Location London
Job-type Permanent
Salary £Competitive
Reference 17910

About VCMI

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is a task force dedicated to ensuring the integrity and credibility of voluntary carbon markets worldwide by creating a Code of Practice that governs the use of carbon offsets.

By creating and advocating for clear norms and standards, they aim to provide a clear and transparent path for companies to achieve Net Zero targets. To achieve their goals, they must attract participation from corporates, governments, non-profits, and civil society organisations; and we must clearly communicate a shared aspirational vision that resonates emotionally and powerfully among stakeholders.

VCMI launched the draft Code of Practice for public consultation in early June, and it is currently being road tested by a group of over 60 companies. Over the next three years, they will refine the document by incorporating corporate and public feedback, seek to grow adoption of the standards amongst global organisations and assess the potential for widening the scope of the Code.

Why join VCMI?

They believe passionately in what they're trying to achieve - the work could have significant implications for the future of the planet.

This is an exciting stage in development as they move from being a proof of concept idea to and fully incubated entity. Joining now means being able to directly influence the way they work beyond your own role and help develop the organisational culture.

The People Strategy is very simple;

Hire intelligent, driven, skilled people who share their values and passion. Set clear and challenging goals. Provide a supportive environment. Give them autonomy, and get out of their way.

We treat people as individuals and respect them for who they are. They believe that teams with diverse skills, backgrounds and ways of thinking create a more stimulating workplace and deliver higher-quality results.

To achieve this, they recruit globally and embrace flexible working, recognising that optimal work/non-work balance is unique to you and that your personal well-being is the foundation of performing at your best.

About the role

The Communications Manager will be the organisation's point person for developing and managing VCMI's external engagement strategy. This will be an extremely challenging and dynamic set of responsibilities, reporting to the Director of Communications and Outreach and effectively taking ownership of all external content across all channels.

This will range from direct responsibility for the quality of the digital content and engagement, acting as point person for all media and external stakeholder communications, managing external strategic partners and essentially, developing the foundation upon which awareness and engagement with the Code of Practice will be built.

This is a new position created as a result of the team's growth. As a result, the job description is flexible, and you will have the opportunity to directly influence the scope of the work that you are responsible for beyond the role's core requirements.

The person they are looking for

  • The ability to provide structure and clarity to internal and external stakeholders and to inspire trust in others through compelling presentation of evidence, influence, and passion for driving change

  • Strong interpersonal skills, enabling you to develop an exceptional network with other communications stakeholders within VCMI's wider circle

  • Willingness to challenge concepts that aren't clear to you in order to successfully refine technical concepts for wider consumption

  • Attention to detail in content and presentation, provided professionally and tailored to the right audience

  • Highly collaborative and actively working with non-communications specialists and helping them express their convictions through effective communication tools

  • Ideally, past exposure to climate communications, particularly carbon pricing and market mechanisms, although enthusiasm to address climate change and willingness to learn is more important

  • Experience in managing junior communications staff and commissioning support from external agencies where appropriate, including budget and deliverable management.

  • Demonstrable track record of achievement in a similar role

How you will make an impact

  • Lead the development and execution of the external comms strategy and narrative, managing external agencies and partners

  • Manage the maintenance and promotion of VCMI's digital channels, including the long-term development of the website and digital and social media content

  • Participate in convenings with external partners and stakeholders to support VCMI objectives and support the execution of VCMI-led external events

  • Organise and deliver high-quality VCMI events and speaking engagements

  • Lead the production and promotion of high-quality copy and PR materials across all external channels, including blog posts, Op-Ed's and newsletters ensuring consistency with the VCMI communications strategy

  • Review and advise on the writing of thought-leadership content such as articles and speeches, as well as briefings for senior leadership ahead of external events

  • Lead media engagement and monitoring, acting as the first point of contact for press enquiries and broader external enquiries about the work of VCMI

  • Develop and maintain VCMI's core briefing pack

  • Prepare briefings for external engagements and develop PR and media relationships

  • Identify and secure opportunities for VCMI Executive Team and representatives from VCMI's governing bodies to deliver thought-leadership speaking engagements, articles, op-eds, etc.

The Employment Offer

  • 28 days annual leave

  • Private Medical Insurance

  • Contributory Pension scheme

  • Personal Wellbeing Allowance

  • Personal Development Allowance

  • Flexible Working Policy - Work Where and When Works for you

Why we might not be the right choice for you

We want our people to enjoy their time at VCMI by allowing them to be themselves and placing them in situations where they will thrive. However, that means different things to different people. VCMI may not be a great fit if;

  • You prefer very clear boundaries around your role and responsibilities

They are a small team with a simple structure that relies on flexibility and agility. You'll sometimes be asked to stretch upwards, responsible for deliverables at the edge of your comfort zone, but you'll also be expected to "muck in" with a high level of self-sufficiency. Your job description will evolve as the project proceeds.

  • Personal achievements are more important to you than collective efforts

VCMI want everyone to grow and succeed, but the team results always come first. This means at times, they might ask you to prioritise a colleague's deliverable over your own. Achieving the goals won't be down to one or two superstars. It will be because they collaborate as a team, support one another, and see the best in each other.

  • You want a clear long-term career path within an organisation

VCMI's size means they cannot promise to promote everyone that joins, but they do promise to create an environment that helps everyone grow whatever their personal goals. They know and accept that for some of their people, the career ladder will lead them to other organisations. They'll be proud of their contribution to their growth.

  • You would prefer a role with well-established processes and solutions

You are likely the first person to do your job at VCMI. There will be an absence of explicit work instructions and processes. In fact, they'll be asking you to create these and determine the best way to deliver on our objectives.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, apply directly below. Or contact Jamie Ferguson at jamie.ferguson@acre.com with any questions.