Philippines: Communications & Advocacy Officer (Open for Filipino Nationals only)

Job Location:

The Communications and Advocacy Officer position will be assigned at Islamic Relief Philippines Country Office, Cotabato City, Philippines.

Job Summary:

The holder of this position will be responsible for developing and implementing an overall communication and advocacy 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 and Advocacy 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.

1. Only for Filipino nationals, women are strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit all applications at Alyse.Lopez@islamic-relief.org.ph.

2. Islamic Relief Worldwide is a humanitarian and development organization and working in livelihood WASH, and DRR sectors in line with our vision of a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others. We work regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or gender.

3. Selection will be based on application letter, CV, interview, and other relevant documents (as requested). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.