Communication Manager

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing, education, and power.

Position Summary

The IRC seeks a Communications Manager who will support country program teams in Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda in the implementation of the IKEA Foundation funded Re: Build Program. Re:Build is a five year 30 million Euro program that aims to support urban refugee and host communities in Kampala and Nairobi to achieve economic self-reliance through supporting (1) Access to sustainable livelihoods and (2) Ensuring that strong markets and effective and responsive city services are accessible to all. The Communications Manager will report to the Public Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator and support in conceptualizing, planning and implementation the program’s internal and external communications. He or she will ensure that the program’s messaging is consistent and engaging. The Communications Manager will prepare detailed media reports, press releases, and other publicity materials for the program.

Job Responsibilities:

Technical Support and Coordination:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies and work-plans, campaigns, events, and other initiatives in support of the program activities

• Researching, preparing fact-checking, editing, and producing professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensuring their timely dissemination and amplification via IRC and non-IRC communications channels at country level and, where appropriate, globally.

• Developing news-worthy messages, organizing press events, handling interviews requests, and providing responses to requests from media relating to Re: Build and its work.

• Drafting talking points and messages for the Office, and for sharing with communicators at regional level.

• Creating high quality media and multimedia content for dissemination in country, and via Re: Build platforms.

• Maintaining through year-round professional interaction strong media relations for Re: Build, ensuring that media (and other important external stakeholders, such as governments, Private Sector, NGOs etc.) have strong awareness of refugee issues and are briefed regularly on upcoming news initiatives

• Maintaining a prominent position in the news and for advocacy. This includes by initiating and drafting briefing notes, preparing press releases, fact sheets, press lines and guidance notes, social media outputs, etc.

• Maintaining up to date specialist knowledge of matters pertaining to the region communication trends and issues

• Maintain an up-to-date database of journalists and media organizations, respond to media enquiries and build dialogue with individual journalists, editors, and news desks.

• Prepare and manage the organization’s communication budget.

• Ensure photos and videos for external use globally are captured with consent and shared following the IRC's Content process.

• Liase with the IRC's HQ creative and content team to share photos and videos based on the requirements for the global content library.

• Coordinate with Global Communications Officer and Partner Manager to ensure partner communications requirements are met.

Management:

• Provide day to day management of staff within the Re:Build communication team

• Contribute to the development of program staff in Uganda and Kenya through training and mentoring on Communication related issues.

• Introduce quality assurance initiatives to address efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance concerns.

Qualification

• Education: Degree in Communications, Political Sciences, Public Information, International Relations, or a related field. Master’s degree would be an added advantage

• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience working in media, journalism, advocacy, communications and marketing.

• Very good technical affinity for media contexts including knowledge of a wide range of multimedia, web, and digital tools.

• Outstanding newswriting and editing skills and social media skills.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Diversity Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.

Narrowing the Gender Gap: The International Rescue Committee is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including a flexible hour (when possible), maternity leave, transportation support, and gender-sensitive security protocols.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws

WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

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Qualifications