We are currently hiring a Bilingual (Thai/English) Communications Consultant to contribute to the Thai language section of Release’s online platform, TalkingDrugs.
Duration: 6 months, part-time
Hours: Based on output (at least 2 original articles per month)
Location: Can work remotely if not based in London.
Honorarium: 200 USD per month
Start date: As soon as possible.
Deadline: Rolling recrutiment.
About Us
TalkingDrugs is one of the few online platforms dedicated to providing unique news and analysis on drug policy, harm reduction and related issues around the world. We deliver geographically diverse coverage of the important issues, with a level of topic expertise often lacking in the mainstream media.
TalkingDrugs gives people the opportunity to become engaged in the debate, and encourages those who wish to contribute to get in touch with us about either volunteering or submitting a piece of work for publication.
In particular, we are keen for people to tell their stories of how drugs and/or policies have affected their lives or their communities. TalkingDrugs is an anti-racist, sex worker allied, trans-inclusive, abolitionist platform that is grounded in a respect for people who use drugs and for those who are most egregiously impacted by punitive drug laws.
TalkingDrugs is managed by Release, the UK’s centre of expertise on drugs, the law and human rights.
About the role
We are looking for a creative and resourceful individual to work with our organisation in order to source and produce consistent and high quality news coverage of drug policy and harm reduction-related issues for TalkingDrugs.
The content will have a particular focus on Thailand and the Southeast Asian region, thus the role will involve working with partners based there to ensure their issues are highlighted and the content produced reaches the desired audiences.
In addition, the successful applicant will forge cross-publication agreements with prominent, liberal-minded Thai language online platforms, and occasionally produce articles in English on drug policy and harm reduction issues from the Southeast Asian region.
The ideal candidate will have an active interest in drug policy and harm reduction, and will also require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to take a practical and hands-on approach. They will need to co-ordinate their own work and require excellent written and verbal communications skills, ensuring that materials produced for the website are vibrant, accessible and engaging. Knowledge of the political complexities of the region and the ability to handle sensitive information and maintain it in the strictest confidence is essential.
The Communications Consultant will work closely with the current Editor of Talking Drugs, Imani Robinson. Imani is an interdisciplinary writer, researcher and educator. Watch their plenary speech at HR19 in Porto, Portugal.
Responsibilities
- Researching Thai-language content (news sources, government releases, and reports) to keep abreast of drug policy and harm reduction developments in the region.
- Pitching article ideas and producing content for TalkingDrugs in Thai and occasionally English.
- Produce press summaries of Thai-language news on drug policy and harm reduction.
- Translating English content into Thai, and vice versa.
- Liaising with NGO organisations in Thailand and Southeast Asia to facilitate partnerships and ensure mutual content promotion.
- Supporting the development of a strategic online dissemination and promotion plan for TalkingDrugs’ Thai content.
Qualifications/Skills
- Fluency in both written and spoken Thai.
- Excellent writing/editing skills in both languages, with a high level of attention to detail.
- Strong knowledge of drug policy and harm reduction in Thailand and Southeast Asia highly desirable, along with a commitment to policy reform.
- Existing contacts with drug policy and harm reduction organisations/individuals working in the region desirable.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment, adapt and prioritise tasks.
- Ability to handle sensitive information in strict confidence.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience in online editing and with using Drupal CMS desirable.
- Experience using social media tools and platforms.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.
If you require more information about the position before applying than you can contact Imani Robinson: imani@release.org.uk or telephone 0207 324 2978 for an informal discussion.
Applications for the position must include a CV and a cover letter, the latter no longer than 1.5 pages, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until we appoint a succussful candidate. Applications should be sent to recruitment@release.org.uk (attachments should be clearly denoted with the applicant's name and should not collectively exceed 5MB). Applications can also be sent to our office located at 61 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN.