CRC Communications Officer

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS Philippines, established in 1945, is the longest running, continuous CRS country program with extensive programming in peacebuilding, emergency response and recovery, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The Philippines country program has over 100 staff members in Manila, Davao, Cotabato and Tacloban offices. CRS Philippines is committed to collaborate with our strong network of church partners, national and subnational government agencies and secular NGOs throughout the country, strategically advancing local leadership to achieve sustainable development goals in the Philippines.

Job Summary

The Communications Officer for the Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) project works closely with the CRC project team, Regional Communications staff and HQ Communications team to create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity for the 5-year USAID funded CRC project. The CRC Communications Officer creates content and uses effective communications channels to reach diverse audiences and help increase CRS Philippines’ and CRC’s positioning for funding and influence. This includes stories, multimedia and reports, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the CRC project communications strategy in line with CRS and donor regulations.
• Lead the Communication working group composed of CRC consortium members in implementing Output 1.3 activities of the CRC project including but not limited to providing climate change communication, IEC, and risk communication trainings to local government partners.
• Develop content supporting project outreach through digital, visual and text platforms.
• Write, design and manage the production of creative and compelling CRC communication and marketing materials such as but not limited to stories, photos, videos, fact sheets, brochures, reports, for various audiences, including donor, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media and the general public, as needed.
• Coordinate CRC freelancers in the production of above marketing materials as needed.
• Support the budgeting and procurement processes as for licenses, equipment and applications needed to implement the CRC’s communications strategy.
• Use and tailor agency and project messages for each audience and identify and utilize effective channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• Contribute content and visuals from the CRC project to CRS social channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and CRS Philippines Facebook Page by generating ideas and updates from the CRC project team, selecting, drafting and scheduling timely, relevant and concise posts (e.g., photos, infographics, videos, GIFs and social cards)
• Develop and maintain relationships with local media and help identify opportunities to reach key audiences, and coach CRC program staff in effective local media representation.
• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the CRC project.
• Provide marketing and communications support for CRC project events, including development of signages, handouts, talking points, photos and presentations and liaising with media and journalists.
• Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for CRC project staff and partners on matters related to communications, marketing, and media created for the development of the project.
• Review CRC project communications and ensure these are aligned and consistent with CRS brand strategy and publication guidelines and donor requirements.
• Archive and maintain CRC photos, videos, and other communication documents.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s 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.
• Previous DRR or CCA experience preferred
• 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.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, or Canva is strongly desired.
• Strong writing skills especially environmental and human-interest stories preferred.

Required Languages: fluent written and spoken English, Tagalog

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% of the time.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships

Internal: CRC Project team, Communications officer, Regional Communications and Marketing Manager
External: Consortium partners, project partners, donor

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer