Communications Officer – RCCE

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, 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 it prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor throughout the world, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer – RCCE will play a crucial role in providing communications-focused coordination and technical support to the CGPP project, particularly emphasizing Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE). This position requires the application of strategic communication, advocacy, and social mobilization approaches to support polio eradication and routine immunization objectives. The officer will work closely with government counterparts, the CGPP Secretariat, and partner community-based organizations (CBOs) to ensure high-quality communication, engagement, visibility, and documentation that contribute to improved community trust, vaccine uptake, and program learning. The role involves creating compelling communication materials, managing dissemination strategies, and supporting local media engagement to enhance the project's visibility and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including writing, designing, and managing the production of creative communication materials such as stories, photos, videos, fact sheets, and brochures targeted at diverse audiences including donors, local and national governments, and media. The officer will tailor agency messages for each audience and identify effective distribution channels for communications materials. Additionally, the officer will create and adapt content for social media and newsletters, support the dissemination of information among personnel and partners, and develop relationships with local media to enhance project visibility. The role also includes providing communications support for events, creating training materials for staff and partners, and offering on-site technical support to CBO partners. The officer will collaborate with government health agencies and stakeholders to analyze communication data, lead documentation of communication outcomes, and ensure effective community feedback mechanisms are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of five years’ experience supporting development or humanitarian projects is required, with at least three years of professional experience in communications, preferably within an NGO or similar organization. Experience in health or immunization programs, particularly related to polio, is considered an added advantage. Familiarity with donor regulations and visibility requirements is preferred, along with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and desktop publishing tools.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and engage with various stakeholders in the context of public health and community engagement.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of experience in supporting development or humanitarian projects, with at least three years specifically in communications roles. Experience in health or immunization programs, especially related to polio, is highly desirable. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication in a health-related context and for effectively engaging with diverse audiences.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of Hausa is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate better communication with local communities and enhance the effectiveness of community engagement efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position does not have supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 50%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding and ethical conduct, requiring all staff to adhere to safeguarding policies and complete mandatory training. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct, reflecting the organization's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.