JOB DESCRIPTION

Background 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS works through local churches and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates.

CRS began operations in Malawi in September 1997 with an initial focus on improving food security. CRS implemented Malawi”s first programs was a Food for Peace Development assistance program. The country program has expanded its programming using an integrated approach to help poor and vulnerable people lead full and productive lives. We work in 18 districts across the three regions of Malawi.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recognizes the critical challenges faced by farmers in the districts of Chikwawa, Mulanje, and Mangochi, particularly in achieving sustainable agricultural development through improved rainwater harvesting and soil management practices. In response, CRS is implementing the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Project in these districts. The IMWI Project Consortium, comprising local partners CARD, MwAPATA Institute, Palladium, Illovo Malawi, and CIAT, will deploy a dynamic and adaptive communication strategy to support the project’s technical implementation and ensure effective community engagement.

The position is contingent upon donor approval

Job Summary

The IMWI Marketing and Communications Officer will be responsible for executing a communication plan for the IMWI Project in close collaboration with project staff and under the supervision of the Head of Programing. A critical element to the job will be to ensure greater visibility, awareness and engagement among priority audiences including IMWI, national and local government, other NGOs, Church partners, private sector, research institutes and local communities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Brand Management: Ensure that all IMWI Project communications are aligned with IMWI branding and marking requirements and consistent with CRS’ brand identity and guidelines, including but not limited to project sites, project documents, video and visual pieces and media products.

Media and Public Relations: Under the direction of the Head of Programing, establish and maintain robust relationships with local, Church and national journalists on sector issues and engage regularly with key actors within governments.

Marketing Materials: In liaison with ad agencies and freelancers, develop and regularly update marketing materials (multi-media, print, posters, etc.) for various distribution and delivery methods. Develop success stories, background statements, fact sheets, power point presentations, press releases and talking points that effectively transmit accurate and timely information about the project.

Content development: In collaboration with the relevant project teams, coordinate content gathering travels or opportunities, write/edit compelling stories and coordinate content distribution among target audiences. Co-develop, implement and monitor strategy for in-field project communications and work with the Head of Programing on innovating equitable reporting strategy.

Capacity building: Build capacity of field staff and project participants in grass-roots reporting, marketing activities and brand management.

Events Management: Organize major events to promote key achievements within the IMWI Project including project launches, major donor visits and key milestones.

Representation & Networking: Support the planning and coordination of events, missions, VIP visits, under the leadership of the Head of Programing. Act as CRS Malawi’s focal point regarding communications and public relations related to the IMWI Project and its partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Business Development Specialist, Regional Information Officer, Marketing and Communications HQ and Region Team

External: Representatives of other nonprofit organizations, Contractors, Vendors, project partners, and donors