Corinne Brunois
Communications for Sustainable Development
Independent international consultant since 2007, with more than 25 years of experience in the field of communication, nature conservation and sustainable development, I support many organizations in the reflection on their positioning, development and operational implementation of their communication strategy.At the frontier of know-how and how-to-know, I share my solid experience, my recognized expertise and professionalism, my communicative enthusiasm and my pronounced taste for visual quality with institutions, NGOs and CSOs, companies which wish to communicate about their projects to achieve tangible results consistent with their purpose, their values and their audiences.My ambition? Contribute through any communication action to the responsible development of projects for the benefit of human societies living in harmony with their environment.At a time of a necessary transition to a just, carbon neutral and nature-positive world, do not hesitate to reach me and check my references here.
Communications Professional
Acting for Sustainable development
It is not enough to speak, but to speak true.
Shakespeare
CV in pdf format
After completing my studies at HEC Paris and the University of Law in Paris in 1988, I began my professional life as a Market Consultant with the French company Chargeurs SA, in charge of the German market for the Group's newly acquired textile division.Considering myself too young to live in the heart of the Black Forest in Germany, I subsequently joined Prisma Presse, a leading media group in France, part of the German Bertelsmann group.During the first year of my employment with Prisma, I was appointed Director of Marketing of several leading magazines in their respective sectors (Géo, Télé-Loisirs, Voici and Gala). This position gave me the opportunity to gain extensive experience in press marketing, sponsoring activities, increasing market shares with ambitious objectives, and developing new brand strategies in particular for GEO.Inspired by the high-level photographic reportages in GEO and by my extensive travels – both professional and personal – I then decided to orient my career towards nature conservation and work for WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature.The opportunity to make this professional move came in 1995 when I was appointed Director of Communications at WWF-France at a time when the French organisation needed to be re-structured and re-launched. In close collaboration with WWF colleagues around the world, I launched a number of new campaigns – in particular, the first Climate Change Campaign in France in 1997, successfully built media and business partnerships in order to better profile WWF and was instrumental in re-positioning WWF's French organisation and building the foundations for its future growth.In 1999, impassioned by WWF's work and highly motivated to be a player in an international environment, I joined WWF International in Switzerland. My mission was to build the newly created Corporate Communications Unit with the aim to strengthen the WWF brand worldwide and engage the business sector through international partnerships.In 2007, I decided to leave WWF International to re-connect with my earlier ambitions and pursue my venture into entrepreneurship. Since then, as an independent consultant, I have been bringing my knowledge and skills to many organisations, teams and projects.It has been my pleasure to develop several brand and communications strategies and to coordinate international campaigns and partnerships with the private sector. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to coach a number of teams and to contribute to and lead the development of communication tools and activities at both corporate and project levels. These activities have been carried out for the benefit of Expertise France (Green Overseas, Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework-EU Support, BIODEV2030, Urbayiti, …) and AFD (France-IUCN partnership, Mayotte project), WWF Network , IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), MedWet and MedPAN, foundations (e.g. MAVA, FIBA and Ensemble), NOE Conservation, the French Museum of Natural History (MNHN), and many other organisations which strive to incorporate sustainable development and nature conservation into their core operations.Having worked both at national and international levels, I am eager to bring my solid experience in Communications and Campaigning to organisations truly committed to sustainable development.Forever seeking new challenges!
CV on Linkedin
Communications services
In response to your needs
To speak is a need; to listen, an art.
Goethe
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the range of services I can provide:
Positioning and branding
- Market analysis
- Survey among key audiences
- Positionning proposal
- Brand platform
- Brief & selection of relevant agency
- Coordination with the selected agency
- Visual identity and its guidelines
Communication strategy
- Market analysis and overall strategy of the organization analysis
- Analysis of stakeholders communications needs; SWOT
- Strategic meetings/workshops with the relevant teams
- Communications strategy development: goal & objectives, target audiences, action plans, KPIs, budget, calendar, key messages …
Communications tools and activities
Based on the defined visual identity, I work with the communications team and the selected communications or branding agency to produce relevant:- Web landing page or fully fledged website
- Newsletter
- Brochures: leaflet, annual report, knowledge-sharing documents
- Press releases or press pack
- Videos and films
- Social media plans
- Events, webinars and conferences, exhibits…
International campaigns
- Brief and concept proposals
- Partners’ and stakeholders’ mobilisation and coordination
- Development of campaigns tools (on and off-line)
- Project management, implementation and monitoring at various levels (geographical, network of partners, internal networks within the relevant organization)Depending on your aspirations, needs and constraints, we can develop an adequate proposal for a joint collaboration.
That which goes without saying is even better when said.
Talleyrand
Benchmarks and references
…As many professional contacts who, in their respective fields, have over the years come to assess and appreciate the quality of my services.Expertise France, WWF, AFD, IUCN, MAVA Foundation, MedPan, Tour du Valat, NOE, MedWet, and many others.
Didier BABIN, Team leader Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework-EU support, Expertise FranceSince 2018, the Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework - EU support project has, for more than three years, facilitated a comprehensive and participatory process in the run-up to the adoption of a new transformative global framework for biodiversity. This green diplomacy project, funded by the European Union, was implemented under the aegis of Expertise France. Corinne brilliantly ensured the communication direction starting with the development of an effective branding identity, followed by the development of a comprehensive communications strategy and the strategic support provided for numerous communication actions of all our partners (youth, local authorities and conservation NGOs, country partners, etc.) and our team (events and social media strategy, website, knowledge-sharing documents and videos, etc.).
Her enthusiasm and motivation have constantly mobilized us, including our quick adaptation to the difficult period of the COVID 19 crisis. Corinne made her impressive network available to our project and ensured the presence of our project within the "Flotilla » (a network of communicators within the CBD world) preparing events ahead of COP 15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including the Post2020 partnership bringing together nearly 30 various international institutions.
A big thank you to Corinne for having succeeded throughout this period in communicating to everyone her joy of working as a team in the defense of a just and essential cause to her heart.Jean Briday, coordinator of the Technical Secretariat of the Urbayiti Coordination and Monitoring Committee, Expertise FranceUrbayiti is an urban development program of more than 53 million euros funded by the European Union. It is mainly implemented in three cities in Haiti, including its capital Port-au-Prince. Since the start of Urbayiti in early 2018, Corinne has collaborated with the program coordination supported by Expertise France and all the implementing partners - ministries, local authorities, international cooperation agencies and NGOs - to define the visual identity of Urbayiti, develop and implement its communication strategy.
With a very rich experience, a determined optimism and a great dynamism, Corinne has been able to meet the challenges and constraints of a program based on a complex inter-institutional partnership and, what is more, in a country with sometimes very difficult context.Pauline TEILLAC-DESCHAMPS, coordinatrice BIODEV2030, Expertise FranceBIODEV2030 is a project to support 16 pilot countries in the development of commitments by all components of society in favor of biodiversity, and in particular the private sector. This project is unique because of its sectoral and multi-country dimension, but also because of the governance set up for its deployment.
In 2020, Corinne helped us to define the communication strategy of our project, but also to define its identity. Thanks to her knowledge of the project's stakes and actors, she was able to accompany us in an efficient and relevant way. Her understanding of the players, her listening skills and her attention to others enabled us to carry out a consultation of all the key players in record time in order to arrive at a shared vision of the identity of our project. Corinne also showed great adaptability not only to the pre-existing constraints of the project, but also to the emergence of the consequences of a global context marked by the crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corinne's enthusiasm and drive complement her professionalism and make the exchanges not only efficient but also very pleasant and constructive!
