Communications Manager

Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview

Based in Addis Ababa, the Communications Manager will support internal and external communications and visibility initiatives for IRC Ethiopia. The Communications Manager will be responsible for designing and delivering a range of communications products, including country office fact sheets, briefing materials, program success stories, photos, videos, interviews with beneficiaries, blog posts for the IRC’s website, social media posts and staff profiles. The post holder will be expected to develop and maintain a communications strategy for the country office, train staff on communications approaches, and be accountable for meeting IRC Ethiopia’s contractual donor visibility requirements. The position is supervised by the DDGP and will work closely with other grants and partnerships staff, area managers, and program staff.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Develop, update, and implement an internal and external communications strategy for IRC Ethiopia 
• Liaise with the global communications/advocacy teams to periodically review the IRC Ethiopia communications strategy and raise awareness of humanitarian needs in Ethiopia. 
• Lead in designing and developing information and visibility materials, such as fact sheets, briefing papers, brochures, posters, and social media content. 
• Facilitate and promote dynamic communications methods, such as novel media outreach, original digital content, and dynamic, audience-driven social media output, with internal stakeholders such as field teams, advocates, fundraisers, and technical specialists.
• Develop and track implementation of donor visibility and branding plan.
• Proactively seek out interesting stories from programs, initiating or accompanying field visits to collect high-quality photos, quotes and audio and video material suitable for use in media and communication products. 
• Help IRC country program staff to proactively prepare for communications needs contributing to overall better information flow and coordination of all programming.
• Train, coach and support IRC program staff and partners on external communications, including how to recognize and disseminate relevant information, data, and human-interest stories from their work in order to convey project successes and positive influences on clients' lives.
• Maintain a database of essential connections and establish a solid working relationship with relevant media practitioners in Ethiopia and field locations. 
• Potentially represent IRC to external and internal audiences, both through media interviews and digital content contributions. As needed, provide media training to field spokespersons.
• Develop and maintain communication resource materials and products library inbox. 
• Maintain and analyze data on the scale and reach of communication products. 

Safeguarding Responsibilities:- 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Job Requirements: 

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (journalism, humanitarian affairs, etc.) 

Preferred experience & skills: 

• 4 years of work experience in communications, journalism, or documentation, ideally for an international humanitarian organization; 

• Demonstrated experience producing public relations and/or visibility materials in different media; 

• Understanding of the humanitarian context in Ethiopia and knowledge of Ethiopia’s regions; 

• Experience with websites and blogs is highly desirable; 

• Experience in conducting trainings and workshops would be an asset;

• Strong written communication and editing skills (including creative writing) with the ability to make complex information and data accessible to non-experts;

• Computer literacy: Proficiency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Publishing or other publishing software required with experience in graphic design/layout for publications desirable; 
• Must be proactive, a good team player, open to criticism and be results-oriented;

• Ability to coordinate and liaise between colleagues from different technical areas across various levels (local/regional, country level, global) of the organization and across partner organizations;

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks; 

• Experience with photography, videography, and script-writing highly desirable;

• Must be culturally and gender sensitive both in personal interactions and communication.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications. 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time. 

• Strong analytic problem-solving skills 

• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure. 

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels. 

• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner. 

Language Skills: 

• Fluency in spoken and written English required;

How To Apply

How to apply:

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: 

IRC Career Site: - https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req52777/Communications-Manager

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances