Technical Advisor I - Communications

Job Title:                   Technical Advisor I – Communications

Department:              JEOP Program Quality

Band:                          9

Reports To:                Deputy Chief of Party – Program Quality

Country/Location:    Ethiopia/Addis Ababa

ID No.:                       

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. CRS is leading the Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP), which is an emergency food assistance program targeting transitory food insecure households. JEOP provides emergency food assistance to disaster affected populations enabling participants to have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet their dietary needs. The JEOP consortium includes CARE Ethiopia, FH Ethiopia (FHE), ORDA Ethiopia, Relief Society of Tigray (REST), GOAL, World Vision (WV), Hararghe Catholic Secretariat (HCS) and Meki Catholic Secretariat (MCS). Technical partners include John Hopkins University (JHU) and Project Balance (PB).  

Job Summary

The Communications Technical Advisor for the JEOP consortium is responsible for providing technical leadership of all consortium communication. S/he will developg and execute an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, partners, and community members. S(he) will work closely with JEOP Senior Communications Officer, JEOP Senior Management Team and Country Program Communications Manager to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity. The Communications Technical Advisor creates captivating content and uses effective communications channels to help position articulate the impact of the program and capture program learnings. Your technical leadership skills and knowledge will ensure that the JEOP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving its impact.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Country Program Communications Manager and the JEOP Senior Communications Officer, create and implement a robust communications strategy that supports the donor needs, country program business goals and aligns with regional and agency strategy.
• 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.
• Lead and work with local creatives in the production of above marketing materials with final approval/review from HQ teams.
• Work closely with the nutrition to ensure the delivery of high quality SBCC materials.
• Develop specific messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• Ensure partners use high quality communications materials.
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc.
• Train and coach relevant partners on best practices in communications.
• Lead and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles - project design, start-up, implementation and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective communications at each stage of the program, in line with CRS standards.
• Manage a dynamic team, and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Collaborate with the CRS Ethiopia Country Program (CP) Communications Manager to carry out responsibilities for projects and initiatives beyond the JEOP program. This involves assisting in implementing the USAID Marketing Strategy, aiding in the development of the CP monthly update report, helping organize major CP events, documenting CP donor/field visits, providing regular content for diverse CP materials and the CP Facebook page, and actively engaging in the CP communications working group.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• Minimum 3 years progressive marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.
• Experience with SBCC.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors 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 used by each staff member to fulfill 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 looks 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.

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: Senior Communications Officer.

Internal: JEOP Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Parties (Program Quality, MEAL, Operations and Compliance). CRS JEOP Managers and Technical Leads, CRS Mekelle and Kombolcha PDP Managers. CRS Ethiopia Country Program Communications Manager.

External:  JEOP Implementing partners, USAID/BHA, UN agencies, food cluster, nutrition cluster, EDRMC, representatives of other INGOs.

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

How to Apply:

If you are ready to take on this rewarding opportunity and make a difference in the lives of others, you may fill the application form through this link: https://form.jotform.com/241371738984569 and attach your up-to-date CV on / before the application deadline May 26, 2024. You will be contacted only if selected for written exam/interview. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. These job opportunities are open to Ethiopian nationals only.

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. 

CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. 

** Qualified women & persons with disability are highly encouraged to apply**

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply here