Western Amazon Communications Advisor

Amazon Watch

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Amazon Watch is seeking an experienced Western Amazon Communications Advisor to develop, implement, and coordinate media and communications strategies that advance Indigenous rights and protect the Western Amazon. The full-time contract position is based in Ecuador, preferably, or elsewhere in the Western Amazon. The target start date is December 1, 2026, or earlier. Reporting to the Western Amazon Director and working closely with Amazon Watch’s program and communications teams in the United States, the Advisor will translate the Western Amazon field team’s work into communications campaigns with national, regional, and international reach. The role includes gathering video and photo content, producing multimedia materials, pitching stories, coordinating press responses, organizing events, and supporting Indigenous allies in strengthening their media and communications capacity. Travel may be required to document relevant events and collect multimedia materials, subject to organizational recommendations and restrictions. Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization working in partnership and solidarity with Indigenous peoples and the climate justice movement to protect the Amazon rainforest and climate. Its work includes holding governments, corporations, and financial institutions accountable for Amazon destruction and human rights violations. Compensation is $40,000–$45,000 annually; the stated range is specific to Quito, Ecuador.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in communications, media relations, or campaigns; experience with a social justice, human rights, environmental, or Indigenous rights organization is ideal.
Strong written and spoken English.
Proven record of developing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns at the national, regional, or international level.
Strong media relations skills and existing relationships with journalists and media outlets in Ecuador or the wider Western Amazon, including the ability to pitch stories and respond quickly to breaking news.
Experience producing multimedia content, including photography, video, audio, or graphic design, and coordinating with photographers, filmmakers, and other content creators.
Deep knowledge of the Western Amazon’s social, political, and environmental context, especially oil extraction, mining, illicit economies, and their impacts on Indigenous peoples.
Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous rights, self-determination, and climate justice, and experience working respectfully in solidarity with Indigenous organizations and communities.
Experience planning, organizing, and moderating virtual and in-person events, including press conferences, public forums, and webinars.
Strong judgment and ability to work independently while coordinating closely with remote, cross-cultural teams across time zones.

Nice To Haves

Based in Ecuador.
Experience designing and leading communications or media trainings for Indigenous organizations.
Familiarity with digital security practices and safety protocols for working in high-risk contexts, including with environmental and land defenders.
An existing network of contacts among Indigenous organizations, civil society groups, and media in Ecuador, Peru, or Colombia.
Familiarity with international advocacy spaces, including UN mechanisms, the Inter-American human rights system, and climate negotiations.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and coordinate a Western Amazon media and communications strategy in collaboration with Amazon Watch’s program and communications teams.
Develop, advise on, and coordinate campaigns on Indigenous rights and Amazon protection, especially Stop Amazon Crime and End Amazon Crude.
Generate content, multimedia assets, and communications materials for Amazon Watch’s website, social media platforms, and campaigns.
Organize, convene, and moderate virtual and in-person events, including press conferences, public forums, and webinars.
Pitch stories, write press statements, and coordinate media responses with program and communications teams.
Translate information and results from the Western Amazon field team’s work into communications campaigns with national, regional, and international reach.
Conduct media and communications strategy trainings with Indigenous allies.
Coordinate the acquisition of multimedia assets and images for Amazon Watch campaigns.
Travel as needed, in accordance with organizational recommendations and restrictions, to document relevant events and collect multimedia materials.
Provide information and strategies for sharing key messages across Amazon Watch’s networks, including translating social media kits.
Increase visibility and build public support for Indigenous peoples’ work to defend their rights and the Amazon.