At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications for the Protect Aid Workers initiative and create compelling stories.
- Company: Join GISF, a dynamic NGO network dedicated to keeping aid workers safe.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, part-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Amplify the voices of aid workers and contribute to vital humanitarian efforts.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, graphic design skills, and a passion for storytelling.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Organisation: Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF)
Part‑time: 18.75 hours per week (0.5 FTE)
Contract duration: Fixed term until 30 June 2026, with strong likelihood of extension
Line managed by: Head of Policy & Engagement
Location: Remote within the UK (with occasional travel as needed)
About GISF and Protect Aid Workers (PAW)
The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member‑led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 150 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe. Protect Aid Workers (PAW) is a multi‑partner mechanism that supports humanitarian personnel who have experienced serious security incidents while carrying out their work. PAW provides financial assistance and access to legal support to aid workers and their families following critical incidents, including detention, serious injury, kidnapping, or death. The mechanism aims to fill gaps in protection and support where organisational or national systems are insufficient. PAW is delivered through a consortium of partners, including GISF, Legal Action Worldwide, and Protect Humanitarians, and funded by the European Commission.
About the role
GISF is seeking a Communications Manager (0.5 FTE) to lead a high‑quality, high‑impact communications programme for the Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative, ensuring strong, consistent, and compelling public‑facing outputs that amplify the programme’s impact and visibility across partner and audiences. The role will be embedded within the PAW programme, while reporting into the GISF Secretariat under the line management of the Head of Policy and Engagement.
Key responsibilities
- Lead on priority PAW communications deliverables, including:
- Human stories and case‑based communications
- Work closely with PAW case managers to identify suitable stories of aid workers who received support from the PAW mechanism following an incident
- Develop and produce compelling written and visual human stories with consideration of sensitivities
- Translate case learnings into accessible comms products
- Develop and maintain PAW graphic templates and visual assets
- Produce partner comms kits, social media assets and visual toolkits
- Ensure consistent branding across all PAW outputs, including materials produced by partners
- Support the events team with communications needs for key programmatic events
- Develop event‑specific comms plans, materials, and live outputs
- Coordinate with PAW partners to align messaging
- Provide additional communications support as needed
Person specifications
- Demonstrable experience leading communications for complex programmes, partnerships, or campaigns
- Experience developing human stories end‑to‑end, from identifying suitable cases to final presentation
- Competence in graphic design tools, particularly InDesign and Canva
- Proven experience producing high‑quality visual materials, including templates, toolkits, or brand assets
- Ability to turn ideas into clear, visually engaging products (infographics, reports, slide decks etc)
- Experience leading communications for events
Attributes
- Strong judgment and sensitivity when handling difficult subject matters
- Ability to build trust with partners and beneficiaries
- Commitment to high‑quality delivery and collaborative working style
How to apply
Application is by submission of a CV and cover letter. This should be sent to recruitment@gisf.ngo. The cover letter should be no more than one page, and explain why you are interested in this post with GISF and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Closing date: 27 February 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
This post is UK‑based. Candidates will need to show evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made.
Communications Manager (0.5 FTE) employer: European Interagency Security Forum
Contact Detail:
European Interagency Security Forum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager (0.5 FTE)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to GISF or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best communications work, especially any human stories or visual materials you've developed. This will help us see your creativity and how you handle sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GISF and the PAW initiative. Understand their mission and values so you can align your answers with what they care about. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager (0.5 FTE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're excited about the Communications Manager role at GISF and how your skills align with what they’re looking for. Keep it concise, ideally no more than one page, and let your passion for the mission come through.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that highlight your ability to lead communications for complex programmes. Mention any relevant projects where you’ve developed human stories or produced high-quality visual materials. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to the table!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and person specifications outlined in the job description. Highlight your experience with graphic design tools like InDesign and Canva, and don’t forget to include any event communications you've managed. Tailoring your CV shows us you’re serious about the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Interagency Security Forum
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) and its Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Since the role involves developing human stories, prepare examples of how you've successfully crafted compelling narratives in the past. Be ready to discuss your process from identifying a story to presenting it effectively, as this will demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Bring Your Visuals
If you have a portfolio of visual materials you've created, bring it along or have it ready to share digitally. This could include templates, infographics, or social media assets. Showing your graphic design skills will give you an edge, especially since the job requires competence in tools like InDesign and Canva.
✨Prepare for Sensitivity Questions
Given the nature of the work, be prepared to discuss how you handle sensitive topics. Think of examples where you've demonstrated strong judgment and sensitivity, particularly when dealing with difficult subject matters. This will highlight your ability to build trust with partners and beneficiaries.