Communications & Liaison Officer

COUNTRY PROGRAM MISSION

The American Refugee Committee (ARC) is an entrepreneurial humanitarian organization that assists displaced people to move from vulnerability to resilience, from impoverishment to well-being, and from exclusion to inclusion. Since 2002 ARC has been providing humanitarian relief and development assistance in Pakistan through meaningful engagement with refugees and internally displaced people, innovative human-centered programs, and rigorous attention to outcomes. ARC provides multi-sectorial programs that include primary and reproductive health, health clinic management, education, GBV programming, water and sanitation, shelter, and emergency response.

Through the Education project, ARC strives to help enroll one million out-of-school children in quality primary education schools while strengthening and building on existing formal and alternative education systems in Pakistan. ARC is leading the implementation of project in consortium with MoENT and Provincial Government Education and Literacy Departments, JICA and CSOs.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Officer will work with Program teams and partner organizations to develop and implement communications strategies translated in to clear deliverables. The Officer’s primary responsibilities include document the progress achievements and learnings of projects to promote positive image among various audiences (donors, CSOs, partner organizations and beneficiaries). This position is responsible for coordinating organization-wide design, message, and content generation, including electronic and print communications. The position holder will make frequent field travel to support field offices to develop communication material and build their capacity. The positon will ensure that communication material produced is gender sensitive and child friendly.

KEY END-RESULTS:

1. Communication & Media strategy and work plan developed and implemented for ARC including Educate A Child project;
2. Positive media relationships promoting the importance and progress of bringing out of school children to schools in Pakistan and intensive media engagement resulting in increased coverage both on print and electronic media;
3. Quality production of IEC materials for ARC including campaign materials for Educate A Child Project; and
4. A calendar of events that further ARC’s programme goals developed and implemented with branding

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES:

1: Develop, Maintain, Review Communication Strategy & Plan:

• Develop ARC’s including EAC communication strategy and plan
• Develop & manage IEC materials including, but not limited to, preparation and sharing of reports, project briefs, infographics and campaign materials
• Develop innovative ways of presenting project results (infographics, visuals, videos, etc.) and success stories on a variety of media and platforms. 
• Prepare all creative work required by ARC, such as banners for events, posters, logos, invitation cards, and other publicity/ promotional material.
• Hold Regular review and document update on progress of Communication Strategy & Plan including reporting for donors
• Capacity building of communication focal points in field (ARCs and or its partners) on communication (writing case studies, photography protocols, activating social media etc.)

2: Manage Online Communications Forums/ Tools for ARC particularly EAC project:

• Maintaining and regular updating of ARC and EAC social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube etc.)
• Management (Development and Revision) of content for the website.

3: Manage Media Relations:

• Ensure regular information flow with media outlets, organize media events and prepare media products such as press releases, talking points, etc.
• Strengthen partnership with media representatives/ journalists, media houses/ outlets, including print and electronic media (newspapers, TV, radio, web, photography, creative animation and designing).
• Ensure media presence in related project and campaign events.
• Organize, develop, monitor and share analysis pertinent to press conferences, media talks, media briefs, press releases, talking points feature stories etc.

4: Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 16 years of education (MS or bachelor’s Honors Degree);
•  At least 3-4 years’ experience and successful track record in the field of communication for development with 1-year experience in a supervisory role;
• Good understanding and knowledge of development issues particularly education, health & nutrition
• Outstanding English writing, editing and content development skills. Ability to do translations into Urdu is an advantage
• Experience of drafting professional public communication materials, including using innovative techniques and approaches such as videos and infographics
•  Experience with strategic communication, media, social media, advertising, public relations, social campaigns, digital campaigns, social marketing, and related activities
• Proficient in MS applications. Knowledge of designing software is an advantage
• Willingness to spend significant time in project areas
• Proactive, persuasive, and ability to work on short deadlines

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Communicate effectively: should be a good and strong communicator.
• Stress tolerance: should be able to work accurately under such conditions.
• Team working: should be able to work as a team player.
• Time Management: Ability to manage stiff work and submission deadlines in the assigned timeline
• Self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision according to the assigned timeframes