Senior Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was established in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering impactful solutions, the IRC aims to help millions of people regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities, embodying a force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in leading the communications function for the What Works to Prevent Violence - Impact at Scale Programme (What Works II). This global flagship initiative, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to enhance the prevention and response to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The officer will be responsible for shaping the programme's narrative and enhancing its communications capacity, working closely with the External Engagement and Influencing (EEI) pillar. The role involves translating research findings into clear, audience-specific messages and formats, such as policy briefs and media content, to effectively engage policymakers, implementers, and stakeholders. The Senior Communications Officer will also supervise a Social Media and Digital Officer, ensuring high-impact communications that support advocacy efforts and build shared agendas across the VAWG prevention field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Communications Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as the primary communications liaison between the implementation and research consortia, coordinating products and publications, and executing the programme’s evidence dissemination strategy.
• Leading the synthesis and translation of evidence from grants and studies into accessible formats for various stakeholders, including donors and the public.
• Collaborating with the EEI team and technical advisors to respond to information requests and identify trends for donor visibility products.
• Planning and managing visibility for What Works II events and conferences, including creating briefing materials for high-level visits.
• Developing communication frameworks and strategic partnerships for major communication products and events.
• Translating complex technical documents into compelling narratives for external stakeholders.
• Leading crisis communication planning and providing strategic guidance during sensitive situations.
• Producing multimedia content tailored to diverse audiences and managing internal communications priorities.
• Supervising the Social Media and Digital Officer, overseeing social media management and website content.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or a related field from an accredited institution. They should have experience or familiarity with development and humanitarian programming, particularly in emergency contexts. Proficiency in graphic design and social media photography is also required, along with fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French or Arabic is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or a related field from an accredited university. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate complex information and engage with various stakeholders.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 6-8 years of professional experience in a communications role. This experience should include developing public-facing documents and content, utilizing social media for advocacy, and managing communications in a cross-organizational context. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage a fluctuating workload while prioritizing tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or Arabic is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader audience and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is open to candidates with the right to work in Kenya or the United Kingdom. The role is hybrid, allowing for a combination of office and remote work, with periodic travel to field sites for program activities. Compensation for this position ranges from £52,210 to £61,999 per year, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability.