Regional Communications Manager

Proforest is a mission-driven organisation with a 25+ year track record of supporting the transition to sustainable production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities. We are a not-for-profit group with a global presence across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia, and work with governments, the private sector and civil society to deliver positive outcomes for people, nature and climate in the places agricultural commodities are produced. 

Job summary:

The Regional Communications Lead is a strategic leadership role responsible for setting the direction of communications and knowledge management across the Europe region. It will lead the evolution of our communications work to integrate AI and data, and link external communications to internal knowledge management in real time. The role will work closely with technical team leads, setting priorities for communications activities across designated areas while supporting the senior management team in driving the overall communications and knowledge management agenda.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Strategy, Leadership, and Organisational Change

• Provide strategic leadership through organisational change, particularly to the use of AI
• Work with the senior management team to support Proforest's strategic thinking on how to position ourselves in Europe, and how to operate in a changing sector, particularly around rapid technological change, shifting stakeholder priorities and evolving sustainability agendas
• Contribute regional insight and expertise to the development of Proforest's global comms strategy, initiatives and framework, ensuring Europe's priorities and context are reflected
• Translate the global comms strategy into the regional context by leading, with the senior management team, the development and implementation of the Proforest Europe communications strategy, based on the regional business and impact plan and aligned to our global strategy for 2025–2030
• Develop and oversee delivery of the regional Europe comms plan in line with global comms guidelines, brand standards and agreed framework 
• Actively participate in global comms planning, cross-regional projects and deliver shared priorities

Data Visualisation, Information Design & Emerging Technologies

• Lead the development and application of data visualisation and information design standards and approaches across Proforest Europe
• Oversee the creation of infographics, diagrams, dashboards and other visual communications materials
• Build technical capability within the organisation in data visualisation and information design through mentoring, training and shared tools
• Develop organisational guidance on responsible and strategic use of AI in knowledge work, communications and training, and proactively address risks and opportunities

Knowledge Management & Organisational Learning

• Develop with the senior management team, and then lead, the implementation of Proforest Europe's knowledge management strategy, identifying and consolidating organisational learning, case studies, tools and insights
• Oversee the creation and management of knowledge products (case studies, how-to guides, methodology documentation, research summaries) that can be used internally and shared with partners and clients

Capacity Building & Training

• Work with the Training team to develop communication training and capacity building programmes to build communication skills in the Technical teams
• Identify emerging capacity needs within the organisation and recommend training interventions

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a team of professionals - providing structured supervision, developmental feedback and opportunities for professional growth
• Ability to help the team to adapt to change rapidly

• Foster a collaborative, learning culture within the team and across the organisation
• Identify and address gaps in team capacity and capabilities

This role requires strong leadership and strategic thinking, combined with a good understanding of the role of data and AI in communications and proven expertise in knowledge management, training design, and capacity building. The successful candidate will be able to:

• Translate complex technical knowledge into accessible formats for diverse audiences
• Think strategically about organisational learning while remaining hands-on in delivery
• Lead and develop team members, providing clear direction and developmental support
• Manage ambiguity and complexity across multiple workstreams and priorities
• Work across cultures, engaging with Proforest's multi-national team and diverse partner organisations
• Demonstrate sound judgment in identifying what knowledge should be captured, how it should be packaged, and how it can be scaled

Essential:

Minimum 10 years of professional experience in knowledge management, training design, communications, or related capacity development work

Evidence of developing and implementing learning and knowledge management strategies

Proven track record of managing teams and mentoring staff

Understanding and confidence in the best use of AI for communications and how to ensure Proforest communications is effective in an AI-driven context

Familiarity with data visualisation concepts and tools, experience in designing or managing information and data products

Excellent written English and strong oral communication and presentation skills

Highly organised, detail-oriented, and process-focused

Proactive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working in evolving and ambiguous environments

Values-driven and motivated by Proforest’s mission to support responsible sourcing and sustainable production

Desirable:

Understanding of sustainability issues, ideally in agricultural commodity production, responsible sourcing, land rights or related areas

Experience in training and capacity building for not-for-profit organisations or mission-driven sectors

Proficiency in another Proforest working language (Portuguese, Spanish, French)

Degree or higher degree in Communications or other relevant topic

Why should you work for us?  

You’ll be part of a global organisation with a shared vision, working in offices across 8 countries with staff from more than 17 countries, speaking more than 40 languages.  

What else does Proforest offer?  

• 25 days plus public holidays (with an extra 2 days the following year should you take your well-earned holiday within the year)  

• We contribute to your pension (up to 8%)  

• We support learning and development with a dedicated team to help you achieve your goals; we provide access to training for knowledge and competency development  

• Life insurance and income protection insurance  

• We organize regular in-person team gatherings, regional and international knowledge exchanges and social events.  

Key information  

• Location: Oxford, UK

• Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 depending on skills and experience. per annum depending on skills and experience.   

• Closing date: 19th October

• Working hours: Full time (part time with a minimum of 0.8 FTE will be considered)

• Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis. The role requires office attendance twice a week. We encourage staff to attend the office regularly to maximise interactions with colleagues and encourage collaboration, but we also appreciate individual circumstances and preferences. We’d expect more office attendance at the start of employment to enable a smooth induction.  

We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.