Communications and Engagement Officer

Your Mission

Do you have a strong interest in science and experience in communication? Are you ready to make complex topics clear for diverse audiences? At the Food Packaging Forum, you will communicate the latest science on food contact materials to key decision-makers, with the aim of protecting global environmental and human health. You will be in a position to create scalable impact as part of our small intercultural and interdisciplinary team by developing clear and engaging communications across multiple projects. This is an early career professional position that offers a unique opportunity to apply and further develop your skills for the public good.

Your Responsibilities

This is a cross functional role that works within both our communications and engagement teams. Daily responsibilities include:

• Research scientific and policy developments globally across the field
• Develop short, fact-based news articles to keep our stakeholders informed
• Lead the updating and maintenance of our Brand and Retailer Initiatives Database (BRID)
• Support the development and implementation of communication strategies for capacity building projects with industry, civil society, and regulatory stakeholders
• Layout and draft newsletters, project reports, and concept notes
• Support the development of clear and engaging content for capacity building activities
• Support the development of digital communications including press releases, social media posts, and updating project websites and events calendars
• Support the planning and execution of webinars, live virtual trainings, in-person events, and consortium meetings for partner projects
• Contribute to other ongoing FPF activities and scientific/outreach projects as needed; additional tasks can be agreed upon depending on the candidate’s skills and further interests.
• Regular in-person presence at our Zurich office with an employment level of between 80% and 100%.

Necessary Experience and Skills

• Educational background in natural science, engineering, communications, or journalism
• Previous project experience (or a strong interest) in chemical risk assessment, life cycle assessment, environmental protection, human health, or prevention of chronic diseases
• C2 level English (full proficiency) in writing, reading, and speaking
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling news articles, press releases, reports, slides, and other materials tailored to diverse audiences and organizational needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional colleagues and stakeholders; enjoys speaking and engaging personally with diverse project partners
• Proactive and independent task management
• An agile problem solver and fast learner who is purpose-driven and a strong team player
• Keen motivation to lean in and contribute to the common good of society as well as to the conservation of planetary health
• Permission to work or live in Switzerland (e.g. a Swiss residence Permit B/C/Ci/G/L/S or EU/Swiss citizenship). Applicants without permission to work or live in Switzerland cannot be considered.

Additional Desired Experience and Skills

• Affinity for marketing, relationship building, and networking
• Digitally savvy and enjoys working with web tools and social media platforms such as WordPress, Canva, PowerBI, LinkedIn, Zoom and Teams webinars, Google Suite, Jira, and Office 365 applications
• An eye for visual design
• Enjoys developing ways to communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Is adaptable and able to prioritize and manage time under pressure
• Enjoys reading, writing, and speaking about scientific topics – even within new fields
• Conversational skills in another language(s)

Why the Food Packaging Forum?

The Food Packaging Forum Foundation is a charitable (not-for-profit) organization based in Zurich, Switzerland. Our work enables global actors to make robust, informed decisions by applying the latest science on hazardous chemicals in food contact materials and on the environmental impacts of food packaging. Through our independent, balanced, and science-based publications and tools, we contribute to protecting human and environmental health. We communicate interdisciplinary science, transdisciplinary information, and the knowledge context to make data actionable for stakeholders. As an employee, your benefits include:

• A modern office space well connected to public transport in central Zurich
• 5 weeks paid vacation per year plus public holidays
• A competitive salary
• Retirement contributions and social insurance exceeding the standards set by Swiss law
• Being a part of a supportive, actively engaged, and high-achieving team
• A job with purpose: Our work has a global impact and contributes to protecting public and environmental health while working with highly respected, multi-stakeholder expert project partners from around the world.

Interested in this unique opportunity?

To apply, please submit a letter of motivation and your resume/CV (both in pdf format) via the Idealist platform by January 12, 2026. Applications sent via other channels (e.g. LinkedIn or email) cannot be considered.

This role requires C2 level English (full proficiency) in writing, reading, and speaking.