International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
The Head of External Communications is a senior strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, delivering, and protecting IAPB s global communications work. This role leads the organisation s external communications function, overseeing global media strategy, press outreach, stakeholder visibility, thought leadership, and crisis and reputation management. The postholder ensures IAPB s voice is influential across global health, policy, and development sectors supporting the organisation s 2030 In Sight strategy and positioning IAPB as a leading authority on vision and eye health. Role and Responsibilities 1. External Communications & Media Strategy Develop and deliver a bold, high impact external communications strategy aligned to IAPB s mission and the 2030 In Sight strategy. Lead strategic planning across all external comms channels, ensuring integrated messaging across media, digital, publications, and partnerships. Use insight, data, and evaluation tools to monitor performance, influence future communications activity, and drive continuous improvement. 2. Team Leadership, Management & Press Office Leadership Lead and inspire a high performing external communications team across media, content, and digital functions. Set clear goals, KPIs, outputs, and outcomes for team members and external partners. Where needed manage recruitment, onboarding, development, and performance. Promote collaborative, cross organisational ways of working and ensure seamless coordination across departments and time zones. Lead IAPB s global press outreach, ensuring fast, coordinated, and proactive communication with international media. Oversee creation of media materials including press releases, statements, briefings, Q&As, and reactive press responses. Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all external statements and spokesperson engagements. Managing third party agencies who support with media and campaign elements for IAPB. 3. Media Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, broadcast producers, and influential commentators in global health, policy, and mainstream media. Secure high impact coverage in global business, health, and policy publications (e.g., BBC, Financial Times, The Economist). Identify opportunities for proactive media moments, narrative shaping, and agenda setting . Serve as a senior spokesperson where required. 4. Thought leadership, Storytelling & Content Development Develop and deliver a global thought leadership strategy, positioning IAPB leaders and experts as authoritative voices on eye health. Oversee publication of articles, op-eds, insights pieces, and leadership content across IAPB s channels. Manage third party engagement including panels, conferences, media partnerships, and editorial collaborations. Build and promote a pipeline of owned thought leadership platforms and sector leading commentary. Oversee global storytelling that humanises eye health and elevates lived experience from communities worldwide. Lead the Every Story Counts initiative and develop multimedia content that strengthens global understanding of eye health challenges. Provide tools, assets, and support for IAPB members to extend campaign reach within their local and regional markets. Ensure content reflects diverse voices and demonstrates the global Value of Vision. 5. Stakeholder Visibility Elevate IAPB s profile among policymakers, global health institutions, donors, private sector partners, and high level influencers. Work closely with advocacy, knowledge and membership teams to coordinate messaging and strengthen IAPB s influence across global forums. Drive visibility for key initiatives including Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and the Value of Vision platform. 6. Crisis Communications & Reputation Management Lead IAPB s crisis communications planning, preparedness, and response. Advise senior leadership on reputational risks, ensuring robust processes for monitoring, escalation, and mitigation. Draft and manage crisis statements, holding lines, and rapid response communications. Protect IAPB s reputation and confident organisational voice during high pressure situations. Education, Skills & Experience Required Required Proven track record leading external communications, media relations, and press office functions across global or multi country environments. Significant experience delivering high profile media campaigns with measurable impact. Strong understanding of crisis communications, reputation management, and risk mitigation. Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and representing organisations at international events. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling stories for varied audiences. Strong interpersonal and cross team collaboration skills. Deep knowledge of global media landscapes, emerging platforms, and audience engagement strategies. Desirable Experience in public health, international development, eye health, or adjacent sectors. Experience working with federated or membership based global organisations. General Demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic. Respect the diverse cultures, experiences, and working patterns of colleagues and partners. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role. This role profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive; duties may evolve as required by the organisation. About us The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations. There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone. IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world. We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals. Other Information Benefits include 30 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays) Pension scheme 10% Employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution Group life assurance Hybrid working - minimum 2 days per week in the London office Flexible working Employee Assistance Provider Various family friendly policies We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Closing date Friday 10th April 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date. 1st stage interviews will be held via Teams w/c 20 and 27 April 2026. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We request no contact from agencies.
