Job Title:                             Communications Manager (Ref: 2024/001)

Department:                      Programs            

Band:                                    8                             

Reports To:                         Country Manager            

Country/Location:           Somalia/Mogadishu

Length of Contract:         12 months

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 has a long history of supporting local civil-society organizations in Somalia and has implemented development and emergency programming in multiple sectors, primarily supported by the United States Agency for International Development. CRS’ work in Somalia supports populations across 6 regions of Somalia, with emergency presence concentrated in the South-Central area. CRS Somalia’s large flagship project currently covers the sectors of WASH, Health, Nutrition, Protection for the most vulnerable populations (SHARPEN). CRS has been working closely with and channelling resources and support to local organizations in Somalia since the 1960s. In addition to high-value emergency response and peacebuilding projects, CRS is also working on developing additional activities, including the newly funded Cash Assistance, Nutrition, and Accountability project (CashNCaps).

Job Summary:

The Communications Manager for CRS Somalia program is responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the country program program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, implementing partners, community and religious leaders, community, local media, national and local government, and others. S(he) will work closely with CRS Somalia and our partner organizations to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity and visibility across projects. The Communications Manager will create content and use effective communication channels to reach a number of different audiences and help increase CRS Somalia positioning for funding and influence.  This includes stories, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

§  In coordination with the program team, partners, and regional communications team, develop and implement a robust communications strategy that supports CRS Somalia program goals and aligns with CRS strategy.

§  Support in the implementation of the CRS Somalia visibility and communication strategy and guidance.

§  Facilitate graphics design, illustrations, and photography for CRS Somalia

§  Work with CRS communications team to provide relevant information, content and context for CRS regional requirements as needed.

§  Use and tailor agency messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.

§  As appropriate, manage social media channels and create content platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

§  Provide relevant content for CRS global social media channels

§  Support in the dissemination of content through website, social media, intranet, reports and other channels.

§  Develop and maintain relationships with local media, as appropriate, and help identify opportunities to reach key audiences, and coach country program staff in effective local media representation.

§  Support gathering and drafting talking points, press releases and statements as relevant.

§  Train and coach relevant program staff and partners on best practices in photography, communications and ethical storytelling.

§  Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the CP.

§  Lead the development and procurement of branding and visibility materials such as banners and other branded items.

§  Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media whenever a CRS event takes place.

§  Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for CP staff and partners on issues related to communications, marketing, and media created for the development of the CP.

§  Advise on political, social, end contextual sensitivities and limits in communications.

Basic Qualifications:

§  Graduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Information, Public Relations, or a related field.

§  At least 5 years of relevant experience working in media, advocacy, or communications and marketing, or in closely related external relations contexts.

§  Very good technical knowledge on media contexts including knowledge of multimedia, web, and digital tools.

§  Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

§  Experience in Photoshop, Canva, Illustrator and InDesign is desirable including experience in video-editing is strongly desirable.

• Experience in INGOs or UN preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

§  Excellent writing, editing and social media skills.

§  Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Somali is required.

§  Basic photography and videography skills are required.

§  Excellent interpersonal skills to support building and maintain networks and partnerships

§  Proactive, resourceful, solutions and results-orietned

§  Committed to gender, respect, equity diversity and inclusion initiatives

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Head of Programming, HQ and Regional Communications teams, CRS Kenya Communications Manager, Country Manager, Chief of Party, Program Managers, MEAL Managers, Operations staff, Regional and Humanitarian Response Department (HRD)Technical Advisors.

External: Donors, Sector Working Groups, Partners

Required Languages: Excellent spoken and written English and Somali required.

Travel: This position is based in Mogadishu with 30% travel to project sites outside Mogadishu required.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff.  When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals.  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.

§  Personal Accountability – consistently takes responsibilities for one’s own actions.

§  Acts with Integrity - consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.

§  Builds and Maintains Trust - shows consistency between words and actions.

§  Collaborates with Others – works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

§  Open to Learn – seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

§  Lead Change – continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.

§  Develops and Recognizes Others – builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.

§  Strategic Mindset – understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team principles.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

What we offer:

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

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.

CRS Somalia strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law.

As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

The protection of your personal data is important to Catholic Relief Services. By submitting your application, you consent to CRS using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. CRS will not use your personal data in any other way other than for purposes of recruitment.

If your qualifications and experience meet this job requirements, please submit a written application, quoting the job title and reference number, and updated CV including daytime contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references to reach the below mentioned by close of business, February 29, 2024.

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services-Kenya/Somalia program

Email: [email protected]

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Note: CRS does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment.