Senior Communications Consultant (m/w/x)

A. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES  

Background Information

In line with the Paris Agreement, countries around the world have set themselves ambitious climate goals. These require significant changes in all sectors of the economy. The transition towards a CO2-neutral future, will require among others enhanced energy efficiency, the ramp-up of renewable energy, electrification whenever possible, and the broad adoption of low emission technologies such as clean hydrogen and its derivatives. H2Global was created to accelerate the emergence of markets for clean hydrogen and other zero and low emission technologies globally through market-based instruments.

H2Global empowers governments to actively shape and support the ramp-up of the international clean hydrogen market through tailored H2Global funding windows that are based on the H2Global mechanism. These funding windows are based on a modular system with the potential for replication and expansion. Each funding body, e.g., a country or a philanthropic institution, designs its own H2Global funding window by defining the financing, H2 product selection, geographical scope, sustainability criteria and other individual requirements. This allows the provider of funds to tailor the funding window to its specific objectives, such as promoting sustainable technologies, diversifying energy partnerships or decarbonizing specific sectors. For the first funding window, the German government is providing funding of 900 million euros for a H2Global double-auction. The German government earmarked an additional 3.53 billion euros for H2Global in 2023. The Netherlands earmarked 300 million euros for a H2Global auction window in 2023. Other EU member states as well as partner countries outside have expressed concrete interest in using H2Global, with expected announcements of new partnerships set for 2024.

The H2Global mechanism is implemented through the H2Global Stiftung, a non-profit foundation established in 2021 and based in Hamburg, Germany. The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the protection of the environment and the climate. Hintco is a subsidiary of the Foundation. In addition to the development and implementation of the H2Global instrument, the Foundation undertakes other activities, such as research on barriers affecting the ramp-up of clean hydrogen and other climate-neutral energy products, and various outreach/donor engagement events. Donors of the H2Global Stiftung are well-known international companies from the private sector, representing the whole clean hydrogen value chain.

H2Global is seeking a top-notch Senior Communications Consultant to develop and implement the communications strategy for H2Global and Hintco and to help position the H2Global narrative and priorities in the competitive and rapidly evolving clean hydrogen space. The consultant will be hired on a Short-Term Consultancy (STC) contract and will work closely with H2Global’s management team.

B. SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES

The Consultant is expected to focus on the following areas:  

Communication strategy planning and implementation

• Develop and implement the H2Global communications strategy to position H2Global as a leader in the clean hydrogen space and support its activities.
• Design and implement communications plans and the production of content for events and identify opportunities and innovative communication dissemination tools that increase stakeholder engagement and impact and produce content that targets H2Global’s key stakeholders and audiences.
• Develop and coordinate event participation plan for H2Global management team in line with targets set in H2Global’s communications strategy.
• Liaise with relevant energy media experts in top tier international publications to enhance H2Global’s exposure.
• Monitor press and social media platforms to identify potential risks/opportunities and measure impact.
• Proactively highlight communications risks and ensure risk mitigation efforts are in place as needed.
• Ensure editorial and design quality of content aimed for public consumption produced by H2Global teams.
• Work closely with key donors/partners’ communications teams to cross-promote, publish, and market relevant content.
• Contribute to the planning, coordination, and executions of events, such as Donors’ Conferences, online webinars, and other conferences.

Communication materials

• Prepare and edit high-profile speeches, talking points, op-eds, and presentations.
• Support teams with storytelling; communications & messaging; writing & editing; media design & development as required, including drafting original content for H2Global website and H2Global’s social media.
• Lead the redesign of the H2Global website for ease of use and for enhanced visibility of the H2Global and Hintco’s brands.
• Maintain the H2Global website with relevant content and ensure the website is consistently up to date.
• Develop social media messages, graphics assets, and online multimedia products.
• Prepare and issue a regular H2Global newsletter.
• Contribute to donor report development by translating updates from H2Global staff into cohesive and compelling narratives for different donors.
• Support H2Global publications and knowledge by advising on messaging and management of production, quality control, and printing as needed.

H2Global branding guidelines and corporate standards

• Lead the development of H2Global multimedia products such as infographics, videos, images in conformance with industry best practices. This will include identification of specialized consultant(s), defining the scope of work, and ensuring quality control of deliverables.
• Ensure implementation of the branding guidelines and standards across all H2Global initiatives.

The Consultant may be required to support other activities on an ad-hoc basis, including support to

the organization and promotion of events, conferences, and webinars.

C. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

Reporting: The Consultant will report to H2Global’s Management team and will work in close coordination with other members of the H2Global team.

The Consultant is expected to work independently on routine tasks and programs with guidance and close collaboration with H2Global’s staff.

D. DURATION

The contract will be based in Hamburg, Germany. On-site presence is not a requirement, though Consultant is expected to be present at a few key events (e.g. the Donors’ Conferences).

The assignment will be for an estimated total of 150 days from March 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.

E. PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant shall have:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in communications at the national or international level.
• Proven experience in planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies and plans.
• An active network of relevant media contacts is a plus.
• Excellent people management skills and experience coordinating and communicating with high level stakeholders (via phone, email and face-to-face).  International donor engagement experience in Europe is a plus.
• Excellent writing skills that can effectively translate complex, technical topics into short, reader friendly content for a diverse range of audiences including media, donors, private sector, and all other relevant stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team; detail oriented, well organized, focused and goal- oriented, with a high level of initiative and energy, as well as problem solving skills.
• Familiarity with HTML, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Drupal, Hootsuite, MailChimp, search engine optimization (SEO), campaign tracking URLs, and Adobe Creative Cloud/Photoshop.
• Excellent command of English is required; working knowledge of other language (preferably German/Spanish language skills are an asset).
• May require 5-10% infrequent travel.
• Availability to start this assignment immediately is essential.  

F. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are asked to submit their CV in English and a supporting letter of motivation along with the names and contact details of two referees.  

Applications should be submitted by e-mail before 16 February 2024 to Andrea Helf at andrea.helf@h2-global.org.  

H2Global is an equal opportunity employer.  

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

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