Senior Communications Manager, World Cocoa Foundation, Mainland Europe or UK

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is seeking a seasoned Senior Communications Manager to lead the charge in developing and implementing strategic communications that elevate WCF’s mission of promoting sustainable cocoa farming. Reporting directly to the VP of Corporate Affairs, this role is central to shaping and amplifying WCF’s public image, ensuring that its messaging resonates across various platforms and aligns with its commitment to responsible cocoa production.

About the Corporate Affairs Team: 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.

Mission Objective: As the Senior Communications Manager, you will provide expert advice on crafting and executing WCF’s communications strategies, driving innovation in their messaging and expanding their reach across target audiences. Your leadership will be crucial in developing compelling narratives that promote WCF’s stance on sustainable cocoa farming, using modern technologies and channels to maximise their impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategies & Innovate
• Lead the development and execution of WCF’s corporate communications strategy, strengthening their reputation as a leader in sustainable cocoa farming.
• Create messaging frameworks and storytelling tools to effectively convey key messages and engage target audiences.
• Oversee content creation and communication activities across WCF’s key programme areas, ensuring consistency with their mission and brand standards.

Advocate & Engage
• Provide insights on emerging trends and innovative, proactive communication approaches to safeguard WCF’s reputation.
• Showcase WCF’s work to external stakeholders, including the media, NGOs and civil society, positioning WCF as a leader in sustainable cocoa farming.
• Network with partner organisations, government institutions and key stakeholders to align messaging, explore collaboration opportunities and advocate for WCF’s impact areas.

Define & Lead Project Cycle
• Organise and monitor public relations and corporate communication initiatives, ensuring timely execution and alignment with broader organisational strategies.
• Develop robust processes and metrics to analyse the effectiveness of communication plans, maximising WCF’s strategic impact.
• Execute and implement cutting-edge communication tools that adapt to industry trends and best practices, continually evolving WCF’s engagement strategies.
• Collaborate closely with other team members in execution.
Target Skills:
• Demonstrated expertise in communications, with experience reflecting subject mastery.
• Proven skill in presentation and promotion across various platforms.
• Track record of successfully executing multi-step programmes or services.
• Ability to lead efforts in developing new programmes and services, driving innovation within the organisation.
• Able to provide clear guidance and advice on programmes.
• Build and nurture networks of collaboration to secure and strengthen relationships.
• Develop quality metrics to support the introduction and operationalisation of new programmes and services.
• Maintain strong collaborative networks to ensure timely delivery.

Essential Qualifications & Traits:
• Advanced Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field, with additional training in media relations and digital communication channels.
• Diverse experience in delivering communication services across various media platforms.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of a second language (French) is desirable.
• Strong business acumen, communication skills and project management expertise are critical for success in this role.
• Experience in high-stakes sectors such as agriculture, food, development or sustainability would be a plus.

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.

Please click here to find out about more about Hanson Search.