IUF
International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations
(a global trade union federation)

IUF International Officer: Communication and Policy

Based in Geneva, Switzerland

 

Background
The IUF is an international trade union federation working with its affiliates to organize workers around the world in the food, hospitality, tobacco and agricultural sectors (www.iuf.org).

The IUF works with affiliates to increase union membership within companies in these sectors and negotiates with major transnational companies (TNCs) to ensure that workers have practical access to the right to join unions and to be represented by them.

A part of this work focuses on the organization of workers across supply chains.

The IUF is seeking to recruit a suitable person to join the International Secretariat to work in the areas of policy and communication.

Job Description
The International Officer for Communication and Policy will play a strategic role in strengthening the IUF’s work with transnational companies and their global supply chains by integrating research, policy development, campaigning, and communication.

The position combines supply chain analysis and policy work with strategic communication, ensuring that the IUF’s TNC work is visible, coherent, and politically effective across regions and sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• TNC and supply chain policy
• Research and analyze transnational companies and their global supply chains in IUF sectors.
• Build and support relationships with major TNCs.
• Coordinate and support the development of IUF policy and strategy towards TNCs.
• Work with IUF staff, regions, and affiliates to coordinate cross-border union action toward TNCs and their suppliers.
• Develop and maintain an internal IUF database on supply chains.

Strategic Communication

• Develop and coordinate communication strategies for the IUF.
• Support the General Secretary by writing documents for IUF Governing Body meetings.
• Produce and edit campaign materials, briefings, reports, website content, and social media.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists reporting on news in IUF sectors.
• Support IUF staff in communicating effectively around disputes, organizing and campaigns.
• Contribute to the public profile of the IUF.
• Work closely with IUF staff and regions on coherent messaging and a shared communication strategy.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in trade unions, labour rights or social justice campaigning.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of transnational companies and global supply chains.
• Knowledge of private equity practices and their implications for labour rights and working conditions is considered an advantage.
• Experience engaging with TNCs regarding human rights and due diligence.
• Strong understanding of TNCs, global supply chains, and regulatory frameworks on due diligence.
• Ability to write OECD and ILO complaints is a plus.
• Experience in negotiating with transnational companies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with experience working in multicultural and multilingual environments.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English is required; knowledge of other languages is a strong asset (Spanish and French).
• Proven ability to produce high-quality campaign communication.
• Ability to turn research and analysis into clear, persuasive messages.
• Experience working with organizations in different countries and cultures.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Experience in company and industry research as well as supply chain analysis.
• Knowledge of IUF sectors (food, agriculture, hospitality, beverages, tobacco, etc.).
• Experience with digital communication and campaign tools.

Personal Qualities

• Strong commitment to trade union values and workers’ rights.
• Ability to handle sensitive information.
• Comfortable working in an international environment.
• Ability to work independently while also being able to work effectively as part of a broader team.

Terms and Conditions

• The International Officer will be based at the IUF's head office in Geneva, Switzerland. However, s/he will be expected to spend a certain amount of time on work travel.
• All IUF staff are members of the Swiss union UNIA. Salaries and other benefits are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated between the elected staff union committee and the General Secretary.
• Details of salary and related benefits will be provided to candidates short-listed for the position.
• The IUF is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Process
Interested candidates should send the following to the IUF at jobs@iuf.org by February 22, 2026:

• A current CV in English.
• A motivation letter.
• The names of three references with their contact information.
• A recent example of company research done by the candidate.
• Two additional writing samples.