Tiphaine LEMENAGER, Project Officer, Agriculture, Rural development, Biodiversity - AFDFrom 2009 to 2018, AFD supported a program aimed at improving the sustainable management of the natural heritage of Mayotte and scattered islands on European funding, in collaboration with the TAAF and the Mayotte County Council. A series of activities has been conducted throughout this program. One of them had the ambition to define a communication strategy related to the biodiversity conservation in Mayotte and to set up the first communication tools. The call for tenders launched by AFD at the end of 2016 led us to work with Corinne, who displayed both a detailed knowledge of biodiversity conservation issues and proven communication skills.Corinne conducted this mission with great professionalism, meeting all the expectations of the AFD and local actors that she was able to mobilise from the start. The defined strategy, the concept of a new communication campaign developed with a local agency and all the created visuals will hopefully enable the Mahorais to better understand and therefore better preserve their territory and their natural heritage.Congratulations to Corinne with whom it has been a great pleasure to work. Autonomous, effective, available and particularly competent on Biodiversity topics. Hope to see you soon for future challenges!Nicolas Salaün – Programme manager International cooperation, IUCN French CommitteeCorinne supported the IUCN French Committee in 2017 in developing the communication strategy for the fifth phase of the Small-Scale Initiatives Program (PPI). This program, funded since 2006 by the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), aims to strengthen the contribution of African civil society to the preservation of the environment while improving the living conditions of local populations.In her mission, Corinne helped us to define the positioning of the PPI, to characterize the communication fundamentals of this new phase and to prioritize the associated tools. Corinne has been very attentive and ready to support us in this project. Beyond her human qualities and her professional skills, Corinne has been very creative in developing the new visual identity of the program, which in the opinion of all our local partners is a real success!It was a pleasure to work with Corinne and we hope that other collaborations will be possible in the future.Magali Mabari, Communications Manager, MedPAN.In 2017, Corinne Brunois collaborated with MedPAN, the network of managers of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean, on the organisation of a training workshop on communications in Mediterranean MPAs. This workshop was held from 25 to 27 April 2017 in Bizerte, Tunisia. Corinne's mission, carried out in close collaboration with MedPAN's communications manager, was to assess training needs with representatives of the MedPAN network, to develop the content of these 3 days of training, to produce the training materials and to deliver the training on location.This training was very much appreciated by the participants (around 40 all together) who warmly congratulated Corinne for her performance.Corinne has shown great professionalism and commitment during all stages of this project. Her rich experience of communications at the service of environmental NGOs has allowed her to quickly grasp the communications aspects that were more specific to Marine Protected Areas, which has enriched an already very comprehensive programme. Corinne is someone who is structured, reliable and committed and for whom work quality is paramount. She is also a very good listener, with a flexibility and creativity that have greatly facilitated our collaboration.During the event, her technical skills, her bilingualism, her skills at leading the training and the brainstorming and her happy and warm nature turn the exercise into a real success. We would be very happy to collaborate with Corinne again as soon as the opportunity arises.Camille Le Jean, Coordinator of the French Alliance for Cities and Territorial Development-PFVTSince 2014, the PFVT has been commissioned in order to organize the coordination and the participation of stakeholders in the Habitat III (the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development) held in Quito from 17 October to 20 October 2016. Corinne supported the PFVT to create and to implement the communication plan aiming to ensure a visible French participation and to highlight French expertise and knowledge during the Conference.Thanks to her knowledge of cooperation actors and exchanges with them, Corinne proposed an ambitious and focused communication strategy, within a very tight planning. Corinne developed a constructive approach and propositions to realize communication materials, publication on French experiences, design and animation of the French Pavilion.As well as her high quality work, Corinne is a dedicated and enthusiast partner!Marina Gomei, Projects manager - WWF MediterraneanSince 2011, I have been working with Corinne in different WWF communication initiatives about Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Corinne helped more than 7 teams in 5 European and non-European countries in building their capacity in developing and implementing effective communication strategies for MPAs. She was able to work in different cultural contexts and apply her methodologies to different needs.It was an honor and great pleasure for me to see how quick the individual learning curve was, how everybody appreciated working with her, and –more important- how now staff is independent and able to replicate and adapt their acquired skills.More recently (in 2016/2017), I collaborated with Corinne in developing new communication approaches and tools to reach the sustainable tourism industry and influence their business in Mediterranean MPAs. I really appreciated the strategy and new ideas she brought to this challenging and –finally- successful project.Beyond her high professionalism, efficiency, and competences, Corinne is able to bring authentic humanity to her work. Her empathy skill is the key element of her successful relationships and her ability to create a conducive working environment with high quality comms deliverables.Finally, working with her is always a lot of fun!Elodie Afonso, Project manager, Sustainable Development Department, Expertise FranceWhich words best describe Corinne? Commitment, dedication and efficiency. It was a pleasure working with Corinne in 2016 who assisted Expertise France in implementing an EU funded project on environmental governance in Gabes, Tunisia.Corinne has perfectly fulfilled its role as trainer by organizing workshops on environmental communication. The project team and local civil society beneficiaries have especially enjoyed the variety of methods used by Corinne. She was creative and resourceful and demonstrated excellent listening skills.The biodiversity-forest-oceans team of the Environment and Climate Unit, France Ministry of foreign affairs and international development (MAEDI)Through the partnership IUCN-France, we have worked closely with Corinne Brunois throughout the second half of 2015 mostly on the participation and coordination of the various stakeholders of the French – IUCN partnership at the COP21. Twelve major partners took part in this mobilization: ATEN, MedWet, Tour du Valat, Pôle-Relais Wetlands, ASTERS, ONEMA, the Federation of Regional Natural Parks (PNR), the Natural Parks of France, the Nature Reserves of France, the French Committee for IUCN, the French Fund for Global Environment (FFEM), and RAMSAR France association.
