Position closed: CSIDNet is looking for a Communications Consultant

This position is closed. Follow us on LinkedIn for future opportunities.

Scope of Work: Communications Consultant (temporary remote position)

Duration: As soon as possible – approximately 4 months

Rate: $100/hour (flexible depending on final agreement) – click here see our payment and honoraria policy 

Estimated Hours: 30–40 hours

Compensation: Not to exceed $4,000 USD (incl. taxes)

Invoicing: Monthly, based on hours worked

Application: Send us your CV and expression of interest that includes your approach in one PDF file named after only your name and surname. We will evaluate applications on a rolling basis and plan to start the collaboration within October 2025. 

Please note that we will prioritize candidates who have working experience in regions where CSIDNet has strong presence, such as Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as those who are experienced in facilitating and guiding volunteer groups for collective processes and outputs.

Background

The Climate Sensitive Infectious Diseases Network (CSIDNet) is a global community that connects researchers, practitioners, and advocates working at the intersection of climate change, infectious diseases, and open-source collaboration. To strengthen its visibility and impact, CSIDNet seeks a seasoned Communications Consultant to support the development of a comprehensive communications strategy. The consultant should be familiar with nonprofit, public health, science, technology or international development communications and have significant experience in empowering and guiding volunteer groups who have little or no knowledge of public communications.

Objectives

• Develop a communications strategy for CSIDNet aligned with its mission and Theory of Change.
• Craft key messages that convey CSIDNet’s vision and mission, focusing on the links between climate change, public health/infectious diseases, and open technological collaboration.
• Strengthen CSIDNet’s external visibility and establish coherent practices across channels (social media, website, video platforms, newsletter, blog).
• Support CSIDNet staff and Communications Committee in building sustainable, volunteer-friendly communications practices within a nonprofit, cooperative environment.

Areas to cover

• Develop CSIDNet’s Communications Strategy and messaging framework.
• Establish posting routines for social media, blog, and newsletter to be run by a geographically distributed team of volunteers.
• Advise on tools and processes to be adopted for CSIDNet’s communications work. 
• Provide recommendations to improve website and video channel performance and social media management.
• Guide and coach  the Communication Committee to get a working plan 
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for CSIDNet’s communications.
• Work collaboratively with staff and the Communications Committee, ensuring practices fit CSIDNet’s cooperative and volunteer-driven culture.
• Advise on and improve workflows and centralized/decentralized processes for the CSIDNet’s communications work efficiently and effectively by developing hand over points for a collaborative setting primarily led by the Communications Committee that is composed of volunteers. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy Development (Month 1–2)

• Review existing communications materials, website, and social channels.
• Consult with staff, committee leads, and volunteers to map communications needs and assets.
• Develop a draft Communications Strategy including:
  • Core messages (vision, mission, priorities).
  • Brand positioning for the field of CSID.
  • Outreach priorities (funders, partners, general public, members).
  • Identify communication purposes for different audiences.
• Present draft to Communications Committee for feedback and finalize.

2. Digital Channels & Content Frameworks (Month 2–3)

• Social Media (LinkedIn & Twitter/X):
  • Create guidelines and a posting calendar aligned with the profile and composition of the staff and the volunteer Communications Committee.
  • Recommend content formats and management processes to increase reach and engagement.
• Video Channels (Vimeo & YouTube):
  • Recommend improvements in visibility and performance.
  • Establish distinctions: Vimeo for polished donor/partner content; YouTube for wider visibility and search.
• Website:
  • Audit content and structure.
  • Recommend improvements to accessibility, usability, and messaging clarity.
• Blog:
  • Establish routine (frequency, responsibilities, content guidelines).
• Newsletter:
  • Develop framework (purpose, structure, distribution cadence).
  • Recommend platform options (e.g., Buttondown vs. MailerLite).
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Develop a conceptual framework for measuring the success of CSIDNet’s communications and outreach efforts.
  • Develop measurable KPIs for outreach, engagement, and visibility and adequate tools for staff and volunteers to follow up.

3. Implementation & Handover (Month 3–4)

• Pilot content calendar with staff/volunteers to test workflows.
• Draft templates for posts, blog entries, and newsletter.
• Provide documentation and onboarding materials for staff and volunteer contributors.
• Train staff/committee members in implementation.

Deliverables

• Draft and Final Communications Strategy document.
• Social media guidelines and 3-month posting calendar.
• Video channel improvement plan (Vimeo + YouTube).
• Website audit report with prioritized recommendations.
• Blog framework (posting routine, roles, templates).
• Newsletter framework (structure, process, sample draft).
• Final handover package with templates and guidance.
• Short report with the documentation of the process.

Collaboration & Working Environment

• Consultant will work closely with CSIDNet staff and the Communications Committee distributed across different time zones.
• Must understand nonprofit and cooperative environments where staff and volunteers collaborate and share responsibilities.
• Work will be remote, with virtual check-ins and committee meetings.