At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global communications strategy and amplify Proforest's sustainability impact.
- Company: Join Proforest, a mission-driven organisation focused on positive environmental and social outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for international collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Shape communications for a globally recognised sustainability leader and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75050 - 75050 £ per year.
We're seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to shape and deliver Proforest's global communications vision. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with extensive communications, marketing or knowledge management experience to strengthen Proforest's global brand, amplify our thought leadership, and lead a geographically dispersed communications network across multiple regions.
Who Are We? Proforest is a mission-driven organisation that provides a consultancy service working throughout agricultural supply chains supporting the production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for People, Nature and Climate. These cover issues such as protecting and restoring forests and natural ecosystems, respecting worker’s rights, advancing gender equality, and engaging with communities and indigenous people.
What Will You Do? The Global Communications Lead sets the strategic direction for Proforest’s communications, strengthens its global brand and narrative, and coordinates a geographically dispersed team to deliver both global and regional priorities. Drawing on Proforest’s 25 years of sustainability experience, the role translates complex knowledge into clear, engaging and practical communications for clients, partners and other stakeholders. Working across five autonomous regions, the post balances a coherent global approach with regional flexibility, combining strategic leadership, excellent project management skills and hands‑on delivery. The successful candidate will build strong relationships, bring people together and foster collaboration across regions. They also understand how AI is changing the way people access information and create knowledge and are able to support the evolution of Proforest’s communications approach to adapt to these changes.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Strategy, Brand and Governance: Lead the global communications strategy, aligned with Proforest’s 2025–2030 organisational strategy and regional plans in order to strengthen reputation, extend the reach and influence of our technical knowledge, and increase internal alignment and engagement around key messages. Steward Proforest’s brand, narrative and messaging, providing a coherent global framework that regions can adapt to their contexts, ensuring a competitive positioning as trusted technical partner. Harness and promote Proforest’s thought leadership. Advise the Global Executive Board on communications priorities, performance and risks, and maintain the guidance, processes and tools needed for consistent delivery.
- Planning, channels and reputation: Manage the global editorial calendar and coordinate major campaigns and events with regional teams and the Global Executive Board. Oversee global digital channels, media relations, and internal communications in collaboration with relevant teams. Set performance indicators, review results and adapt plans to improve communications impact.
- Knowledge, content and capability: Work with technical and leadership teams to translate complex knowledge into clear, accessible content and high-quality knowledge products. Set standards for information design and oversee the production of visual and data‑based communications materials. Build communications capability across Proforest through mentoring, training and shared tools, working with the Training team where appropriate.
- Team leadership and regional coordination: Coordinate and mentor the global communications team, whose members report to Regional Directors with dotted‑line accountability to this role. Chair the monthly Communications Working Group to align priorities, coordinate delivery and share learning across regions. Help regional comms and technical teams use communications strategically, while respecting regional ownership and addressing capability gaps.
About You
You'll be a strategic communications professional with strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and project management skills. You will be experienced in developing and delivering communications strategies within complex international organisations and be confident translating technical and sustainability‑related topics into clear, engaging and impactful communications. You'll enjoy working across cultures, building strong relationships and helping teams collaborate effectively to achieve shared goals.
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in communications, marketing or knowledge management *Essential
- Evidence of working/living in multiple cultural backgrounds and ability to connect with culturally diverse teams and audiences *Essential
- Proven track record managing teams and mentoring staff *Essential
- Evidence of managing change *Essential
- Track record of complex project management *Essential
- Evidence of developing and implementing learning and knowledge management strategies *Desirable
- Team and line management experience with proven ability to motivate and drive performance
Technical:
- Understanding of sustainability issues, ideally in food systems, land use, forestry and agricultural commodity production, responsible sourcing, land rights or related areas. *Desirable
- Experience in training and capacity building for not-for-profit organisations or mission‑driven sectors *Desirable
- Demonstrated strong project management skills *Essential
- Understanding of deep societal changes with the advent of AI, affecting how we work, communicate and engage with internal and external audiences *Essential
- Familiarity with data visualisation concepts and tools, experience in designing or managing information and data products *Desirable
- Excellent written English and strong oral communication and presentation skills *Essential
- Proficiency in at least one other Proforest working language (Portuguese, Spanish, French, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia) *Essential
Qualifications Key Attributes & Qualifications:
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and process‑focused *Essential
- Collaborative, team‑leader and team‑player *Essential
- Proactive, solutions‑oriented, and comfortable working in evolving and ambiguous environments *Essential
- Active listening, building trust, negotiation and consensus‑building *Essential
- Values‑driven and motivated by Proforest's mission to create positive outcomes for People, Nature and Climate through responsible production and sourcing practices. *Essential
- Degree or higher degree in Communications or another relevant topic *Essential
Additional Information
This is an opportunity to shape and lead communications for a globally recognised sustainability organisation at a pivotal stage of its growth and development. As Global Communications Lead, you will play a key role in strengthening Proforest's global brand, amplifying its thought leadership, and increasing the visibility and impact of its work across People, Nature and Climate. Working closely with senior leaders and expert colleagues across five regions, you will influence how Proforest communicates with clients, partners and wider stakeholders around the world. You will have the opportunity to lead a global communications network, drive strategic communications initiatives, and help ensure that Proforest's knowledge, expertise and insights reach the audiences where they can create the greatest impact. The role offers significant scope to shape communications strategy, foster cross‑regional collaboration, and contribute to the continued evolution of a purpose‑driven international organisation.
Why Should You Work for Us?
You will play a key role in shaping how Proforest communicates its impact, expertise and thought leadership across the sustainability sector, helping to influence positive change for People, Nature and Climate.
What Else Does Proforest Offer?
- Competitive local salary and benefits package based on country of employment.
- Generous annual leave entitlement in line with local market practices and statutory requirements.
- A strong commitment to learning and development, including access to training, coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
- Opportunities to collaborate internationally through regional meetings, global projects, knowledge exchanges and team events.
- A supportive, values‑led culture focused on collaboration, inclusion and continuous learning.
Key Information
Location: Oxford (UK), Leiden (Netherlands), Jakarta (Indonesia) or Cali (Colombia). This role works across multiple international time zones and therefore requires flexibility to participate in occasional meetings outside standard local working hours.
Salary: Proforest is committed to pay transparency and equitable reward practices. Salary will be determined based on the successful candidate's location and aligned with Proforest's global reward framework and local market conditions. For applicants based in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the salary ranges for this position are: United Kingdom: £62,550 - £75,050 per annum Netherlands: € 70,880 - 85,036 per annum. For candidates employed in other locations, including Indonesia and Colombia, salary and benefits will be aligned with local market benchmarks and Proforest's job grading framework. In addition to salary, Proforest offers a competitive benefits package, which varies by country of employment.
Working hours: Full time
We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.
Global Communications Lead in Oxford employer: Proforest
Proforest is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices while working in a diverse and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development resources, alongside competitive benefits such as generous holiday allowances and pension contributions. Located in Oxford, UK, our hybrid working model fosters collaboration and flexibility, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about making a positive impact on the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Communications Lead in Oxford
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Proforest and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Proforest are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Proforest on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Proforest. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Communications Lead in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Proforest. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Proforest:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Proforest’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proforest
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Proforest will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Proforest, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
