CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES/LESOTHO
Career Opportunity
Catholic Relief Services is currently recruiting for a Communications & Outreach Officer based in Maseru, Lesotho
Job Title: Communications & Outreach Officer
Reporting to: Project Manager
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
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 and microfinance.
Project Overview
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its implementing partners anticipate implementation of the World Bank (WB) funded Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP) under Component 1A– the Economic Inclusion Program (EIP) for 3 years (2023 – 2026) in Lesotho through the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, Arts and Social Development (MoGYSCA&SD). The aim of the Economic Inclusion Program is to improve the efficiency and equity of selected social assistance programs and to strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households – in alignment with goals outlined in the Government of Lesotho’s (GoL) NSDP II (2021-2031); The GoL National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) II (2021-2031); and the WB Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Lesotho FY2022–2026 recently finalized.
The interventions included under Economic Inclusion Program, in conjunction with PLSP Component 2 (delivering shock-responsive cash transfers) will support PLSP Results Area 1: Strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households by piloting the introduction of economic inclusion activities alongside cash transfers.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Write, design, and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. – for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Churches, partners, media, and others as needed.
- Coordinate freelancers in the production of the above marketing materials as needed.
- Support the procurement processes for licenses, equipment, and applications needed to implement the CPs communications plan.
- 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.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local media and help identify opportunities to reach key audiences, and coach country 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 CP.
- 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 training for CP staff and partners on issues related to communications, marketing, and media created for the development of the CP.
Basic Qualifications
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
- Minimum two years of marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming. Proven professional experience in positions with similar responsibilities.
- Excellent English language oral and written communication skills are required.
- Individuals 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 the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.
- Experience with media and public relations, with website management, publications, and other public information tools.
- Basic knowledge of photo editing and design tools such as Photoshop.
- Familiarity with the fields of socio-economic development and humanitarian action.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Personal Skills
- Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.
- Strong communication (written and oral), analytical and presentation skills
- Excellent planning and time management skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
- Good relationship management skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary and multicultural teams in a fast-moving work environment.
- Ability to work in a team and independently in areas of responsibility, Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented.
Required Languages – Fluent in both Sesotho and English
Travel – Travel within the country is required as needed, with some international travel possible for attendance at program-related meetings and workshops. Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: All staff
External: Partner staff
SUBMISSION
Please note that the position is only open to applicants who are Citizens of Lesotho. Interested Basotho candidates should submit their CV, Cover Letter, a certified copy of national ID/Passport and certified Copies of Educational Certificates not later than 5th October 2023 at 14:00 by email to [email protected] with the subject line: Communications Outreach Officer- EIP If the subject line does not indicate the position, the application will not be considered. HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
***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 prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.