The Head of External Communications is a senior strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, delivering, and protecting IAPB s global communications work. This role leads the organisation s external communications function, overseeing global media strategy, press outreach, stakeholder visibility, thought leadership, and crisis and reputation management. The postholder ensures IAPB s voice is influential across global health, policy, and development sectors supporting the organisation s 2030 In Sight strategy and positioning IAPB as a leading authority on vision and eye health. Role and Responsibilities 1. External Communications & Media Strategy Develop and deliver a bold, high impact external communications strategy aligned to IAPB s mission and the 2030 In Sight strategy. Lead strategic planning across all external comms channels, ensuring integrated messaging across media, digital, publications, and partnerships. Use insight, data, and evaluation tools to monitor performance, influence future communications activity, and drive continuous improvement. 2. Team Leadership, Management & Press Office Leadership Lead and inspire a high performing external communications team across media, content, and digital functions. Set clear goals, KPIs, outputs, and outcomes for team members and external partners. Where needed manage recruitment, onboarding, development, and performance. Promote collaborative, cross organisational ways of working and ensure seamless coordination across departments and time zones. Lead IAPB s global press outreach, ensuring fast, coordinated, and proactive communication with international media. Oversee creation of media materials including press releases, statements, briefings, Q&As, and reactive press responses. Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all external statements and spokesperson engagements. Managing third party agencies who support with media and campaign elements for IAPB. 3. Media Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, broadcast producers, and influential commentators in global health, policy, and mainstream media. Secure high impact coverage in global business, health, and policy publications (e.g., BBC, Financial Times, The Economist). Identify opportunities for proactive media moments, narrative shaping, and agenda setting . Serve as a senior spokesperson where required. 4. Thought leadership, Storytelling & Content Development Develop and deliver a global thought leadership strategy, positioning IAPB leaders and experts as authoritative voices on eye health. Oversee publication of articles, op-eds, insights pieces, and leadership content across IAPB s channels. Manage third party engagement including panels, conferences, media partnerships, and editorial collaborations. Build and promote a pipeline of owned thought leadership platforms and sector leading commentary. Oversee global storytelling that humanises eye health and elevates lived experience from communities worldwide. Lead the Every Story Counts initiative and develop multimedia content that strengthens global understanding of eye health challenges. Provide tools, assets, and support for IAPB members to extend campaign reach within their local and regional markets. Ensure content reflects diverse voices and demonstrates the global Value of Vision. 5. Stakeholder Visibility Elevate IAPB s profile among policymakers, global health institutions, donors, private sector partners, and high level influencers. Work closely with advocacy, knowledge and membership teams to coordinate messaging and strengthen IAPB s influence across global forums. Drive visibility for key initiatives including Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and the Value of Vision platform. 6. Crisis Communications & Reputation Management Lead IAPB s crisis communications planning, preparedness, and response. Advise senior leadership on reputational risks, ensuring robust processes for monitoring, escalation, and mitigation. Draft and manage crisis statements, holding lines, and rapid response communications. Protect IAPB s reputation and confident organisational voice during high pressure situations. Education, Skills & Experience Required Required Proven track record leading external communications, media relations, and press office functions across global or multi country environments. Significant experience delivering high profile media campaigns with measurable impact. Strong understanding of crisis communications, reputation management, and risk mitigation. Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and representing organisations at international events. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling stories for varied audiences. Strong interpersonal and cross team collaboration skills. Deep knowledge of global media landscapes, emerging platforms, and audience engagement strategies. Desirable Experience in public health, international development, eye health, or adjacent sectors. Experience working with federated or membership based global organisations. General Demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic. Respect the diverse cultures, experiences, and working patterns of colleagues and partners. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role. This role profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive; duties may evolve as required by the organisation. About us The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations. There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone. IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world. We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals. Other Information Benefits include 30 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays) Pension scheme 10% Employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution Group life assurance Hybrid working - minimum 2 days per week in the London office Flexible working Employee Assistance Provider Various family friendly policies We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Closing date Friday 10th April 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date. 1st stage interviews will be held via Teams w/c 20 and 27 April 2026. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We request no contact from agencies.
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
The Content & Social Media Manager plays a central role in delivering IAPB s global communications ambition by producing high-quality content, strengthening IAPB s digital presence, and supporting impactful public awareness campaigns. Working as a key member of the External Communications function, this role helps amplify IAPB s voice across global health, development, policy, and public audiences. Working closely with the Head of External Communications, the postholder manages day-to-day content creation and social media execution across IAPB s channels, ensuring messaging is aligned, strategic, accessible, and compelling. They support global campaigns, such as Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and the Global Summit for Eye Health, by producing content that humanises eye health, drives behaviour change, and elevates the lived experiences of communities worldwide. Role and Responsibilities 1. Digital Content & Social Media Management Lead daily management of IAPB s social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook), ensuring content is strategic and audience focused. Building on the strategy, deliver a year-round social media and content plan aligned to organisational priorities, campaigns, and global advocacy goals. With the support of other team members brief high quality, platform specific assets including graphics, social cards, shortform videos, EDM content, toolkits, and campaign materials. Deliver regular analytics reports, tracking performance trends, audience insights, and opportunities for improvement. Support influencer-based activations particularly on Instagram and TikTok to normalise good eye health behaviours and encourage screenings 2. Content Development & Storytelling Develop creative concepts and content ideas for global moments, campaigns, op-eds, human-interest stories, and behaviour change messaging. Write clear, compelling copy for blogs, press releases, social media, websites, campaign updates, and storytelling pieces. Ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality of all content, maintaining alignment with IAPB s brand identity, strategic messaging, and global campaign voice. Provide editorial support, including proofreading and content quality assurance across the communications portfolio. 3. Campaign Activation & Member Tools Support development and delivery of global campaign assets for Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and other awareness initiatives. Produce user-friendly digital toolkits, templates, messaging guidelines, storytelling prompts, and ready to use social media materials for IAPB members. Help maintain shared content libraries, ensuring members can easily find and adapt campaign materials. 4. Cross- Organisational Collaboration Work collaboratively with global colleagues across advocacy, knowledge, membership, campaigns and events teams to ensure coherent messaging and integrated planning. Coordinate effectively across diverse time zones and cultures, supporting smooth communication within a global federation. Contribute to thought leadership efforts by supporting content preparation, storytelling assets, and multimedia elements tied to strategic initiatives. 5 . Quality, Insight & Continuous Improvement Use analytics, platform insights, and sector trends to inform content strategy and enhance performance over time. Identify opportunities to strengthen engagement, reach new audiences, and innovate IAPB s digital presence. Uphold IAPB s organisational behaviours - Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic - in all areas of work. E ducation, Skills & Experience Required Required: Strong understanding of social media approaches across major channels (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate across teams and support collaborative ways of working. Experience creating and editing digital content for varied audiences, including visual and multimedia content for campaign activations Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage fast-moving campaigns Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate with global colleagues, influencers, members, and partners. Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience. Good IT skills, including familiarity with digital tools and platforms (E.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, social scheduling tools). Desirable: Experience working with influencers or content creators Experience running or supporting online engagement activities (webinars, livestreams, digital events). Knowledge of CMS, analytics, dashboards, or other web tools. Knowledge of eye health, global health, public health, or international development issues. General Demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic. Respect the diverse cultures, experiences, and working patterns of colleagues and partners. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role. This role profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive; duties may evolve as required by the organisation. About us The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations. There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone. IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world. We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals. Other Information Benefits include 30 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays) Pension scheme 10% Employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution Group life assurance Hybrid working Flexible working Employee Assistance Provider Various family friendly policies We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Closing date Friday 10th April 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date. 1st stage interviews will be held via Teams w/c 20 and 27 April 2026. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We request no contact from agencies.
