Communications Associate – Communications and Events, World Cocoa Foundation, The Netherlands

Join the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) as a Communications Associate – Communications and Events Specialist and play a critical role in further establishing WCF as a coherent and credible voice in the cocoa sustainability debate. As a key supporting member of their Corporate Affairs team, you’ll help manage and deliver their yearly Partnership Meeting and other impactful events, both online and offline, while leveraging your creative communication skills to engage their members. The ideal candidate is a service-oriented professional with a passion for operational excellence, collaboration and member interaction.

The Corporate Affairs team is at the forefront of shaping WCF’s public image and reputation. They amplify the organisation’s visibility and convening nature to promote collaboration amongst their members and beyond to strengthen the sustainability of the cocoa sector. Providing a wide range of communications services from media relations to stakeholder outreach and event promotion, they ensure that every piece of content aligns with WCF’s strategic goals and brand identity, reinforcing their position as a leader in the cocoa and chocolate industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead & Coordinate Events

• Plan and execute high-impact events, including the annual Partnership Meeting, conferences, workshops, webinars and member meetings. Develop and manage event budgets.
• Serve as an advisor to internal and external contributors on events, webinars and digital platforms/communities. Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers for events and digital platforms.
• Oversee all aspects of event management for the Annual Partnership Meeting, from venue selection to technology requirements.

Create and Distribute

• Lead the creation and distribution of email campaigns, including newsletters, event invitations and announcements. Support social media as needed.
• Manage digital presence, keeping the WCF website and membership portal (coming soon) updated with relevant, engaging content.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure content aligns with member engagement and event objectives.
• Create marketing and promotional materials that effectively communicate WCF’s mission and initiatives to members.

Brand Management and Engagement

• Handle prospective member enquiries, conduct research and work with leadership to prioritise high-value prospects.
• Manage the Salesforce database, maintaining rigorous standards and supporting the team in its effective use.
• Develop and enforce brand guidelines to ensure consistent internal and external communications. Oversee the brand’s visual identity, including logo, colour palette, typography and imagery.
• Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in events and digital platforms to identify new opportunities.

Competencies & Areas of Expertise

• Foster open communication channels with internal teams to gather content and insights.
• Exhibit outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Thrive in a matrixed organisation, bringing a collaborative spirit and commitment to teamwork.
• Adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple deadlines, delivering high-quality work.
• Experience in high-stakes sectors such as agriculture, food, development or sustainability would be a plus.

Communications Associate Key Requirements:

Essential Qualifications & Traits:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
• Experience in Communications, Event Management and Digital Platforms, ideally within Sustainability, International Development or related fields.
• Experience in developing and executing digital content and PR campaigns related to event communications highly desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.

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