Job Title : Communications Officer
Reports To : Communications Manager
Location : CRS Manila
Job Grade : 7
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 Communications Officer for CRS Philippines works closely with the Regional Communications staff and HQ Communications team to create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity. The Communications Officer creates content and uses effective communications channels to reach a number of different audiences and help increase CRS Philippines positioning for funding and influence. This includes stories, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.
Country Background
CRS Philippines was established in 1945 and is the longest-running CRS country program in the world. Currently, CRS Philippines focuses its work on peacebuilding, emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and youth engagement. The Philippines country program has more than 100 staff with a main office in Manila and sub-offices in Davao, Tacloban, and Cotabato. CRS programs are implemented through a national network of partners, in close coordination with local, municipal and national government agencies. The Country Program also provides support to CRS’s work in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia, and has drawn international recognition for the impact, timeliness, and innovation of its programs and approaches.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
• Write, design and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. – for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media and others as needed.
• Coordinate freelancers in the production of above marketing materials as needed.
• Support the procurement processes for licenses, equipment and applications needed to implement the CPs communications plan.
• Use and tailor agency messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• As appropriate, manage social media channels and create content platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local media and help identify opportunities to reach key audiences, and coach country program staff in effective local media representation.
• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the CP.
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media whenever a CRS event takes place.
• Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for CP staff and partners on issues related to communications, marketing, and media created for the development of the CP.
Basic Qualifications
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• Minimum two years marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills is required.
• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and customers in a cooperative and friendly manner.
• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
• Travel up to 40 % is required.
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.
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.
• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Required/Desired Foreign Language
Fluent in written and spoken Filipino and English
Travel Required
This job will require travel 40% of the time.
How to apply
Interested applicants must send their updated CV and application letter to PH_HR@crs.org