the Global Digital Engagement Manager and with a globally distributed social media team in four other regions. The Brazil/LAC Sr Program Manager is based in Rio de Janeiro and provides direct support to activists, communities and networks using video for human rights documentation, advocacy and evidence. The Global Programmatic Comms Engagement team is based around the world, currently in Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Middle East and the United States. These online strategists are passionate about human rights and determined to use their social media and organizing superpowers to make sure WITNESS’ materials reach activists in critical moments like direct actions, protests and conflicts. This team co-develops, implements and monitors online outreach strategies designed to engage activists, mediamakers, cultural influencers and movements.
THE ROLE:
This role is designed to support our work in Brazil, expand the access and use of our training materials and amplify WITNESS’ work in the region. If you’re a social media whiz that speaks Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Giphy natively, is known for making things catch fire online, and enjoys creating meme-y graphics and posts, let’s talk! Passion, experience with activism (particularly online), creativity, humor and digital-native communication skills are a must. The Brazil-LAC Programmatic Communications Coordinator will also work to develop and maintain quality relationships with activists, movements and media contacts in the region, as well as employ creative approaches to boost engagement with the activities of WITNESS in Latin America both online and offline.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communications |Social Media Engagement
- Develop and implement effective communication strategies that amplify WITNESS activities and resources for use and uptake across the region.
- Support strategies to reach advocates and citizen witnesses, which will involve one or a combination of activities: responsive training or skills sharing online and offline; resource provision; tools distribution; materials distribution and other forms of engagement.
- In close collaboration with the LAC Program Lead and the Global Engagement team, develop and implement WITNESS Brasil’s social media strategy, including plans that leverage social media outlets in encouraging and supporting key organizations, advocates and citizen witnesses to adopt video in their efforts to expose & document human rights violations and promote change.
- Manage the day-to-day handling of all WITNESS LAC social media channels adapting content to suit different platforms.
- Monitor, track, analyse and report on performance on social media platforms.
- Create media opportunities to share WITNESS Brasil’s work on promoting the use of video to expose human rights violations and foster change throughout the region.
- Research and evaluate the latest trends from movements we work with, and other human rights and activist groups in the region.
- In close collaboration with the Brazil-LAC Program lead, coordinate rapid surge responses to share WITNESS guidance in key moments of need/opportunity i.e. mass protests, elections, viral videos relating to human rights, etc.
- Ensure that both internal and external communications uphold WITNESS’ values and adhere to organizational standards and requirements.
- Collaborate with the Global Engagement team and with social media leads in the other regions where WITNESS operates on cross-regional or thematic advocacy, solidarity and resource-sharing campaigns.
- Respond to communication-related issues in a timely manner.
Learning & Sharing in Brazil and Latin America
- Share knowledge from the region on innovative uses of video to document human rights violations and advocacy
- Connect with and form key relationships with influencers across the social media platforms.
- Share best practices that can help improve the use of communication and information materials across the region.
- Forecast and recommend situations in the region where WITNESS should be engaged and where responsive intervention is needed.
- Provide guidance online and via social media to targeted networks and issue areas.
Other relationships: WITNESS’ Global Digital Engagement Manager and regional communications coordinators.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Education: 3-5 years of related experience, including track record of savviness, creativity and effectiveness using social media to connect people and campaigns to advance human rights and social justice.
Activism/Human Rights: Background in (or passion for) human rights; understands networks, grassroots organizing and how activists mobilize online. Appreciates nuance, has experience with political sensitivities and security precautions needed to do this work ethically online. Committed to social justice and WITNESS’ values/mission.
Video**:** Exposure to human rights video, new media and film being used in documentation and/or advocacy contexts. Deep interest and understanding in how video impact human rights change
- Strong digital communication skills, including creating visual messages and writing/editing for the web.
- Proficient in the use of social media. Understands how language needs to change different platforms.
Systems
- Strong data analysis skills; able to monitor and test hypotheses on patterns and correlations on different social media platforms.
- Advanced proficiency w/Google worksuite as Gdocs, sheets, forms are heavily used across WITNESS.
Work Style
- Ability to multitask and work well under pressure.
- Team-minded. A doer. Is organized and follows through. Believes in the importance of long-term movement-building, knows human rights work takes time.
Preference for candidates based in Brazil and able to work remotely. Working knowledge of English required.
How to apply
To apply, send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to braziljobs@witness.org with the subject line “Programmatic Communications Coordinator- Brazil” [Your name]”.
Please include a cover letter. We are interested in hearing about what you’ve done, what you can do, and what you want to do at WITNESS.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that due to the volume anticipated, we will not be able to respond individually to each applicant. We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate applications via mail or email, and no phone calls.
WITNESS is an equal opportunity employer. People of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, genders, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and individuals protected by any other statuses under federal, state or local laws, including but not limited to, disability, marital, domestic partnership, familial, caregiver, transgender, military or veteran statuses, are encouraged to apply. Authorization to work in the U.S. is not required.
Thank you.
