Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities now, and for the future.
Mercy Corps has worked in Jordan since 2003 to implement a variety of programs funded by global public institutions, as well as private donors to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, build cohesive and civically engaged communities, and increase inclusive economic opportunities. Mercy Corps’ current portfolio in Jordan focuses on three domains: resilient individuals, strong communities and governance, and environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Mercy Corps integrates crosscutting themes of youth, gender equality and empowerment, governance, natural resource management and technology.
The Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (IQLAA) is a five- year activity that aims to put Jordanian Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) on a path to recovery after the extraordinary crisis that the businesses have faced, help them access the safety net measures in Jordan, and, most importantly, regain productivity and growth.
Mercy Corps approach to IQLAA integrates direct assistance with market systems development (MSD) interventions to support MSEs along the full journey from recovery to growth and resilience. Grounded in evidence-based, adaptive, and inclusive support, Jordan’s MSEs can emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger and more resilient, transformed through new ways of doing business and improved access to finance, markets, and services. Understanding that women, youth, and people living with disabilities (PLWD) face unique constraints to starting up and leading resilient MSEs, Mercy Corps design will infuse a Gender, Youth and Social Inclusion (GYSI) lens throughout all interventions. Mercy Corps approach is committed to supporting MSEs build back, formalize, and grow, emphasizing systems-level change, equitable opportunities, and a dignified work environment for all women, men, and youth, and PLWD in Jordan.
The Communication Director is a critical position for the IQLAA program who will be championing the program’s communications, marketing and public outreach strategy. The Director will manage and guide the communications team towards the effective implementation of this strategy and will design the elements of the programs’ strategy for creative, consistent, and effective outreach activities leveraging tools like public awareness campaigns, printed advertising, radio, website, and other forms of electronic communications, in addition to events and strategy/information learning platforms. The communication Director will work in close collaboration with technical and administrative staff to monitor all communications and marketing materials to increase the visibility of the program. They will oversee the production of communications, marketing and public awareness pieces and will also document and disseminate key findings from program studies and evaluations in creatively accessible forms that can influence program design and donor and policy makers’ priorities. The Director will regularly supervise the production of success stories and other communications pieces for distribution to various stakeholders and audiences. The Director will work closely with the MEL team to monitor the impact of public awareness/communications activities and make adjustments as necessary to increase impact.
STRATEGY AND PLANNING
Guide the development of the IQLAA Communications Strategy and Media Engagement Strategy to build IQLAA’s brand and visibility to the donor, the agency, and the public in coordination with the COP, DCOP, Team Leaders and other relevant staff Collaborate with technical and administrative staff and finalize all communications and marketing materials for submission to the Chief of Party and USAID - inclusive of enhancing internal communication structures and streams. Enforce and/or update the IQLAA Branding and Marking Plan in accordance with USAID rules and regulations and ensure that all activities are in-line with the provisions laid out in the plan When appropriate, develop and release public communications in conjunction with Mercy Corps HQ communications teams and with the approval of USAID as per donor rules/regulations. Document and disseminate key findings from program studies and evaluations in accessible forms that can influence program design and donor and policy makers’ priorities Regularly produce success stories and other communications pieces for distribution to USAID as well as for use in project communication and for all outward-facing campaigns and/or fora Work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to ensure project results are communicated and disseminated in an effective and compelling manner to a varied group of stakeholders and audiences.
INTERNAL & PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Serve as the primary point person for media queries for IQLAA in coordination with the CoP and the Regional Media and Communications Manager. Forge strong, institutional linkages and maintain a productive working relationship with USAID, Government of Jordan, the IQLAA consortium, Partners, and other relevant partners in the communications and advocacy fields. Identify media trends that could constitute an opportunity for the IQLAA program. Attend internal and external communication and media meetings and events. Liaise with press, promoting a positive image of the organization to the public. Resolve and mediate communications difficulties and crises. Develop internal and external communications strategies. Strengthen and expand Mercy Corps network of County contracts in traditional and social media domains. Provide support and guidance to ensure project and donor communications obligations are met. Ensure that Mercy Corps IQLAA’s work is accurately, regularly and compellingly represented on Mercy Corps Global internal and external communications platforms, including: Post to internal agency content platforms — Workplace pages, The Hub and The Globe as well as relevant donor media platforms Lead the development of a monthly IQLAA newsletter. Provide editorial oversight and/or design, create, and maintain multi-sector programming updates, and cross-cutting theme factsheets. Coordinate closely with the Africa Media and Communications Manager and HQ communications focal points to develop key messages, press releases, and statements for external audiences, in response to evolving events. Support research and learning findings as well as program impact through the creation of summaries and fact-sheets for both internal and external dissemination. Provide technical and supervisory oversight to the development of protection-oriented digital and print communications (informational brochures, social media content, etc.) Support the creation of compelling marketing content – Write copy and manage the design and distribution of web content, blogs, social media posts, mass emails, surveys, and other electronic content as well as print materials including newsletters, brochures, and other print materials. Identify and leverage opportunities to secure guest blogs, op-eds, and other media coverage of IQLAA. Prepare and train constituents, staff, and allies as spokespeople for testimony, in the media, and at public events. Ensure consistent brand messaging and talking points for the IQLAA and Mercy Corps teams - Refine and maintain IQLAA’s desired brand identity throughout all channels of communication. Increase IQLAA visibility - Develop and maintain professional relationships with relevant local/regional media. Work with USAID and Mercy Corps communication teams to regularly pitch message-based stories to media and manage requests for press comment and interviews. Support program initiatives marketing program goals - Support program staff in the drafting, editing, and creation of marketing materials supporting program goals and special events and campaigns. Elevate client community as way to illuminate IQLAA’s social impact - Maintain a story archive of client success stories and utilize stories for website, on-line and print content, and PR opportunities.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence. Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews. Supervise, hire, and orient new team members as necessary. Provide team members with information, tools, and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives. Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION
Serve as the primary point person for all communications related queries related to the Mercy Corps/USAID IQLAA brand. Identify, build, and manage collaborative partnerships with partners, donors, local governments and other stakeholders. Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
HUMAN RESOURCES, SAFEGUARDING AND DIVERSITY
Collaborate with the people team to promote staff access to high quality learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on team development and dissemination of learning Assist with the on-boarding of senior team members, ensuring they are set up for success and familiar with communication systems, procedures, and protocols. Support with safeguarding and diversity, and talent development
Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
Works Directly With: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief (s) of Party, Technical Leads, Country Team and other relevant staff
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
This vacancy is archived.