Internship opportunity – Communication Assistant

Context 

As a global leader in human rights education, Equitas’ programs aim to empower people to address inequalities and discrimination, and to work to build more inclusive and rights-respecting communities. Considering the devastating impact on human rights that COVID-19 is creating, Equitas created Global Rights Connection, a virtual training program aimed at strengthening the capacity of organizations to implement human rights education activities (training sessions, advocacy or awareness, etc.), in order to contribute to the development of a global culture of human rights. The 11-week Global Rights Connection training program is not an ordinary online course, it is a collaborative community wherein participants connect with human rights defenders from around the world, and leave with a unique certification in human rights education. It provides participants with considerations, methodologies and transformative approaches to human rights education and the challenges faced by organizations, particularly in the context of the current global pandemic. It also guides participants in developing an action plan to ensure that their learning is reflected in the activities they implement following the program. A series of fun and original activities, as well as plenary sessions with special guests, complement the content delivered in the various modules while promoting networking and collaboration among participants.  

As Communications Assistant supporting Global Rights Connection, you will support the effort to promote the Global Rights Connection program, increase the program’s visibility, sensitize people to major human rights issues, connect with participants to tell their stories, and meet with human rights defenders and educators from all over the world.   

Primary duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of Communications and Development, as a part of the Communications and Development team, and working in close collaboration with the Communications and Communities Officer, the Global Rights Connection team, and Knowledge Manager, you will have the following responsibilities:  

• Develop and implement a communications plan, including a content strategy, for the promotion Global Rights Connection  
• Contribute to the creation and publication of articles and knowledge products related to human rights and the impact of Equitas’ Global Rights Connection program. To do so, you will: 
  – Monitor discussions during Global Rights Connection events to identify opportunities for knowledge sharing and storytelling 
  – Set up appointments with Global Rights Connection participants to conduct interviews, in English and in French, on their experience during Global Rights Connection and their work
  – Conduct research to find and verify information for article publication 
  – Draft blog articles and edit them based on feedback 
  – Coordinate translation and publication of articles
• Contribute to the promotion of Global Rights Connection and produce engaging publications on Equitas’ social media, website, online Community (a network of over 6,000 human rights defenders and educators from around the world)
• Design visuals and infographics, select photos and edit short videos to support publications and social media posts
• Provide assistance to the Director of Communications and Development with regards to media relations, and promotion and coverage of the Global Rights Connection and its events in traditional media, which may include developing a press kit, drafting a press release, writing pitches for interviews with specific participants or special guests.
• Support the coordination and delivery of communication and knowledge activities related to Global Rights Connection (such as the creation of the participant directory) 
• Be responsible for taking screenshots and recording video during the program and program events
• Support the organization and promotion of program events (creating PPTs, making invitations, etc.) 

Required knowledge-base and competencies

• Solid communication skills in English and French are important. Excellent writing skills in one of the two languages is required. 
• Experience developing and implementing communications plans. 
• Experience creating social media content in various formats (text, visual, video, etc.) for different audiences. 
• Basic knowledge of basic graphic design and photo/video editing software (Canva, Promo) or any other visual design software. 
• Storytelling skills, ability to adapt writing style, tone, and voice depending on context and content.  
• Deep interest in human rights, racial justice, gender equality, and international cooperation. 
• Basic knowledge of content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, or online learning platforms such as Moodle an asset. 
• Sensitivity to cultural differences, courtesy and tact in communication.  

How to submit your application

All interested and qualified candidates should submit the following items to apply for this position:   

• A curriculum vitae 
• A cover letter that includes the following:
  – Your interest in human rights education and social justice
  – The experience you have with writing, storytelling, developing communications plans, creating content for social media (include links to examples if relevant)
  – What you would like to learn from this experience
  – What you would bring to this role 

Please send your CV and cover letter by email to Stephanie Nichols at: snichols@equitas.org. 

Candidates must have the legal right to work in Canada.  

Short-listed candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with Equitas.  

Given the nature of our work, we encourage applications from any candidates who have experienced marginalization, in particular, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ2I people, and people living with disabilities. Candidates who wish to do so may self-identify in their application.