NGO Jobs in Uganda:Communications Specialist - Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Communications Specialist - Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Job Title: Communications Specialist

Organization: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Funding Source: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Project Name: Sustainable Outcomes for Children and Youth in Central and Western Uganda

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Chief of Party OVC

About US:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-profit organization whose commitment is to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas set out by the Bishops of the United States. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

About USAID CRS Project:

CRS will be implementing a "Sustainable Outcomes for Children and Youth in Central and Western Uganda" project over the next five years. The Project will improve the health, nutrition, education and psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable populations, as well as reduce abuse, exploitation and neglect to a minimum of 625,000 children and 101,500 households in 17 districts in central and western Uganda. The consortium partners include Action for Community Development (ACODEV), African Network for Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN), TPO Uganda, and Futures Group. There will be three project offices: Kampala, Kasese, and Mbarara. Approximately, 30 staff will support this project of $38.5 million through USAID funding.

Job Summary: The CRS Communications Specialist will be tasked to develop the communication strategies of the project and execute them. The incumbent will assist and support the OVC programme with all communication needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure ongoing review of OVC project's communications strategy and develop and implement OVC's overall Communication strategy in close consultation with Senior Management.
• Develop and improve internal communication mechanisms, e.g. monthly updates, reporting.
• Quickly respond and support OVC management team and field offices in regard to program communication and information requests.
• Actively communicate with beneficiaries (e.g. though newsletters and regular visits to implementing partners.
• Communicate with current donors and members (through regular updates and provide with advocacy material when needed).
• Write reports and. prepare documentation that is accessible and user- friendly (in English; support translation into local languages or vice versa). Specifically, facilitate the production of OVC's Reports, OVC's Information Brochure and OVC's Website.
• Take lead in developing creative ways to document OVC's work progress (e.g. through photos/art/ case stories).
• Ensure that OVC's publications and audiovisuals are of high quality and are disseminated appropriately.
• Write external and internal reports and funding proposals.
• Share and explore communication processes, good practices within OVC with local partners and other INGOs working in the field.
• Carry out media advocacy where appropriate.
• Render support in capacity building on communication and advocacy for staff and partner organizations.
• Actively contribute towards developing an effective country team and friendly environment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations, preferred.
• Four or more years’ experience in broadly related fields managing development, public sector and/or private sector communication - public relations.
• Excellent spoken and written English: general ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Working knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media (marketing plan design, media work, project writing and report writing skills, story writing skills, copy-editing, digital photos/video footage)
• Detailed knowledge of how to present information to different audiences including from general public, media, donors, international audiences to high level decision-makers ( both National and international).
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically. Skills and experience in communication programmes, monitoring, review and evaluation.
• Demonstrated skill in programme communication, development of Information, Education and Communication material, documentation and publication (including web-based documentation)
• Possess the ability to produce analytical and well-presented reports and publications.
• Should be a person who can work closely in a team, is patient, adaptable, flexible, and able to improvise and work in an atmosphere that can be stressful.
• Extremely flexible, and have the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, operate within budgets and to solve problems.
• Must be a self-starter, highly organized, and able to work well with colleagues at all levels in the organization.
• Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically & physically extreme stressful environments
• Past experience with and enthusiasm for on the job training.
• Working knowledge of computer systems and applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet) required; interactive digital media and web-based design (web base programmes, Photoshop) specifically desired.
• All CRS staff should possess the following values: Serves with Integrity, Models Stewardship, Cultivates Constructive Relationships and Promotes Learning
• Ability to travel within rural Uganda.

How to Apply:

All applicants who so wish to join the USAID project should send a cover letter, updated CV and three work references (names and contact information only) to ReliefUgJobs@gmail.com

NB: Only selected candidates that meet the requirements will be contacted.
Deadline: Wednesday, 6th May, 2015.