Back RE-ADVERTISE: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

About Islamic Relief Worldwide Philippines:

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international relief and development organization founded in the UK in 1984 that envisages a caring world where people unite to respond to the suffering of others, empowering them to fulfill their potential. Working in over 34 countries, it promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease, irrespective of their race, religion, gender and political affiliations. IRW also responds to disasters and emergencies, helping people in crisis by providing them immediate relief and support in rehabilitation.

Islamic Relief started operations in Philippines in 2013 in order to respond to Typhoon Yolanda in collaboration with the Government and UN/NGOs/private organizations. Islamic Relief moved its Country Office to Cotabato City (Mindanao) during 2017 to support local communities in case of disasters and help in efforts of poverty alleviation and overcoming illiteracy by working with government, civil society organisations, UN agencies and I/NGOs.

Supervision Received:

The Communications Officer reports to the Head of Mission of the Country Office or his/her designate.

Job Summary:

The holder of this position will be responsible for developing and implementing an overall communication strategies for IRW Philippines country programme, producing project visibility and communication materials, including concept notes, proposals, IEC tools and ensuring accurate and consistent usage of brand among staff.

Key Roles/Responsibilities:

Within delegated authorities, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

External Communications:

· Design and implement communications strategies and campaigns in order to generate greater awareness, understanding and support for IRPH programs;

· Draft interim and final reports to donors, coordinating timely and high-quality technical inputs, and institutional reporting requirements of IRPH and the donor, in close coordination with the Head of Programme (HoP);

· Prepare and edit texts for news releases, feature articles, briefing notes, backgrounders, Questions and Answers (Q&A) and public position papers and other materials for use in the media and distribution to the public, educational institutions, non-governmental agencies and donors;

· Provide support in the coordination with donors, draft correspondence with other stakeholders on matters related to information, data, contributions and contractual obligations for the project.

· Prepare a wide range of multi-media products, including audio and visual materials, and handles the growing demands of the IRPH website;

· Act as a spokesperson for IRPH, handle media inquiries, establish and maintain contacts with media representatives and others focusing their attention on IRPH activities and achievements that are of interest to targeted groups;

· Respond to emergencies when requested by quickly travelling to the site and preparing information for public release on IRPH’s operations and activities, preparing all needed materials for internal and external use, particularly multimedia materials;

· Ensure that communication activities promote an accurate image of the organization and its programs amongst its targeted audiences;

· Stay current on IRPH operations, public policy trends and issues which impacts the activities of the organization;

· Evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies and make recommendations for future actions to the CMT and other senior officials accordingly;

· Identify and collect case stories from beneficiaries and stakeholders to highlight best practices and lessons learnt in reports and published materials.

Internal Communications:

· Manage and deliver IRPH’s internal communications strategy supporting IRPH’s main goals and development;

· Implement a proactive internal communications plan to increase staff engagement in the organization at all levels;

· Ensure IRPH staff are informed in a timely and transparent manner about IRPH’s policies, strategies, activities and new business initiatives;

· Function as a visible point-person for internal communications matters in the organization, identifying and responding to staff needs;

· Prepare internal talking points and corporate messages

Expected Results:

Provides contribution to IRPH public communication efforts through good research, analysis of assigned area of work and timely preparation and distribution of information to target audience(s). Effectively organizes conferences, media and other events. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures. Effectively, and in timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally. Work implies frequent interaction with Communications Officers at the HQ level and other specialists throughout the organization, partners/donors, new BARMM government, INGO’s, media entities, etc. In addition to the above, independently prepares information about IRPH activities that favorably impact the views of the public, opinion leaders and donors. Plans, manages and evaluates public communication campaigns. Prepares communications products that effectively convey the desired information/message to targeted audience (s). Builds and facilitates strategic contacts and partnership to ensure effective public communications.

Required Qualifications:

1. University degree in Development Communication, Mass Communication or any related field

2. At least 3 years of relevant working experience in a variety of humanitarian and development projects; experience in Communication for Development (C4D) is an advantage;

3. Excellent written and communication skills;

4. Knowledgeable and experienced in using photo and video editing software;

5. Functional knowledge of photography and videography;

6. Experience in implementing advocacy campaigns is an advantage;

7. Fluent in English and Filipino; Fluency in Maguindanaon, Iranon, Maranao and any other dialects in Mindanao is an advantage; and

8. Knowledgeable in using various social media platforms for marketing and advocacy campaigns.

Competencies Required:

Teamwork: Work productively with broad range of team members, actively participates in and supports team decisions, openly shares knowledge, expertise or experience with team members. Takes constructive actions to resolve conflict. Gives constructive feedback to team members.

Client Orientation: Actively seeks information and opinions of client to understand their requests and to identify their needs and expectations. Meets deadlines for delivery of products or services to clients. Keep clients informed of progress or setbacks. Explains the rationale for decisions/outcomes to the client. Solicit ongoing feedback from clients.

Action Management: Effectively manages own work related to multiple tasks or activities. Recognizes opportunities or threats and acts on them with the agreement of supervisor. Responds quickly to emergencies with a solution or a decision. Evaluates own strengths and developmental needs and modifies behavior based on feedback or self analysis.

Communication: Presents information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing. Listens to and shows understanding of ideas and views of others. Adapts level of language and/or complexity of content to audience. Shares information and knowledge with colleagues, staff and supervisors. Communicates respectfully with all individuals regardless of gender, nationality and cultural background.

Interpersonal Relations: Respects differing needs and viewpoints. Resolves personal and professional disagreements constructively. Builds effective working relationships within unit/division/office. Demonstrates sensitivity, tact and empathy for others.

Organizational Awareness: Develops a sound understanding of own area of activity as well as IRPH structure, mandate, vision and key priorities. Prioritizes own work activities in accordance to the Unit’s mandate. Develop a sound understanding of policies and procedures that are related to own work. Recognizes operational problems and issues as opportunities for improvement. Knows key clients and beneficiaries of IRPH services.