Communications Officer

CIP believes that it needs to adapt to become more effective and relevant to the needs of its beneficiaries, in terms of poverty reduction and social justice. As part of the program team, and in coordination with various short-term and long-term projects, the Communications Officer will implement and manage CARE’s visibility and engagement related activities, in congruence to CIP’s Long-Range Strategic Plan. The Communications Officer will be expected to align and integrate all major knowledge management centric initiatives and tools to ensure that a two-way exchange of information takes place successfully, along with timely dissemination of quality products amongst all CARE stakeholders. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Expand and build CARE Pakistan's communications package and ensure the deliverance of standard messaging across the organization

• Develop and execute strategies for CIP that are linked to its brand voice and knowledge goals, and expand its outreach efforts.
• Collect and maintain accessible forms of basic sources of information within CIP and CI confederation, such as project statistics; CIP Long-Range Strategic Plan and other relevant communications materials produced by CIP projects, CI members and CARE International.
• Grow CARE Pakistan’s body of communication materials, including (but not limited to) the following publications: CARE’s Facts and Figures (key statistics and combined financial statements); Topographical Report (a snapshot of CARE’s work in Pakistan); Annual Report; Project Briefs; and Marketing Materials etc.
• Establish minimum standards and provide guidance to CIP and Partners in designing, using and accessing communication materials and information, as per donor requirements. 

Coordinate and support media and external communications functions to CARE Pakistan's office

• Play an active part in all aspects of communications and branding for CIP, including core communication areas, such as publications and visibility products, company website, email marketing, press releases, social media, newsletters, media relations, editorial services, creative services etc.
• Coordinate and support CARE and its partners to establish and maintain high quality and timely media functions and activities, in order to support public awareness and fundraising initiatives.
• Work with relevant sectoral Team Leads and advocacy staff to produce and disseminate press releases and other communications materials, and to support advocacy/awareness efforts regarding development and humanitarian issues.
• Visit the field to monitor and support media and communications work by collecting and developing case studies, along with compiling communication materials.
• Design and maintain coordinated internal information-sharing mechanisms for CARE’s work, such as the newsletter and other appropriate methods.
• Support CARE’s external representation and policy/advocacy work, including work with the donors, partners, peer organizations, media and beneficiaries.  

Maintain the CIP website and ensure consistency of CARE's online presence (website, social media etc.)

• Create and review content as necessary, to CARE Pakistan’s website, and arrange for software/maintenance upgrades as and when needed.
• Manage/oversee development of website content including sitemaps, landing pages, support pages, etc.
• Establish minimum standards for CARE’s content by working with CIP staff and partners as well as CI members, to ensure global consistency of messaging and accuracy of information on various avenues (such as the website and social media).
• Disseminate and strengthen communication related best practices with CIP staff and partners. 

Build and maintain effective relationships, both internally and externally, to preserve the quality of communication's outputs

• Actively recruit and manage effective relationships with a diverse range of high-profile contributors and organizations working in the same industry, to bring them forward onto national and international platforms.
• Research ideas to contribute in organizing company events, including international conferences, industry/media engagement events.
• Coordinate with internal departments and closely follow CIP policies for commissioning work with vendors.
• Maintain all communications work in soft form, and coordinate with other project teams to track any activities requiring inputs from the communications team (e.g. upcoming events, promotional activities requiring branding, etc.).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, new media or related discipline from a reputable international or Pakistani institution (Master’s degree is desirable).
• At least three years of experience in the field of communications and external relations, with proven track record of managing media platforms, website management, community management and social insight reporting.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, editing and presentation skills.
• Excellent networking and PR skills.
• Ability to be detail-oriented and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Ability to analyze and synthesize information/report findings and present it, using appropriate frameworks (infographics, insights, newsflashes, etc.).
• Experience of working with corporate entities and/or international donor agencies preferred.
• Ability to interact with and manage diverse stakeholders (such as vendors, beneficiaries, and donors).
• Additional technical skills are desirable, including knowledge of emerging media technologies and social media (Twitter, Facebook etc.); proficiency in design and photo/video editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Final Cut Pro, etc.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and spoken communications skills;
• Aptitude of being a team player;
• Ability to self-manage, work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Proactivity and ability to present the big picture;
• Capacity to be dynamic, creative and innovative;
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, and able to manage relationships across different units;
• Capacity to plan, organize and deliver results; and
• Commitment to CARE’s vision and mission.