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. For nearly 60 years, CRS has taken the lead in responding to natural and man-made disasters affecting Ethiopia's most vulnerable communities. Moving beyond emergency response, CRS' disaster mitigation and recovery projects in drought and flood-prone areas have rebuilt individual and community assets through non-food aid in the form of agriculture, livestock, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation assistance. CRS's humanitarian work in Ethiopia also provides livelihoods support to farmers and entrepreneurs, promotes equality and inclusion, and mitigates the impact of COVID-19.

As part of CRS family, you will join the more than 5000 strong and vibrant individuals working globally to accomplish the mission of CRS. CRS/Ethiopia invites you, the qualified candidate, to apply for the following position.

Job Title:                          Senior Project Officer - Communications

Band:                               VIII

Required number:        One

Department:                  Country Program

Employment Term:       Indefinite term 

Reports To:                     Program Manager I – Communications

Country/Location:         CRS Ethiopia/Addis Abba

Job Summary

The Senior Program Officer for Communications is responsible for contributing to the development and execution of an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the country program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, partners, local media, national and local government, the Catholic church and others. S(he) will create content and uses effective communications channels to help position CRS Ethiopia for funding and influence and will work closely with Program Manager for Communications, Knowledge Management and Learning Officer and regional communications staff to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the creation and implementation of a robust communications strategy that supports country goals and aligns with regional and agency strategy.

• Write, design and support the production of creative and compelling communication materials –stories, articles, photos, video, factsheets, brochures, etc. - for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local church, partners, media and others as needed.

• Ensure consistent branding is applied across programs and donor visibility and communication requirements are adhered to.

• Identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials.

• Lead events (program launches and close outs, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, etc.,) in coordination with program and operation teams.

• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc.

• Identify and keep a record of relevant local media contacts – TV, radio, newspaper outlets and reach out for coverage, as appropriate.

• Work with local creatives in the production of above marketing materials.

• Create content every week for CRS Ethiopia’s local Facebook page.

• Train and coach relevant country program staff and partners on communication protocols, branding, photography, best practices, etc. in communications.

• Support the procurement processes for licenses, equipment and applications needed to implement communication related activities.

Job Requirements

Typical background, experience & requirements:

Education and experience:

• Minimum Master’s Degree in communications, journalism, or related studies.

• Experience working in INGO’s, or UN is preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of progressive marketing and communication experience, ideally for an INGO or an organization working in development and relief programming.

• Experience creating content for social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills.

• Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign.

• Photography and videography skills is a plus.

• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of other local languages is a plus.

• Personal skills

• Proactive and detail oriented.

• Able to multitask and manage a wide range of responsibilities.

• Accurate and timely in executing assigned responsibilities.

• Good relationship skills and able to work closely with partners and community members.

 Travel required – 50% travel to project intervention areas.

 Key working relationships

• Supervisory: Reports to Program Manager for Communications.

• Internal: Knowledge Management and Learning Officer, program, MEAL and regional teams.

• External: Partner organizations, consultants, media outlets etc,.

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 

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

How to Apply

You should fill the application form through this link: THIS LINK and attach your up-to-date CV on / before the application deadline December 12, 2022. 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.

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

 ** Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply**

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer