Backgroundย
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS works through local churches and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates.ย
CRS began operations in Malawi in September 1997 with an initial focus on improving food security. CRS implemented Malawi's first programs was a Food for Peace Development assistance program. The country program has expanded its programming using an integrated approach to help poor and vulnerable people lead full and productive lives. We work in 18 districts across the three regions of Malawi.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recognizes the critical challenges faced by farmers in the districts of Chikwawa, Mulanje, and Mangochi, particularly in achieving sustainable agricultural development through improved rainwater harvesting and soil management practices. In response, CRS is implementing the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Project in these districts. The IMWI Project Consortium, comprising local partners CARD, MwAPATA Institute, Palladium, Illovo Malawi, and CIAT, will deploy a dynamic and adaptive communication strategy to support the projectโs technical implementation and ensure effective community engagement.
The position is contingent upon donor approval
Job Summary
The IMWI Marketing and Communications Officer will be responsible for executing a communication plan for the IMWI Project in close collaboration with project staff and under the supervision of the Head of Programing. A critical element to the job will be to ensure greater visibility, awareness and engagement among priority audiences including IMWI, national and local government, other NGOs, Church partners, private sector, research institutes and local communities.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
Brand Management: Ensure that all IMWI Project communications are aligned with IMWI branding and marking requirements and consistent with CRSโ brand identity and guidelines, including but not limited to project sites, project documents, video and visual pieces and media products.
Media and Public Relations: Under the direction of the Head of Programing, establish and maintain robust relationships with local, Church and national journalists on sector issues and engage regularly with key actors within governments.
Marketing Materials: In liaison with ad agencies and freelancers, develop and regularly update marketing materials (multi-media, print, posters, etc.) for various distribution and delivery methods. Develop success stories, background statements, fact sheets, power point presentations, press releases and talking points that effectively transmit accurate and timely information about the project.ย
Content development: In collaboration with the relevant project teams, coordinate content gathering travels or opportunities, write/edit compelling stories and coordinate content distribution among target audiences. Co-develop, implement and monitor strategy for in-field project communications and work with the Head of Programing on innovating equitable reporting strategy.
Capacity building: Build capacity of field staff and project participants in grass-roots reporting, marketing activities and brand management.
Events Management: Organize major events to promote key achievements within the IMWI Project including project launches, major donor visits and key milestones.
Representation & Networking: Support the planning and coordination of events, missions, VIP visits, under the leadership of the Head of Programing. Act as CRS Malawiโs focal point regarding communications and public relations related to the IMWI Project and its partners.
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.ย ย
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Business Development Specialist, Regional Information Officer, Marketing and Communications HQ and Region Teamย
External: Representatives of other nonprofit organizations, Contractors, Vendors, project partners, and donors
Basic Qualifications
Minimum Bachelorโs Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred. 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 and customers 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. Travel up to 40 % is required. Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Personal Accountability โ Consistently takes responsibility for oneโs own actions.ย Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.ย Is considered honest. Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions. Collaborates with Others โ Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams. Open to Learn โ Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.Agency Leadership Competencies:
Lead Change โ Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation. Develops and Recognizes Others โ Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance. Strategic Mindset โ Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.What we offer
CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. ย Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. ย CRSยด work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.ย
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Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.ย Catholic Relief Servicesย works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. ย Catholic Relief Servicesโย relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.ย We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRSโ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.ย The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRSยด Code of Conduct.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
Disclaimer:ย This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.ย
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
General Requirements
CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidateโs ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.ย ย All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.