An important organizational work with a real sense of rigor and deep perseverance has been fundamental for the successful completion of this project. Corinne’s skills and experience in this field have contributed largely to the success of this operation.
In very short notice, Corinne Brunois has kept on managing the project successfully and was instrumental in the design and implementation of various communication elements.
Both dense and fruitful, this collaboration has been of a great help to the completion of the ambitious project with many challenges!Delmar Blasco, coordinator MedWet, a Ramsar regional initiativeThe Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet), a network of 27 countries and a number of regional organizations and research centres, has had the pleasure of working with Corinne Brunois throughout the year 2015. Originally having engaged Corinne to provide advice on a specific MedWet project, we realized very quickly that she could assist us with a whole range of communication issues, starting with a complete renovation of our graphic identity.
The MedWet project that was at the origin of the consultancy resulted in a resounding success, and from there we proceeded with the design of our Communications Strategy for the next two years.
We have discovered with Corinne what it entails to communicate effectively and in a targeted manner. She has made a very significant contribution to our institutional development and we are most grateful for this.
In addition, it was a real pleasure working with a professional who besides knowing her ropes so well has such a warm and engaging personality.Jean Jalbert, General Director, Foundation Tour du ValatWithin the frame of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, the Tour du Valat hired Corinne Brunois to develop an ambitious communication strategy to reinforce its impact and to better valorize its expertise on Mediterranean Wetlands. In support to our communication manager, Corinne established a situational analysis together with the different partners of the Fondation Tour du Valat, proposed a positioning and built a communication strategy asserting our ambitions concerning advocacy and leadership, and considering both the institutional context and Mediterranean stakeholders.The steering committee of this study really appreciated Corinne Brunois'expertise, as well as her availability and active listening. Her perfect knowledge of environmental major players, her valuable experience in regards to communication strategies, but also her great energy and cheerfulness were indeed crucial arguments to deliver quality work all the more as deadlines were short.Emmanuel Dollfus, Deputy Head of Communication, French Agency for Development (AFD)We worked with Corinne Brunois on coordinating the French presence at the 2014 IUCN World Parks Conference in Sydney and on implementing the communication plan for the France-IUCN partnership for nature and development.Her competence and humanity were the traits that made the difference between a simply successful project and a project as vibrant as a fireworks display.Marc Magaud, Advisor to the Director General of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)France and IUCN signed a partnership agreement in 2005, but few people knew about it outside a small circle of specialists and the partners themselves. It had become clear that a communication strategy was needed to showcase the partnership's action and to foster a sense of ownership in a broader constituency, including policy makers.In 2014, following an assessment of all partners' expectations and needs, Corinne successfully rallied representatives of IUCN, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development (MAEDI), the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy (MEDDE), the Ministry for Overseas Territories (MOM) and AFD to produce the first ever such strategy.In addition, a strong communication plan was developed for and implemented at the IUCN World Parks Congress held in Sydney in November 2014, which was pinpointed as a major event for the partnership. The Congress was attended by 6000 professionals from 160 countries, 5 heads of state and over 20 Ministers. The stand designed and operated by the France-IUCN partnership was a tremendous success for which the credit goes largely to Corinne.After designing a specific graphic identity for the partnership, she played a decisive part in creating a comprehensive set of communication materials and activities for: press relations in France, in Africa and those resulting from Sydney, as well as a publicity campaign (television and press ads), media partnership, videos, press articles, etc.Our collaboration with Corinne has been successful, friendly and intense. I hope that we can continue working with her in 2015 and beyond!
