Organisational Context / Role
The International Communications Coordinator is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Jesuit Refugee Service communications strategy, including the development of policies and procedures designed to facilitate coherent institutional branding. The role of coordinator is to promote JRS target audiences to take action, give a voice to refugees, support JRS advocacy activities and promote awareness of key migration-related issues. Reporting directly to the Assistant International Director, the International Communications Coordinator works closely with the International Advocacy, Fundraising and Publications Coordinators, as well as the regional communications officers.
Responsibilities
Direction of the work
- Develops and evaluates the communications strategy, including the media strategy, of JRS.
- Communicates the mission, vision, values and activities of JRS to specific target groups, as well as to a wider audience.
- Takes a lead role in the development and implementation of policies and practices, designed to promote coherent communications within the organisation and the protection of the reputation of JRS
- Establishes guidelines on the production of quality content in cooperation with regional offices.
- Overall responsibility for the JRS website, including editorial responsibility and taking a leading role in its development.
- In close cooperation with the regional communications officers, oversees the production and dissemination of e-publications, as well as other information materials.
- Identifies non-JRS publications and websites for publication of JRS-related content.
- Edits and supervises the writing, production, translation and dissemination of material on countries where JRS is at work.
- Maintains the photo and video databases, produces photos of JRS activities for publications, donors, partners and the media.
Finance and budgeting
- Develops, manages and reports on the budget of the communications department
- Works closely with the International Fundraising Coordinator to identify and produce materials for specific donor groups.
Supervisory/training role
- Manages the work of staff and interns in the communications department, providing support and direction for their work.
- Acts as a mentor and coach to regional communications officers, offering assistance in the development and implementation of regional communications plans and in the editorial process.
- Provides, or procures, training for regional officers and other key staff on communications, media, photography and videography skills.
- Develops and maintains regular contact with the JRS regional offices, with communications staff, country directors and where appropriate with field personnel and with project directors.
Representation of JRS
- In cooperation with the International Advocacy Coordinator and regional advocacy and communications officers, the International Communications Coordinator prepares press releases/statements and responds to media requests for information.
- Facilitates interviews and other cooperation between the media and JRS personnel, as well as the visits of journalists to priority projects and regions.
- In consultation with regional offices, the International Communications Coordinator develops and implements a JRS media strategy.
Advocacy
- Works closely with the Updates the International Advocacy Coordinator on relevant information related to forced migration.
- Helps to identify key public advocacy issues and produces relevant materials.
Required competencies
- Ability to work and promote effective teamwork
- Leadership
- Working with Stakeholders
- Decision Making
- Empowering and Building Trust
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations or other relevant discipline.
- Minimum of seven years working experience in a communications role.
- Managing multilingual websites and social media tools, preferably with a human rights or development organisation.
- Editing and writing material in human rights or development contexts.
- Working with media/journalists and developing media plans as well as comprehensive communications.
- Extensive working experience using Photoshop software, HTML and Web content management systems, as well as good understanding of photography and photo-management software.
- Demonstrated ability to build staff capacity and to work in a multicultural environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and a professional working knowledge of French or Spanish.
- Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Ability to produce short videos, as well as design printed materials with Adobe InDesign an advantage.
Conditions
- Contract is for two years, renewable with an initial probation period of four months.
- JRS remuneration policy is in keeping with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary scale is calculated with the use of a post-adjustment multiplier and takes into account years of relevant experience and degree of responsibility of the role. Details will be discussed with short-listed candidates.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply at http://en.jrs.net/RecruitDetail?CID=165 before March 2015 and include the following documents:
- Cover letter stating motivation for applying;
- Current CV (resume) addressing the key criteria and including current contact details; and
- Three professional references and their contact information, phone, email and address.
