Communications Officer, Grade 8

Summary:

Counterpart International seeks an experienced professional for the new position of Communications Officer, who will be responsible for the dissemination of information both at HQ and throughout the organization. A majority of the time will be spent on internal communications. The Officer will report to the Director of Communications, and will work regularly with the Executive Team, including the CEO.

In addition to a proven track record of effectively managing multiple communications channels, priorities and deadlines, the successful candidate will have an appreciation for international development work and our team members’ dedication to the mission, vision and values of Counterpart.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Internal Communications Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations (60%):

• Promote and facilitate a greater sharing of relevant, practical information across business teams and functions
• Act as a catalyst to increase interaction among the staff around the world
• Collaborate with HR, field offices, HQ practice areas and other departments to understand and convey their messages to internal audiences
• Contribute to the development and be responsible for the implementation of Counterpart’s multi-year internal communications plan
• Manage existing products and create new internal communications vehicles – including intranet, newsletters, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. – to better serve our worldwide staff
• Prepare content (text, audio and/or video) for internal communications
• Work with staff in both field and HQ offices, including at the executive level, to develop and submit content for internal communication purposes
• Plan and execute campaigns that increase usage of communications vehicles, promote an initiative or achieve an organizational goal
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of internal communication tools and procedures and make recommendations that will lead to more effective internal communications
• Strategize with priority field offices to develop individual internal communications plans and play a consulting role in their execution
• Act as Communication Team liaison to IT, as well as outside vendors, to ensure that internal communications-related systems and technology meet our needs and use current platforms.
• Organize and manage regular internal information-sharing events, such as an annual staff conferences, monthly senior officers meetings, and brown-bag learning series.
• Participate on Counterpart’s knowledge sharing team and contribute to meeting organizational knowledge sharing goals

External Communications Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations (40%):

• Assist in the development and implementation of external communications tools and activities, including website, blog, press releases, video, and events.
• Develop, edit, and format written product for new business development, including but not limited to marketing materials and proposals.  

 Qualifications:

• Five to six years of communications experience
• Understanding of communications best practices and ability to translate them into a non-profit, multi-cultural environment
• A strong desire to carryout internal communications activities
• Excellent English-language writing and editing skills (a written test will be given)
• Ability to continuously exercise professional discretion and maintain confidentiality of written and verbal information
• Strong oral presentation and facilitation skills
• A client-focused attitude
• Ability to interact with senior officers and executives
• Skilled in web content management and online design
• Knowledge of HTML and Microsoft Office products
• A good understanding of Adobe Creative Suite
• A second language is desirable
• Previous work in a non-profit organization is a plus
• Sense of teamwork and sharing recognition among all members
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree

 EOE M/F/H/V