Scope: Since its inception in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been a global leader in emergency response and providing durable solutions for conflict- and crisis-affected populations. IRC has been active in Pakistan since 1980, mobilizing and empowering Afghan refugees and earthquake-affected Pakistani communities to take a proactive role in the provision and development of essential services. Today, IRC Pakistan works in partnership with local government and non-governmental organizations to manage and deliver large, complex programs to meet needs and support community building in a variety of sectors, including education, water and sanitation, reproductive health, women�s and children�s protection and empowerment, food security, and economic recovery and development.

IRC is seeking a Director of Communication and Outreach (DCO) for a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project to support Pakistani-led efforts to introduce and institutionalize improvements in reading instruction and reading assessment in grades one through five in public and private schools throughout Pakistan. The DCO will be responsible for overseeing all communication, advocacy, and outreach activities of the project. This position will lead and collaborate with a team of technical specialists and together with the other members of the senior management team will work to ensure that the activities of this project are implemented in accordance with established standards and recognized best practices to contribute to the achievement of the project�s objectives. The DCO will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for Programs. This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin in April 2013.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Design and lead implementation of a communications, outreach, and media strategy for the project;
  • Oversee the organization of publicity events, including appropriate involvement of the local and international media;
  • Organize and oversee media coverage for major project launches, such as of new degree programs;
  • Conduct advocacy with the Government of Pakistan at multiple levels to ensure improved education policies, in coordination with the Technical Director for Policy;
  • Oversee the development and timely submission of outreach reports, including lists of public events, success stories, photographs, press clippings, public communications, overviews of implemented publicity and media coverage received, and lists of grants awarded by the project;
  • Liaise with partner institutions to ensure development and submission of required documentation and reporting for activities in their respective regions;
  • Support implementing partners and sub-awardees to design and implement media and publicity strategies, providing technical assistance, training, and capacity development as necessary;
  • Work with local NGOs to design and implement locally relevant and targeted advocacy campaigns, with a focus on promoting a national culture of reading;
  • Liaise with monitoring and evaluation staff to compile and disseminate a Best Practices Guide based on project learning and experiences;
  • Liaise with monitoring and evaluation staff to disseminate the results of project research.

Skills

Requirements
1. Masters degree from an accredited university in media, communication, or other related field, or additional years of experience in the education field;
2. At least 7 years of experience in advocacy, communication, and outreach activities at the national and/or international level. Experience with projects supporting pre and in-service teacher professional development, reading instructional and supplemental material development, or higher education institute strengthening preferred;
3. Demonstrated exemplary diplomatic, management, and interpersonal skills;
Solid understanding of the Pakistani context, with previous experience in Pakistan or the region preferred;
4. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders;
5. Demonstrated innovation and success in staff and local partner capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation;
6. Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
7. Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Urdu and/or other languages local to Pakistan is a highly preferred.

Job Details

Functional Area:
Total Positions:
1 Post
Job Type:
Department:
Education
Job Location:
Gender:
Doesn\'t Matter
Minimum Education:
Masters
Degree Title:
• Master’s degree from an accredited university in media, communication
Career Level:
Executive (SVP, VP, Department Head, etc)
Minimum Experience:
7 Years (• At least 7 years of experience in advocacy, communication, and outreach activities at the national and/or international level. Experience with projects supporting pre and in-service teacher professional development, reading instructional and supplemental material development, or higher education institute strengthening preferred;)
Apply Before:
Dec 17, 2012
Posting Date:
Dec 10, 2012

International Rescue Committee

N.G.O./Social Services · 301-600 employees - Islamabad

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading global relief and development organization, established in 1933, and currently working in 42 countries worldwide. IRC has been working in Pakistan for over 30 years, and manages & delivers large, complex programs to meet needs in health, education, protection and livelihoods for displaced, poor & conflict-affected communities. IRC works in partnership with local Government and non-Governmental organizations and currently works in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.

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