Announcements

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
CRS is recruiting for x1 Position: Country Program Communications Officer
If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job
descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.
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 Title: Country Program Communications Officer
Department: Business Development and Communications
Reports To: Business Development Specialist
Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.
Duty Location: CRS Freetown office
Job Summary
The Communications Officer for CRS Sierra Leone works closely with the Regional Communications staff and HQ Communications team to create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and strong brand identity. The Communications Officer creates content and uses effective communications channels to reach several different audiences and help increase CRS Sierra Leone's 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.
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.
- 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 training 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 of marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
- Excellent English language oral and written communication skills are required.
- Individuals 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 the 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.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.
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.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
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.
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
***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.
By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.
WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to:
https://launchpadrecruitsapp.com/apply/c57265a3364b657ddafe33cb
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations
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.
Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 14th August 2023.