The Communication & Outreach team is responsible for the development, successful implementation and evaluation of communications-related activities and events that contribute to the delivery of UNU-MERIT’s strategic goals and targets. Specifically, the Digital Editor will be responsible for proposing, creating, editing and publishing digital content and ensuring that the institute’s website and other digital channels are maintained to a high standard.

What will you do?

1. Draft and edit impactful research communication materials
● Write engaging website features, media materials and social media posts based on scientific papers and research findings.
● Work closely with academic personnel to translate scientific content into engaging content for non-scientific audiences.
● Adapt communication materials to different channels (e.g. website, social media, newsletter) while applying consistent messaging.

2. Proofread and edit communication materials
● Proofread and edit a variety of communication materials in line with the UN style guide and branding guidelines.
● Quality-control external proofreading services through detailed review processes.
● Develop writing and editing guidelines for different communication formats and channels.

3. Project communication
● Serve as dedicated communication focal point for select research units and educational programmes.
● Provide guidance to the academic teams on all communication and outreach activities, including the identification of communications opportunities.
● Develop communications strategies, campaigns and communications products which contribute to the achievement of overall project goals and communications-related milestones.
● Together with the other members of the communications team, provide visibility for project and programmes to external audiences through dedicated multi-channel campaigns and effective involvement of partners.

4. Liaise with Maastricht University
● Represent the Institute at relevant marketing and communications meetings at the School of Business and Economics and Maastricht University.

5. Other duties as required by the Head of Communications

● A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as communications, marketing, international relations etc.
● Planning and organising skills and experience with online tools.
● Project management skills.
● A strong track record in editing short- and long-form academic output.
● Intrinsic motivation to innovate and interest in developing online event concepts.
● Flexibility: events may be held during weekends or in the evenings.
● Fluent in English.
● Dutch optional but preferred.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with possible extension.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

UNU-MERIT

UNU-MERIT is a research and training institute of the United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University (UM). UNU-MERIT aims to advance societal policy and innovation research, provide education and mobilise knowledge in order to unlock the full potential of innovation for achieving inclusive sustainable development. The research agenda of UNU-MERIT on ‘Comprehensive Innovation for Sustainable Development’ (CI4SD) focuses on the interconnected risks and opportunities of innovation, as they relate to climate change, digital transformation, poverty and inequality, migration and population, and the future of work.

Dedicated units further reinforce our research agenda by focusing on the economics of innovation, and the governance and public policy of innovation. Further, UNU-MERIT comprises a Graduate School hosting around 80 PhD candidates (both full-time and part- time), more than 100 Master’s students, and numerous participants on our capacity building courses, held onsite and across the Global South.