Seafood Sustainability Project and Communications Volunteer

SeaWeb is looking for an enthusiastic person to support the marketing and organisation of our seafood sustainability work, in particular the UK restaurant-focused Good Catch project.

This role would be suitable for someone interested in learning more about events organisation, marine conservation and food sustainability issues, stakeholder engagement and communications tactics. You will have the opportunity to input your ideas into the work and also participate in some events. Also it will provide insight into working for a mission-driven environmental organisation and provide exposure to sustainability leaders.

The Seafood Choices programme of SeaWeb works internationally to cultivate joint seafood sustainability solutions amongst commercial, legislative, and environmental stakeholders.

Good Catch is a joint project of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), SeaWeb’s Seafood Choices and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming. This initiative provides practical information and events to help the culinary and catering sector navigate seafood sustainability to buy, serve and promote marine-friendly menu options. Good Catch was recognised as a finalist in the 2011 Observer Ethical Awards.

Good Catch works in parallel with the Sustainable Fish City campaign to rally support and business commitments on seafood sustainability.

For an idea of what kind of activity and events we organise please take a look at:

www.goodcatch.org.uk and www.seafoodchoices.org

 - The hours are flexible to suit, though ideally you would be available for 1 to 3 days per week. 
- The role will be based in SeaWeb’s offices in London, SE1.
- This is a voluntary position with basic London travel and lunch expenses covered (approx. £10/day).
- Please apply by sending your CV, together with a brief email/cover letter stating why you are interested in the role and your anticipated availability (e.g. number of days per week; from and till what dates), to: ehowgate@seaweb.org .
- Closing date for applications 3^rd January 2012 (6pm).
- Interviews planned for week commencing 9^th January 2012.

Depending on time and skills, the volunteer role will likely include:

RESPONSIBILITIES:         

• Supporting the development of Good Catch, including event planning and relationship building (inc. contacts database management).
• Assisting in the development of publications and online communications (inc. website and social media).
• Providing support for media activities and outreach; including drafting press materials, tracking press coverage and updating media lists.
• Tracking and recording the impact of the project (e.g. analysing event feedback) and developing further ways to monitor the benefits of Good Catch related work.
• Developing new marketing/outreach activities for the project and seeking opportunities to further maximise exposure and effectiveness.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, marine conservation, public relations or communications (or related).
• Knowledge of food issues and experience of (or interest in) workings of the UK restaurant sector.
• Understanding of strategic communications and behavior change/social marketing.
• Experience creating website content and/or communication materials (newsletters, posters, etc.).
• Experience organising events and/or managing a network.
• Understanding of conservation issues and interest in mission of SeaWeb.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with self-motivation and also an amicable team-player.
• A positive attitude and superior inter-personal skills.
• Computer literacy, knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet tools such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. (Experience of Macintosh operating systems an advantage).

SeaWeb is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information about SeaWeb, visit our Web site at www.seaweb.org.