PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps helps people in the world’s toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 16.7 million people in more than 40 countries. For more information, see mercycorps.org.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Internal Communications Officer will bring creative new approaches to implement an internal communications strategy that communicates agency vision; shares executive perspectives; promotes internal dialogue and strengthens Mercy Corps’ culture in a global workforce of 4,000 in over 100 offices.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The position will bring the internal communications strategy to life by ensuring:
Agency Vision & Culture
* Partner with the executive team to ensure regular, effective communication from CEO and other executives to the rest of the agency.
* Actively participate in strategic planning processes as a core component of embedding culture and strategy throughout the organization.
* Support mechanisms for organizational learning and the uptake of thought leadership internal to the agency.
* Facilitate organizational change around critical initiatives by creating and managing channels for dialogue throughout the agency.
Communications
* Ensure internal communications are aligned with marketing and brand-related communication efforts drive alignment between brand and employees.
* Collaborate with Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness teams (LOE) leadership to reinforce Mercy Corps culture and employee engagement, and influence and coach the team on effective communication.
* Share impact stories with communications and collaborate on packaging and sharing.
* Work with the Mercy Corps’ Crisis Management Team and other key stakeholders on internal crisis communication strategies.
* In partnership with Marketing and Communications and other teams, ensure consistency of messages internally and externally.
Internal Dialogue
* Pilot and introduce new channels of communication to ensure active dialogue with in the agency
* Manages the existing internal communications vehicles such as internal web site (The Hub) and e-newsletter to Mercy Corps’ global team (The Globe).
* Develop channels to regularly gather input and feedback from team members in response to executive and agency communications. This includes leading the organization and content of all-HQ and all-Hands meetings.
* Stay current on best practices in internal communications strategies across industries.
Organizational Learning:
* As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
* Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: none
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Reports Directly to: Senior Director of Strategy and Learning
Works Directly with: Chief Marketing Officer/VP Marketing & Communications, CEO, Executive Counselor , Director of Information Systems, IT team, Media Relations, Executive Team and Regional Directors.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
* BA/S or equivalent in related field preferred
* 3-5 years directly-related experience, including leading internal communications in an organization and working with and advising senior leaders.
* Excellent writing, editing and research skills required; ability to “translate” technical language into compelling content needed.
* Demonstrated competency in communication strategy, planning and implementation of plans and tactics.
* Highly effective and professional verbal communication
* Proven experience maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professional conduct
* Proven ability to prioritize multiple competing and changing priorities, requests, tasks, deadlines
* Experience with new media and social networking technologies and working knowledge of online content management including basic HTML, preferably in a Drupal environment.
* Passion for issues relating to humanitarian relief and development
* 2+ years of experience in relief and development field and/or living in the types of environments where Mercy Corps works with non-profit or government, and knowledge of Mercy Corps’ work and structure strongly preferred
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Internal Communications Officer will be a creative communicators and an excellent networker. S/he will be able to quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of Mercy Corps, and forge productive relationships with key internal stakeholders. S/he will have a strong grasp on how to communicate with team members at all levels. S/he will be a strategic thinker who is also experienced with constantly organizing and prioritizing tasks. S/he will have the ability and motivation to learn new technologies quickly and with minimal support and guidance. S/he will possess a demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members are required. Even temperament and a good sense of humor appreciated. S/he must demonstrate flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving, will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results in a fast-paced, fluid and work
environment. An entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible is important.
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is based in Portland with occasional field travel (up to 20%). Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.