Senior Project Officer - Communications

Job Title:                   Senior Project Officer – Communications

Department:              JEOP Program Quality

Band:                          8

Reports To:                JEOP Program Manager I - Communications

Country/Location:    Ethiopia/Addis Ababa

ID No.:                        

CRS Background:

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

As a Senior communications Officer for JEOP, you will work closely with the Communications Manager and the Country Program Communications Manager to implement a communications strategy. develop and share compelling messaging about JEOP. Messaging will include stories, multimedia and reports as required. You will lead all graphic design, audio message development, standardize partner communication materials, and ensure the development of regular information sharing with key stakeholders. This will include content for social and behavior change communications material, particularly around protection against sexual abuse and exploitation (PSEA), safeguarding, nutrition, disability inclusion and youth engagement.

Job Responsibilities

• Write, design, and manage production of creative and compelling stories for a range of audiences.
• Lead all graphic design products for the JEOP program.
• Take compelling photos/videos of JEOP activities in line with JEOP safe and dignified programing standards.
• Ensure all JEOP factsheets and briefs remain up to date.  
• Develop JEOP banners, audios and signs for FDPs.
• As appropriate, contribute to content creation for social media channels and create content platforms under the supervision of the CRS Communications Manager.
• Support dissemination of relevant information among JEOP staff, partners and project participants or other relevant actors related to the JEOP.
• Support the creation of manuals and trainings for JEOP staff and partners on issues related to communications, and media.
• Implement search engine optimization (SEO) best practices for JEOP content. 
• Edit assigned JEOP dashboard pages using CRS resources on content, style, message, and voice to ensure clear, accurate, consistent, and engaging presentation of our work. 
• Develop JEOP monthly bulletin.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• Minimum three years in communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
• Excellent English oral and written language skills is required.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
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Personal Skills

• 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.
• Ability to work under limited supervision and deliver high quality results. Receptive to feedback and agile to changing priorities.
• 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.

Required Language: English and Amharic (Tigrigna would be a plus).

Travel Required:  50% travel within Ethiopia

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

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

External:  JEOP Implementing partners, Donors, UN agencies, Private-Sector Partners, Media, Representatives of other INGOs.

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.

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/241372759494569 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