Senior Communications Manager

At HiiL, we work with formal and informal justice actors to turn people-centred justice from theory into action. By combining evidence, innovation, and convening power, we shape policies and solutions that expand access to justice for people and businesses. Closing the justice gap helps build fairer, more stable and peaceful societies. Do you want to join us on our mission?

The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) is an organisation dedicated to ensuring justice is accessible, affordable and easy to understand. We co-developed a new way of working called people-centred justice programming. This means building justice systems that are built around the needs of people. Those needs include safe and stable societies where economic prosperity, innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. We operate in multiple countries. Our current programmes are active in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Lebanon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Syria and Mali.

Are you a strategic and creative communications leader passionate about driving change and influencing global perceptions? HiiL is seeking a Senior Communications Manager to champion our communications and storytelling, making a powerful case for people-centred justice. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in influencing justice practitioners, governments, and funders to embrace and invest in people-centred approaches to justice. We are looking for an individual who brings a fresh perspective, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to transform complex ideas into compelling messages and impactful stories for diverse audiences. If you are ready to put people and their justice needs at the heart of global conversations.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading and implementing HiiL’s comprehensive communications strategy, ensuring cohesive messaging across all channels, regions, and program goals;
• Managing a small team of communications staff at HiiL HQ and overseeing focal persons in field offices, providing leadership, mentorship, and coordinating activities to build capacity and ensure quality standards;
• Overseeing all external communications, public relations, and media engagement to raise HiiL’s profile and amplify its work in justice innovation;
• Identifying and developing strong impact stories from HiiL’s work and pitching them to national, regional and international media;
• Building and fostering trusted relationships with journalists and editors and relevant opinion leaders;
• Preparing press materials, statements, briefing documents, Q&As and generally leading engagement with the media;
• Driving digital communications and social media strategy, including planning and executing awareness campaigns and utilising multimedia to engage audiences;
• Designing and leading storytelling initiatives to showcase HiiL’s impact, crafting compelling success stories for donors and partners;
• Collaborating with fundraising and programme teams to align communications with fundraising objectives, leveraging data and stories to encourage funding support;
• Overseeing the creation of high-quality, standardised communications and marketing materials, ensuring consistency in branding and messaging;
• Staying up-to-date with emerging best practices in strategic communications and sharing this knowledge with colleagues;
• Providing opportunities for professional development and training to enhance team skills and capacities.

What we look for in our new colleague:

• You have an HBO / Bachelors / Master (WO) degree in Communication, Journalism or related field.
• You have at least 10 years’ experience in strategic communications, campaigning or public affairs, ideally in the non-profit or international development sector.
• You have strong writing and storytelling skills across formats and platforms.
• You have experience leading communications strategies and campaigns with measurable results.
• You have the ability to simplify technical content for a range of audiences including policymakers, donors and media.
• You have strong media relations skills, with a track record of securing coverage and publishing content in print and online media.
• You have an existing network of media and public relations contacts, with the ability to foster and build relationships with journalists, editors and other media personnel.
• You have experience managing and motivating teams, agencies or consultants.
• You have excellent interpersonal and project management skills.
• You are fluent in English (French proficiency is desirable);
• You preferably have working experience in a Non-Governmental Organisation.
• Familiarity with access to justice, rule of law or international development issues is desirable.
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment is optimal;
• You hold EU citizenship or a valid Dutch work permit if The Hague / The Netherlands is selected as the work location. For work locations outside of the Netherlands and Niger, a subcontractor agreement will be considered.

Do you value …

• An opportunity to be at the forefront of making people-centred justice happen;
• An organisational culture where motivation prevails; the work that we do is meaningful and contributes to changing people’s lives;
• Becoming part of a dynamic and international team of 70+ professionals;
• An environment that is bound to further improve your professional skills.

What we offer:

• A full-time (40 hours p.w.) position for an initial period of 12 months with the aim of building a long-term work relationship;
• The Hague / The Netherlands or Global;
• When stationed in the Netherlands, a monthly salary for a full-time working week between € 5.828,- / € 7.178,- based on relevant professional experience and former responsibilities;
• Up to 8 weeks of holidays when working full-time;
• NS Business train card for commuting;
• Pension at ABP;
• Company laptop.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks. By submitting your application you accept that HiiL will conduct such pre-employment screening for successful candidates.