Zamir Dedej, President INCA (Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania)In 2014, Corinne Brunois assisted INCA in the development of the Communication Strategy for the project “Sustainable Economic Activities in Mediterranean-Albania”, which is being implemented in assistance with WWF and the financial support of CEPF, and is aiming at raising capacities and supporting touristic operators in the development of nature based touristic activities in the first newly established Marine Protected Area-Karaburun-Sazan. Developing a project like this in reaching all objectives and starting from scratch was very difficult and needed a strong belief in ourselves, visibility and loyalty with interested actors, local population and founders.Meeting with Corinne and organizing the workshop with the working team on coms, made us believe that everything is possible. Corinne played a key role in collecting information with us on the project, area, history, local, the national and international context of the sustainable tourism development, putting all this together and creating a perfect tool which removed every uncertainty. She created very professionally, a simple but very useful and all exclusive path, towards better understanding the values of the MPA by different actors, using a variety of mechanisms for each of them, in reaching the objectives and establishing a sustainable communication contribution for the area.INCA staff describes this collaboration as one of the highest professional experiences ever. Hoping for other collaborations like this!Christine Taris - Secretary General, Vincent van Gogh d’Arles FoundationUpon its creation in 2010, the Vincent van Gogh d'Arles Foundation engaged Corinne Brunois to identify the main courses of engagement for its communications activities. Previously, she had, with a keen sense of professionalism, built the Foundation’s communications strategy and subsequently guided the operational implementation process.Method, rigour and willingness to engage are just a few of the many qualities that Corinne offers. In addition, her sunny disposition and other human qualities have always contributed to successful and highly appreciated collaboration.Olivier Pascal - Project leader, “Our Planet Reviewed” (Pro Natura International) Corinne Brunois has accompanied the development and implementation processes of the 2008 communications plan for Our Planet Reviewed, a joint initiative launched by Pro Natura International and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.Corinne has played a key role in structuring the message we wish to convey by designing the tools needed to ensure reaching a wide target audience as well as by leading communications activities in the early steps of the programme. Corinne has also masterfully managed the many complex relationships with various players involved in this public-private partnership, and has ensured the coordination of the different actors and communications tools at the critical launch phase of the initiative.Our Planet Reviewed, without the participation of Corinne Brunois, would not have become what it is today – a project durably established in today’s world of biodiversity which allies seriousness, reliability and visibility.Lynda Mansson – Director General, MAVA FoundationThe MAVA Foundation’s communications needs have, since 2011, been benefiting from Corinne Brunois’ competencies and skills. In particular, Ms Brunois has contributed to fine-tuning the positioning and communications of the Foundation, and in cooperation with our graphic designers has developed our new visual identity. She has also provided advisory services to the Foundation for the development of its website and annual report.We particularly appreciate Corinne Brunois’ in-depth knowledge of communications, especially in the field of conservation, as well as her keen sense of discernment with respect to all things visual. She consistently executes her mandates with enthusiasm and careful attention to detail. Her work is always highly professional, of excellent quality and delivered within agreed deadlines.Arnaud Greth - President, Noé ConservationWith a wealth of experience both in communications and nature conservation, Corinne accompanies Noé’s team as the organisation pursues its ongoing overall increase in communications and awareness activities.Thanks to her contribution of strategic advice on the brand platform, coordination of the new website for the programme Jardins de Noé, daily support in producing communications tools and strengthening partnerships with the corporate sector, Corinne has been able to professionalise Noé Conservation’s overall communications approach.Always in good spirits, Corinne’s conviviality and other human qualities have been instrumental in building the professional capacities of our team!Anne Remy - Communication Director, WWF Mediterranean officeSince 2008, Corinne has been working regularly with the WWF Mediterranean Office. During my maternity leave, she assumed responsibility for the management of the Communications Department for over eight months. During this mission, she launched the first edition of Earth Hour for our region and made a significant contribution to our Business & Industry development approach.Subsequently, within the framework of the MedPAN South Project, she worked with local teams in Algeria, Croatia, Tunisia and Turkey to build communications strategies for their pilot projects and to guide their respective teams in implementation of the strategies.We are currently working together on freshwater issues in the Balkans. At a crucial moment in time, Corinne offers our organisation her excellent knowledge of the WWF Network and extensive international experience for the enhancement of project communications.Corinne is a trustworthy person. She has a great capacity to design strategies that are adapted to local or global contexts. Furthermore, she is able to create and nurture networks in an intelligent and efficient manner and gives, generously, her time, energy and enthusiasm. It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with her.Oliver Rapf, former Head of Climate Business Engagement, WWF International, and current Executive Director of the Buildings Performance Institute EuropeIn 2009, Corinne was in charge of a WWF International global campaign which brought together 20 multinational companies in support of a strong global climate agreement during the UN Copenhagen climate negotiations.She was instrumental in mobilising all corporate partners as well as WWF offices around the world which resulted in a globally visible campaign in both online and print media. Corinne’s positive spirit and tireless efforts made it possible to overcome any obstacles encountered in the process of bringing a diverse group of global brands together to unite behind one call with a global advocacy organisation such as WWF.The Let the Clean Economy Begin Campaign was one of the leading business voices to a strong climate treaty, not least thanks to Corinne.
Contact
Corinne Brunois
1 chemin du Fief
1264 St-Cergue
Suisse
corinne@corinnebrunois.com
+ 41 (0)79 691 32 07 (mobile)