The Content & Social Media Manager plays a central role in delivering IAPB s global communications ambition by producing high-quality content, strengthening IAPB s digital presence, and supporting impactful public awareness campaigns. Working as a key member of the External Communications function, this role helps amplify IAPB s voice across global health, development, policy, and public audiences. Working closely with the Head of External Communications, the postholder manages day-to-day content creation and social media execution across IAPB s channels, ensuring messaging is aligned, strategic, accessible, and compelling. They support global campaigns, such as Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and the Global Summit for Eye Health, by producing content that humanises eye health, drives behaviour change, and elevates the lived experiences of communities worldwide. Role and Responsibilities 1. Digital Content & Social Media Management Lead daily management of IAPB s social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook), ensuring content is strategic and audience focused. Building on the strategy, deliver a year-round social media and content plan aligned to organisational priorities, campaigns, and global advocacy goals. With the support of other team members brief high quality, platform specific assets including graphics, social cards, shortform videos, EDM content, toolkits, and campaign materials. Deliver regular analytics reports, tracking performance trends, audience insights, and opportunities for improvement. Support influencer-based activations particularly on Instagram and TikTok to normalise good eye health behaviours and encourage screenings 2. Content Development & Storytelling Develop creative concepts and content ideas for global moments, campaigns, op-eds, human-interest stories, and behaviour change messaging. Write clear, compelling copy for blogs, press releases, social media, websites, campaign updates, and storytelling pieces. Ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality of all content, maintaining alignment with IAPB s brand identity, strategic messaging, and global campaign voice. Provide editorial support, including proofreading and content quality assurance across the communications portfolio. 3. Campaign Activation & Member Tools Support development and delivery of global campaign assets for Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and other awareness initiatives. Produce user-friendly digital toolkits, templates, messaging guidelines, storytelling prompts, and ready to use social media materials for IAPB members. Help maintain shared content libraries, ensuring members can easily find and adapt campaign materials. 4. Cross- Organisational Collaboration Work collaboratively with global colleagues across advocacy, knowledge, membership, campaigns and events teams to ensure coherent messaging and integrated planning. Coordinate effectively across diverse time zones and cultures, supporting smooth communication within a global federation. Contribute to thought leadership efforts by supporting content preparation, storytelling assets, and multimedia elements tied to strategic initiatives. 5 . Quality, Insight & Continuous Improvement Use analytics, platform insights, and sector trends to inform content strategy and enhance performance over time. Identify opportunities to strengthen engagement, reach new audiences, and innovate IAPB s digital presence. Uphold IAPB s organisational behaviours - Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic - in all areas of work. E ducation, Skills & Experience Required Required: Strong understanding of social media approaches across major channels (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate across teams and support collaborative ways of working. Experience creating and editing digital content for varied audiences, including visual and multimedia content for campaign activations Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage fast-moving campaigns Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate with global colleagues, influencers, members, and partners. Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience. Good IT skills, including familiarity with digital tools and platforms (E.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, social scheduling tools). Desirable: Experience working with influencers or content creators Experience running or supporting online engagement activities (webinars, livestreams, digital events). Knowledge of CMS, analytics, dashboards, or other web tools. Knowledge of eye health, global health, public health, or international development issues. General Demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic. Respect the diverse cultures, experiences, and working patterns of colleagues and partners. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role. This role profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive; duties may evolve as required by the organisation. About us The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations. There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone. IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world. We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals. Other Information Benefits include 30 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays) Pension scheme 10% Employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution Group life assurance Hybrid working Flexible working Employee Assistance Provider Various family friendly policies We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa. Closing date Friday 10th April 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date. 1st stage interviews will be held via Teams w/c 20 and 27 April 2026. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We request no contact from agencies.
