Communications Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary: 

The Communications and Graphics Design Officer will work closely with the CRS Country Program Communications Coordinator and support both the Improved ALERTS and Kyautata Rayuwa Project. He/She will create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity for the projects. He/She will use effective communications channels to reach the project stakeholders, including the participants, government, media, and the donor. Key tasks would include developing stories, designing communications materials, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Write, design and manage the production of creative and compelling communication materials –stories, photos, video, factsheets, banners, posters etc. - for various audiences, including the community and state governments, local Church, partners, media and others as needed.
• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the project.
• Support project team to learn from and demonstrate the impact of our work including contributing to learning processes for all the project sector areas and the country program in accordance with the new MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP 4.0)
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on best practices.
• Provide communications support for events, in line with Project stakeholder communication plan, including banners, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media whenever a project event takes place.
• Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for project staff and partners on issues related to communications, learning and impact documentation.
• Communicate findings of research studies and learning reviews through reports, case studies, impact stories, presentations, and other materials with the project key stakeholders (partners, peer organizations, media, etc). 
• Work with the accountability team to ensure feedback from participants and other stakeholders are documented and communicated in line with the country Program Feedback, Complaint and Response Mechanism

Preferred Qualifications

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members.
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Required/Desired Language – Hausa/Kanuri

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Communications Coordinator, Emergency coordinator, MEAL Coordinator, DHOP, COP,DCOP, Sector leads. 
• External: Bakhita initiative ,  Catholic Diocese, Implementing Partner , Government , Donor , Cluster

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in communications, graphics design, branding, Journalism, or related studies.
• Minimum two years marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills is required.
• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees, partners, media and vendors 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.
• Local travel is required.
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
• Experience in using various design software such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (photoshop, lightroom and InDesign) is strongly desired.