Advisor II – High Performing Implementers MARCOM at CRS

CRS has a long and rich history of collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Since 2003, CRS has been awarded over $884 million to implement programs in 27 countries, including nine where CRS serves (or has served) as Principal Recipient. For the current three-year cycle 2021-2023, CRS has a confirmed portfolio of seven Principal Recipient grants for a total 3-year budget of around $550 million, in addition to several Sub-Recipient and Service provider contracts.
CRS’ 2030 Strategy places a central emphasis on fostering local leadership within the countries in which CRS operates. Directly aligned with this commitment is CRS’ High Performing Implementers (HPI) Initiative, which aims to accompany national government partners to eventually become and remain strong Principal Recipients of Global Fund grants. Together with national partners, CRS has begun to implement this structured approach to partner-led capacity stren gthening in the current 2021-2023 grant cycle in five priority countries: Madagascar, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Congo-Brazzaville. In most of these countries, CRS has already facilitated a partner-led capacity assessment through which national partners have identified their capacity gaps vis-à-vis Global Fund Capacity Assessment Tool (CAT) standards and have developed initial action plans to address priority gaps and meet Global Fund CAT standards. A global HPI support team is being assembled to provide direct, comprehensive capacity strengthening support to national partners in these priority countries according to their needs and in close coordination with the relevant CRS country program teams.
Job Summary:
You will be responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for CRS’ HPI Initiative to a) position CRS as a leader in capacity strengthening of national disease programs, and b) support national disease programs to communicate their progress towards Global Fund standards for Principal Recipients with Country Coordinating Mechanisms and other stakeholders. In close collaboration with the HPI Support Team, country program teams, and relevant regional advisors, you will ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity. You will create content and use effective communications channels to demonstrate the value and results coming from the HPI Initiative. You will ensure the production of effective marketing and communications materials including videos, photos, stories, and social media content. You will collaborate extensively with MarCom, Regional Communications staff, Global Fund Support Unit and the HPI Team.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Guide the development and implementation of a robust, two-year HPI communications strategy.
• Support country programs and national disease programs to document and communicate about their progress towards Global Fund standards for Principal Recipients.
• Write, design, and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. – for national governments, Country Coordinating Mechanisms (for Global Fund grants), the Global Fund, media and others as needed.
• Manage and work with local creatives in the production of above marketing materials with final approval/review from the relevant stakeholders.
• Develop specific HPI-related messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• As appropriate, create HPI-related content for platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• Provide HPI-related marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc.
• Train and coach relevant country program staff and national partners involved in HPI on best practices in communications.
• Ensure that all HPI-related communications are consistent with CRS’ branding and publications guidelines and donor requirements.

Required Languages – Fluent English and fluent French both required.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel 30-40% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in journalism/communications
• Photography and videography experience
• Overseas work experience in the developing world
• Familiarity with good practices in capacity strengthening
• Familiarity with the Global Fund

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications required
• 5 years’ work experience in marketing and/or communications, or journalism
• Proven record of successful marketing and communications campaigns
• Solid understanding of international media
• Proven track record of high-level media placements
• Proven written and oral communication skills
• Solid knowledge of social media platforms

Supervisory Responsibilities: Consultants
Key Working Relationships:
Internal – HPI Support Team, HQ MarCom, Regional Communications staff, Global Fund Support Unit (GFSU) Senior Advisors and Technical Advisor (HPI Focal Point), HPI Managers and CoPs in priority countries
External – National Disease Programs and Country Coordinating Mechanisms in priority countries, the Global Fund.
*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 exploitatio n. 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.
*CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer*

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.