Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been operational in Haiti since 1954, implementing a variety of programs ranging from emergency response to sustainable development depending on particular needs and dynamics within the country. CRS’ current portfolio focuses on urban development, agricultural production and value-chains, quality education, health, and Disaster-Risk Reduction. With the aid landscape shifting in Haiti, CRS seeks to invest in strategic communications and marketing to ensure the sustainability of its programs. CRS regularly documents its results and communicates about its achievements, but now CRS seeks a new approach to communications that is oriented toward securing additional business, building strategic partnerships and alliances, and promoting CRS’ contributions to the development of Haiti.

JOB SUMMARY:

The CRS/Haiti Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and leading communications activities for the CRS/Haiti Country Program, in close collaboration with CRS’ program staff and management team, and its headquarters-based marketing and communication team. The Communications Officer will liaise with and manage external consultants in photography, video, design, printing, and event execution in support of the communications plan and will build CRS staff capacity in communications. A critical element to the job will be CRS’ brand and identity management in Haiti, in line with guidance and procedures from CRS’ global headquarters in the U.S. Other functions will include media relations and PR, in partnership with CRS’ contracted marketing firm. The Communications Officer is a key member of the CRS team, supporting Program Managers to execute strategic communications about their projects in an effort to sustain and grow initiatives. S/he will report to the Business Development and Strategy Manager.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Market Assessment: Support a consultant to conduct an updated market assessment to understand CRS’ position in the market on an annual basis, tracking progress and making recommendations for actions CRS should take to improve its position in the market, based on the assessment.
2. Communications Plan Development: Work with consultant to develop a comprehensive communications plan for the Country Program, responding to the findings of the assessment. Where applicable, there may be sector-specific or project-specific marketing plans responding to specific needs and opportunities, such as CRS’ internal sector influence plan, developed in conjunction with technical expertise from CRS’ regional or HQ staff or external consultant.
3. Crafting Messages: Assist project staff to craft strategic messages about their programs and promotional materials to highlight CRS’ projects for a variety of targeted audiences and build their capacities at utilizing these messages in diverse settings, from meetings and publications to events. Where applicable, work closely with CRS’ contracted marketing consultant on the development and execution of these messages.
4. Staff Capacity Building: Train designated staff in key skills and competencies necessary to execute the communications plan effectively and monitor their use of these skills, identifying areas for future strengthening.
5. Execution of Communications Plan/Project Management: Liaise closely with HQ Marketing & Communications team to share ideas, and materials, ensure alignment with CRS communication strategies and priorities, and to collaborate on joint projects. Take responsibility for the timely execution of communications plans in accordance with industry standards, and in full compliance with CRS’ policies, procedures, and guidance documents from CRS/Headquarters. This may require liaison with and management of contracts with photographers, videographers, designers, printers, event organizers and similar service providers among other coordination and management duties, as well as coordination with CRS/Headquarters.
6. Public Relations: Develop and execute an in-country media plan, building relationships with key journalists, coordinating media events, writing press releases, equipping designated staff to work effectively with the media, and assist the country program in coordinating events that involve media (conferences, project launches, etc.)
7. Knowledge Management: In collaboration with members of the program teams, document SPA-based operational research, case studies, and innovative practices both within CRS and to identified donors, government, and private sector entities. Archive photos, videos, fact sheets, past performance records, training materials, and other communications documents on CRS’ Sharepoint site or other format and ensure they are accessible to program staff in a timely way.
8. Representation & Networking: Keep informed of initiatives and programmatic directions in the international and national NGO community in Haiti. Attend national and international organization events to represent CRS and its programs.
9. CRS Identity and Brand Management: Ensure that all project communications are appropriate for the CP’s strategy, identity, and the changing operational environment in Haiti, including, but not limited to CRS’ project sites, project documents, video and visual pieces, and media-products. Take leadership in ensuring that all project communications are consistent with CRS’ branding and publications guidelines, global best practice, the donor requirements, and assure that the Catholic identity of CRS is maintained throughout communications when necessary.
10. Reporting Activities: Keep CRS’ Regional Information Officer regularly updated on key communications events, programmatic developments, success stories, high-profile visits, and the similar for onward communication to CRS/Headquarters and potentially the U.S. Media.
11. New Business Development: Support business development activities as needed, including participating in donor outreach meetings, updating and maintaining program past performance records, and participating in proposal development teams.



KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Supervisory:
None. The candidate is expected to take full responsibility for the execution of tasks without an assistant or other subordinate.

Internal:
Country Representative, Head of Programs, Business Development & Strategy Manager, Sector Leads (Urban, Health, Education, Agriculture), other program and project managers, Regional Information Officer, and CRS HQ Marketing & Communications team, including the publications department, design team, and communications officers, regional technical staff and Overseas Support Department of HQ.

External:
Public donors; private donors; Catholic Church members; private sector companies; communities of practice (e.g. cluster groups);local and national government entities; multinational organizations; Communications, PR, and marketing firms; consultants/contractors in photography, videography, design, printing, event organizing; Haitian and international media; peer local and international organizations.

Technical/Professional
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in journalism, communications, marketing, PR, or similar field.
• Experience working with an international non-government organization is preferred, but will not be prioritized over strong experience in marketing and communications.
• Demonstrated ability in project management, particularly the execution of communications and marketing plans and events.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and skills formally and informally to diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, fluent in English, Haitian creole and French.
• Proficiency in communications and project management software, including, but not limited to: Publisher, Presi, StoryLens, Photoshop, Lightroom, and other photo and video editing software, Sharepoint, MS Project, and similar.
• Proficiency in news writing, photography and videography, preferred.
• Proficiency in graphic design a plus.
• Able to travel within the country (approximately 20%).

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, PR, or similar field.
Significant work experience in a directly related field will be considered in lieu of degree.

Personal Competencies:
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work without close supervision;
• Demonstrated strengths in relationship management; able to function effectively as part of a multi-national team; strong cross-cultural skills;
• Diplomatic; able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus;
• Able to manage deadlines effectively, often with tight time constraints;
• Able to lead, manage, and motivate colleagues outside of supervisory authority;
• Mature, responsible, diplomatic, and professional;
• Excellent organization and planning skills; able to be detail oriented as necessary;
• Quick learner, agile, flexible, adaptable to different organizational cultures and operating environments
Agency-wide Competencies for all CRS Staff:
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Cover letter- Resume- Diplomas

Only the applicants retained for the next steps will be contacted.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.