Job Description
Field(s) of Specialization:

Science Communication, Awareness Raising, Citizens Science, Outreach, Media and Design or another related field

Position Title:

Science Communication and Outreach Specialist (on Climate Change & Sustainable Develop)

School/Institute/Unit:

METU Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (METU CLIMATE)

Location:

Mersin - TURKEY

Summary Description:

METU CLIMATE is a newly established climate change and sustainable development A&R center that aims to ensure that the research and studies carried out under the umbrella of METU are conducted in harmony and cooperation around a joint strategy and to maximize the contributions it can provide to the country's responsibilities and priorities.

The main goal of the center is to contribute to the development of scientific, realistic and reliable climate and sustainable development strategies and policies that our country and society will need at national and international levels. To realise this goal METU CLIMATE will carry out studies covering the scientific basis of climate change and its impacts and focuses on adaptation and mitigation strategies as well as the development of policy, innovation and technology. Education, awareness, citizen science and capacity-building activities will be a core component of the center.

METU Climate and METU IMS are now looking for a science communication and outreach specialist who ideally also has a science background and experience in communicating scientific topics through film, video, written word or art, who are confident using the web, multimedia and social media tools as well as outreach and citizens science activities. This is a 2-year full-time position with an expected start date in May 2023.

The candidate will be based at the seashore-based METU Institute of Marine Sciences campus, located in Mersin, Turkey.

Responsibilities:
  • Communication and Dissemination: Under the direction of METU CLIMATE management, conducting general communication and dissemination activities of center (DCEP Development, Social Media and Website Management, Press and Blog Writing, and beyond)
  • Public Engagement: Conducting citizens engagement / awareness raising activities
  • Outreach: Conducting outreach activities such as public lectures, activities and workshops to encourage people of all ages to understand climate science and scientific research
  • Conceptual development of the content and organisation of publication of communication and visibility materials (promotional items, infographics, brochures, booklets, thematic area fact sheets, presentations, newsletters, video spots, images and so on).
  • Visual content creation for social media, e-newsletters, websites and web versions of printed materials.
  • Provide photo, video and social media support during events, and meetings with stakeholders, maintain a digital media library and media releases

Minimum Degree Required:

M.Sc. or M.A. degree in Education, Teaching, Communication & Design, Journalism, Media, Public Relations or another related field. A climate science background is a plus, but not a strict requirement.

Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Minimum of 1-year relevant experience in a similar role
  • Experience in community engagement, awareness raising, science communication
  • Excellent level of English. Other languages are a plus.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • High-level Microsoft Office skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects at a given time and to establish and meet deadlines in a productive manner
  • Excellent teamwork capability
  • Ability to travel in Turkey and abroad
  • Military obligations fulfilled where applicable

Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Desirable but not essential - experience or interest in climate, sustainability, environmental science/management, or a related discipline
  • Portfolio of previous work and design experience (if any)
  • Ability to think creatively and develop new design concepts, graphics and layouts
  • Ability in web content management systems, graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign), video and photo editing tools, social media platforms

Posting Date:

March 2023

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

Date Review Begins:

As soon as applications are received

Required Applicant Documents to Submit:

Applicants are asked to submit a CV, a 2-page (max.) statement of experience and interests, and names of at least 2 references as a single PDF file

Quick link for Posting:

Please send your application documents directly to Ezgi Sahin (e-mail: ezgisahin@ims.metu.edu.tr) and climate@metu.edu.tr

Proposed Start Date:

May 2023

Type of Contract:

Temporary (1-year position with a possibility of extension)

Job Status:

Full-time

Salary:

Highly competitive according to the level of experience of the candidate

Pay Basis:

Monthly 

Position open to internal candidates only?

No