East Africa Regional Communications Officer At Catholic Relief Services

About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
Job Summary
The Regional Officer, Communications (ROC) for CRS’ East Africa Regional Office (EARO) will implement a communications strategy that establishes CRS as an industry leader with key audiences in the U.S. and in the region. The ROC will capture and effectively disseminate written and multimedia content that demonstrates the impact of CRS’ work across the region, increases CRS’ visibiltiy and influence among key stakeholders, and supports business development through effective positioning. (S)he will establish and maintain relationships with US and international media representatives based in the region, and regularly pitch stories for publication. The ROC will help ensure strong and consistent branding and messaging and work with country
program Communications or other designated staff to create impactful and compelling storytelling.
Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Travel throughout the region to gather information on CRS and partner programs and create compelling human interest-focused content, including stories, photos and videos, that can be used for marketing and communications materials across platforms and for different audiences.
• Identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate marketing materials to key audiences.
• Help manage the design and production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material and in conjunction with country program and HQ MarCom staff, coordinate visits of freelancers to the region.
• Establish and maintain relationships with US and international media representatives based in the region and frequently place CRS in high level and strategic media to increase awareness of CRS .
• Support country program Communications staff in the development and execution of annual work plans for communications and marketing.

Basic Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications or related field.
2. 5 – 7 years work experience in journalism, communications and public/media relations
3. Solid understanding of U.S. and international media
4. Proven track record of high-level US media placements
5. Experience working in international development preferred
6. Proven written and oral communication skills
7. Significant photography and videography experience
8. Basic knowledge of social media, especially Twitter

*Required Languages-* List languages required to perform the job
*Travel* – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30-40 %.
Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of video editing
• Overseas work experience in the developing world, preferred

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities – Dotted line supervision of country program Comms staff
What we offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture
that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
*Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
*EOE/M/F/D/V –* CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For
all US and International positions)

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.