Job Description

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States of America. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard of race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished
through programs of emergence response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. Registered in Zimbabwe, CRS has been supporting program activities in Zimbabwe since 1989 and has long-standing relationships with Church and non-Church partners and communities throughout the country. Zimbabwe program implements projects through partner organizations in various districts in the areas of food security and agricultural livelihoods, water and sanitation and youth.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the country program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, partners, local media, national and local government, the Catholic Church and others. S/he will work closely with Senior Management team, Regional & HQ Communications staff to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity. The Communications and Documentation Officer will create content and use effective communications channels to help position CRS Zimbabwe for funding and influence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Roles & Responsibilities include:
• Coordinating with the Regional Communications Manager and HQ Communications staff in creating and implementing a robust communications strategy that supports country program business goals and aligns with regional as well as agency strategy.
• Working with senior leadership in the CP in supporting the representation of CRS in Zimbabwe.
• Writing, designing and managing the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material - stories, photos, videos, fact sheets, brochures, etc. for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media and others as needed.
• Managing and working with local creatives in the production of the above-mentioned marketing materials with final approval/review from HQ teams.
• Identifying and serving as the main contact person to the media and helping in identify the relevant spokespersons.
• Under the supervision of the Regional Communications Manager, help in developing specific messages tailored for each audience and identifying and utilizing effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• Managing social media channels and creating content for platforms such as Facebook and X as appropriate.
• Providing marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, taking photos, liaising with the media, etc.
• Training and coaching relevant country program staff and partners on best practices in communications.

Qualifications and Experience

Education & Experience
• A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Communications, Media, Journalism, or related studies; experience in NGOs preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years progressive marketing & communication experience, ideally in an NGO environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
• Proficiency in design and publishing software, including Adobe, Indesign, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Demonstrated experience in using digital and social media to stimulate conversations with stakeholders and develop strategies to position across websites, blogs and other channels.
• Experience in photography and videography.
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and maintain relationships and communications with critical internal and external stakeholders, including partners and community representatives.

How to Apply

Those who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their applications together with a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes names and email addresses of three traceable references. Applications should be clearly marked with the position applied for, i.e., “Project Officer - Communications & Documentation” in the email subject line.

Please submit your applications by Friday 26 July 2024, to The Country Representative at the following email address: [email protected]. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. CRS does not charge application fees or processing fees to potential applicants or any fee throughout the recruitment process.

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. CRS 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.
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By applying for this job, the candidate understands and acknowledges that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect. Further, s/he understands that if successful, s/he will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate the candidate’s behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics