Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect this commitment, ensuring that all staff adhere to a Code of Conduct that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer for CRS Philippines plays a crucial role in enhancing the organization's visibility and influence through effective communication strategies. This position involves close collaboration with the CRS PH Communications Manager and various program teams to create compelling content that aligns with the organization's strategic goals. The officer is responsible for producing a range of communication materials, including stories, multimedia content, and reports, while ensuring compliance with donor branding and marking requirements. The role also supports projects focused on climate resilience, livelihoods, and land restoration, making it essential for the officer to understand these areas and communicate their impact effectively. The position requires a proactive approach to managing communications across different platforms and audiences, thereby increasing CRS Philippines' positioning for funding and influence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will co-develop the CRS Philippines Communications Plan alongside the Communications Manager. Key responsibilities include writing, designing, and managing the production of various communication and marketing materials such as stories, photos, videos, fact sheets, and brochures tailored for diverse audiences including public and private donors, local and national governments, and media. The officer will coordinate with freelancers for the production of marketing materials and develop IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials that align with programmatic goals. Additionally, the officer will support procurement processes for necessary licenses and equipment, tailor agency messages for specific audiences, and manage social media channels. Building relationships with local media and coaching staff on effective media representation are also critical aspects of the role. The officer will manage and coordinate events, providing marketing and communications support, and will create processes and training manuals for staff and partners on communications and media-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Experience working with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) or UN agencies is considered an advantage. A minimum of three years of marketing and communication experience is required, ideally within an NGO or an organization focused on development and relief programming. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills are essential, while experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Canva, is strongly desired. Familiarity with video production is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and produce high-quality content that meets the organization's standards and objectives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in marketing and communications, particularly within the context of NGOs or organizations involved in development and relief efforts. This experience should demonstrate a successful track record of disseminating information to various target audiences and managing communication strategies effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for creating content, engaging with diverse audiences, and ensuring effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30%, and there are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description provided is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the organization change. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.