Regional Communications Officer

Organisational Context

JRS is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Established in 1980 with a headquarters in Rome, JRS now works in more than 50 countries worldwide. Working wherever the needs of displaced persons are greatest and unattended by others, JRS offers a human service to refugees and communities through the provision of a wide range of rehabilitation and relief activities, mostly centred on formal and informal education needs.

Description

The Regional Communications Officer is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the JRS communication strategy. The role of officer is to promote activism among the JRS target audience, give a voice to refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, supporting JRS advocacy and promoting awareness of key migration-related issues.

Reporting directly to the JRS Eastern Africa Director, s/he works closely with the international communications and publications coordinators, as well as the regional programmes and advocacy officers, country and project directors. Based in Nairobi, the Regional Communications Officer frequently travels to field projects in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

The JRS EA Regional Communications Officer - In close cooperation with the International Communications Coordinator, oversees the conception, design, production and dissemination of regular print and e-publications as well as other information materials. - Coordinates and oversees the production of contributions to JRS International publications (Annual Report, quarterly magazine Servir etc.) and identifies non-JRS publications and websites for publication of JRS-related content. - Maintains, manages and updates the content of the regional website on a regular basis. - Writes and edits news articles, project updates, background information, human interest stories, interviews and other relevant information pieces for JRS and non-JRS publications and websites. - Trains staff throughout the region in communications, media and photography skills thus ensuring a constant flow of accurate and up-to-date information from the projects. - Maintains photo database, produces high quality photographic images of JRS activities for publications, donors, partners and the media. - Maintains and update JRS EA distribution list on a regular basis; creates and manages database of online donors and supporters and seeks new ways of reaching the JRS EA target audience and gaining new supporters. - Provides support in all areas of external communications to the projects in close cooperation with communications focal points to ensure development and implementation of communications plans. - Updates staff in the region on recent reports, news, statistics and other relevant information related to the context of forced migration. - In consultation with the JRS International Office, the officer is responsible for the development and implementation of a JRS media strategy and plan. This includes: 1. Developing and maintaining good relationships with journalists; pitching stories to journalists, drafting talking points, press releases, briefings or statements on issues of concern to JRS EA; 2. Planning and coordinating field visits for journalists and interviews in consultation with national and project staff. 3. Monitoring JRS EA media coverage and local media coverage on issues of forced migration and regularly update JRS EA press list. 4. Liaising with local, regional and international media to ensure and increase coverage of JRS EA key issues and activities, providing necessary and up-to date information and follow-up stories. - Provide limited IT support related to the maintenance and management of jrs.net emails on the JRS server. - Carries out any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications and experience:

Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations or other relevant disciplineMinimum of two years relevant experience, preferably with a human rights, development or refugee organisationExperience of working with media/journalists, preferably in eastern AfricaProven ability to plan and successfully implement a comprehensive outcome-oriented communications plan in support of defined objectives.Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of local and international staff and work in a multicultural environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral formExperience in editing and writing; ability to write in different styles and formats, depending on the audienceGood knowledge of windows office, internet navigation and multimedia applications. Good photography skills and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Photo Mechanic. Experience of using social media in an organisational context.Experience in fundraising and maintaining a donor database.Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines. Proven ability to think strategically and analyse diverse information from varied sources.Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to nurture and maintain stakeholder communications and relationships. Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and is able to work effectively and cooperatively with others towards shared goals. Well organised and structured, reliable and quickly familiar with new systemsCommitment to the aims and principles of JRS. Good understanding of the JRS mission and the ability to ensure this mission is envisioned in all work. Good understanding of issues related to forced migration, crisis contexts in the region, current events and international development issues.

Willingness to work and travel throughout the region, including insecure environments, and live in simple conditions.

Ability to produce short videos an advantage

Design skills and knowledge of Adobe InDesign an advantageGood working knowledge of French, Kiswahili, German or Spanish an advantage

Position is open to: - Kenyan nationals and international volunteers, conditions vary accordingly, max. salary 1,200USD/month - Candidates available for two-year commitment with possibility to renew

How to apply: Applicants meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a cover letter along with their CV and the names of three references on the JRS Eastern Africa website: www.jrsea.org/recruit

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