The vacancy is open to Internal and External candidates.

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 will be responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the Country Program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, partners, local media, national, government and others. She/he will work closely with all departments, Senior Management Team and Regional and HQ Communications staff to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and strong brand identity. The Communications Officer will create content and use effective communications channels to help position CRS/Liberia for funding and influence.

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 Churches, partners, media, and others as needed.
• Coordinate freelancers in the production of the above marketing materials as needed.
• Use and tailor agency messages for each audience and identify/utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• As appropriate, manage social media channels and create content platforms (Facebook/Twitter)
• Develop and maintain relationships with local media, help identify opportunities to reach key audiences, and coach Country Program staff in effective local media representation.
• Support disseminating relevant information among personnel, partners, project participants, or other relevant actors related to the Country Program.
• Maintain records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics.
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media for CRS events.
• Support the creation of processes of manuals and training for CP staff and partners on issues related to communications, marketing, and media created for the development of CRS Liberia.
• Ensure the correct branding is used by all program/operational staff.
• Support partners with their communication needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies
• Minimum three years of marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or organization in development and relief programming.
• Must possess the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of audiences.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.

Required Languages – Excellent English oral and written communication skills.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrated strengths in relationship management; and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Diplomatic; able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus.
• Able to manage deadlines effectively, often with tight time constraints.
• Able to lead, manage, and motivate colleagues outside of the supervisory authority.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; able to be detail oriented as necessary.
• Quick learner, agile, flexible, and adaptable to different operating environments

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviours and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually look for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Country Manager, Head of Programs, Business Development Specialist, Program Managers, Finance Manager, Regional Information Officer/MarCom staff, and CRS’ Communications team in Headquarters.

External: Relevant Government Ministries and Agency, CBOs, the print and electronic media, marketing firms; consultants/contractors in photography, and videography; local and international organizations

Applications:

To apply for this position, please click on the Link to submit an online application by 15^th June 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, if you didn’t hear from us after two months of the vacancy deadline, kindly note that your application was not shortlisted.

Please note that only those shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

CRS follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with a disability.

***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.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer