Head of Communications – Solar Stewardship Initiative

Location: Brussels or remote – with working hours broadly compatible with CET

Reports to: CEO

Role type: Full-time, one year contract with possibility for renewal.

Mission Statement

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is dedicated to advancing a responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain worldwide. The SSI works with manufacturers, buyers, policymakers, civil society, and financial institutions to ensure credible, high integrity‑ sustainability practices across the global solar industry.

Our team thrives on collaboration, integrity, and innovation. We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives drive better impact and a stronger mission.

The SSI is recruiting a Head of Communications to lead the strategic development, delivery, and governance of all communication activities across the initiative. This role is pivotal to the SSI’s ability to deliver impact.

Role Overview

The Head of Communications will lead the SSI’s strategic communications, press engagement, narrative development, publication standards, and reputational management. This role translates complex sustainability and policy topics into compelling, accurate communications for global audiences—including media, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society.

You will oversee the communications function from end-to-end, and ‑coordinate with technical and policy colleagues.

You will report directly to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Strategic Planning & Ownership
  • Develop and lead the SSI’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and external moments.
  • Manage the external publication calendar (blog, social media posts), optimising timing around political, sustainability, and industry opportunities.
  • Taking ownership of and championing the SSI brand
  • Lead the strategic selection of external events and speaking opportunities where the SSI participates, based on impact, audience, policy relevance, and organisational priorities.
  • Work closely with subject matter experts to translate technical material into clear, engaging communications outputs.
  1. Lead Press & Policy Communications
  • Shape and deliver SSI’s press and policy communications, including statements, briefings, position papers, and digital assets.
  • Ensure technical accuracy and message coherence while fostering accessibility for non‑expert audiences.
  • Maintain high editorial standards across all published SSI material.
  • Own and continuously improve SSI’s core reference materials, including the website and public FAQ, ensuring technical accuracy, clarity, and alignment with SSI’s Standards, processes, and governance.
  1. Standards, Processes & Ways of Working
  • Establish and maintain communications guidelines, templates, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and excellence.
  • Develop KPIs to track performance, reach, and impact.
  • Design and deliver integrated communications campaigns around key SSI outputs (e.g. Standards, certifications, reports), spanning press, digital, events, and member communications.
  • Align product types (e.g., Position Papers, Briefings, Press Outputs, SSI FAQ) with SSI’s policy, advocacy, and engagement goals.
  1. Media Relations & Spokesperson Work
  • Serve as an SSI spokesperson and deliver external media engagements working closely with the CEO.
  • Develop a proactive and reactive media strategy, cultivating relationships with journalists across sustainability, energy, supply chain, and politics.
  • Draft press materials, op-eds, reactive lines-to-take, and oversee coordinated placements with partners and national associations.
  1. Crisis Communications
  • Monitor communications risks and opportunities across SSI’s operations and external environment.
  • Lead contingency planning and coordinate crisis responses, aligning internal teams and managing high stakes‑ media engagement.
  • Ensure the SSI’s communications are responsible, accurate, and resilient under pressure.
  1. Coordination and line management
  • Dotted line management and coordination of other SSI staff helping to deliver communications.
  • Foster a high performance, supportive, and mission driven team culture.

Profile: About You

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • At least 7–10 years’ experience in communications, including press relations and political/policy based‑ communications.
  • Proven experience in crisis communications and organisational reputation management.
  • Demonstrated understanding and experience working on sustainability, green transition and/or human rights and the ability to translate this into clear strategic communications
  • Strong editorial judgment and ability to synthesise complex material rapidly.
  • Experience shaping and leading high impact‑ communications campaigns.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fluency in English; other languages desirable
  • Ability to operate confidently in fast paced, politically sensitive environments.
  • Commitment to sustainability, integrity, and advancing responsible supply chains.

Our Offer

  • A role with real impact in shaping the future of responsible solar supply chains.
  • A diverse, international, values driven‑ working environment.
  • Being part of a cutting-edge organisation on the forefront of the green transition.
  • Flexible role working remotely or imbedded in the Brussels based team.
  • Competitive salary

Application Process

To apply, please send to [email protected]:

  • Your CV (max 2 pages)
  • Cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for the role and how your skills and experience fit the role (max 2 pages)

Deadline: 17th February
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted