Communication and Media Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons, focusing on health, education, and economic wellbeing. The IRC aims to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

Job Overview:
The Communication and Media Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring coherent and effective communication regarding the IRC's response to the Ebola epidemic. This position is expected to enhance the visibility of interventions to stakeholders, document program results, and support the weekly production of Situation Reports (SITREP). The officer will be responsible for creating compelling narratives that highlight the impact of the IRC's work, ensuring that the stories resonate with various audiences, including donors, partners, and the general public. The role requires a proactive approach to media engagement, ensuring that the IRC's messaging is consistent and aligned with organizational standards and donor requirements. The officer will also be tasked with collecting multimedia content that showcases the IRC's interventions and will work closely with field teams to gather necessary data for reporting purposes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication and Media Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring visibility of interventions in accordance with IRC standards and donor requirements; writing success stories, testimonials, field articles, and impact narratives; collecting photographs, videos, interviews, and testimonials that meet IRC standards; maintaining and updating a multimedia content bank on the Ebola response; developing and updating a database of media contacts and local, national, and international audiovisual providers; disseminating Ebola response content to national media; facilitating and accompanying press visits to intervention sites; conducting daily media monitoring on the evolution of the epidemic and humanitarian response; collecting necessary data from sector teams for the weekly SITREP production; supporting the production and dissemination of prevention and response messages; and participating in coordination meetings related to the Ebola response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Information and Communication Sciences with a focus on multimedia. A minimum of three years of professional experience in humanitarian communication, media, or public relations is required. Practical knowledge in photography and videography is essential, along with proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools, including MS Office Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, SharePoint, and Teams, is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the IRC's professional conduct standards, which emphasize integrity, service, accountability, and equality.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a university degree in Information and Communication Sciences, specifically with a focus on multimedia. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of effective communication and media engagement, particularly in a humanitarian context where clear and impactful messaging is vital.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian communication, media relations, or public relations. This experience should include practical skills in photography and videography, as well as familiarity with multimedia content creation and dissemination. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in fast-paced environments, particularly in crisis situations, and should be adept at managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Romanian is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where the IRC operates, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments due to the nature of the humanitarian response. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including parental leave and gender-sensitive safety protocols to support a diverse workforce. The IRC adheres to strict safeguarding policies to protect beneficiaries and staff from exploitation and abuse.