Job Description

The UK has a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure its post-Brexit trade policy is aligned with its commitments on the SDGs, climate and the environment - join us to help make this a reality. This post is advertised as a part-time senior external relations advisor, however we are also open to proposals to deliver the work on a consultancy basis. 

TJM's offices are in London but all staff are currently working from home and flexible working will be offered as a normal part of working with TJM in future.

About the Trade Justice Movement

The Trade Justice Movement is the UK's only coalition of civil society organisations advocating for trade that works for people and planet, including trade unions, aid agencies, environment and human rights campaigns, Fair Trade organisations, and faith and consumer groups. TJM is supported by 60 member organisations with millions of individual members. Together, we call for trade justice, with the rules weighted to benefit poor people and the environment. 

As the UK leaves the EU, international trade is one of the government’s top priorities, and has received a huge amount of public and media interest. The UK has a unique opportunity to develop trade policy which helps lead the fight against climate change, is good for workers, consumers and animal welfare, protects our public services - including the NHS - and benefits developing countries. However, the government’s proposed trade deals risk undermining these objectives.

TJM has played a leading role in ensuring a wide range of political parties, parliamentary committees and journalists raise concerns about the UK's current provisions for scrutiny of trade policy.  We have been central to high-profile campaigns calling for change in the trade system: stopping some deals completely, critiquing specific provisions and proposing alternative approaches. We play an important role in supporting politicians, the media and other civil society organisations in developing their understanding of and ability to engage in trade debates.

However, Brexit and the current parliamentary arithmetic mean that the context for our work has changed significantly. The UK will regain competence for trade policy for the first time in nearly fifty years and TJM will need to adapt its messaging and ways of working to be able to achieve impact. 

This post is advertised as a part-time senior external relations advisor, however we are also open to proposals to deliver the work on a consultancy basis. The role will help us develop the strategies that will ensure our trade justice message continues to be heard in the new political landscape.

About the role

The Senior External Relations Advisor’s role is to help us ensure TJM’s trade justice messages continue to be heard in the new political environment. The key activities are to:

• Conduct research and analysis to inform TJM’s external relations work.

• Develop a strategy for and help TJM to build our reputation for strong expertise and analysis and ability to work with a diversity of organisations and politicians.

• Lead the development of TJM’s external messaging in order to influence politicians and a wider range of stakeholders. 

• Develop strategies for and help to expand TJM’s networks, deepening relationships with some organisations and expanding our reach. 

• Support TJM staff to implement the above.

Working with a small team, you will need both a strong ability to develop innovative strategies in the areas identified, manage your time and work plan and to be proactive in developing networks. This is an exciting opportunity to make a big impact as the UK develops its independent trade policy.

Role Description

Development of External Relations

• Lead a review of TJM’s external relations, including identifying key audiences and testing messaging with them. Work with the TJM team to refresh our messaging to increase impact over the coming four years.

Network Development

• Support TJM to expand its networks, deepening some existing relationships and broadening our reach. 

• Deliver a review of TJM’s membership and membership structures and refresh our systems.

Communications

• Develop strategies for media communications and support TJM to deliver. This might include promoting TJM’s research or responding to developments in policy or trade negotiations. 

• Support the development of TJM’s media network.

• Develop strategies for impactful communications among TJM’s networks of member and partner organisations and in parliament.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Establish and maintain good monitoring systems against project aims and manage end of project evaluation.