Communications Officer - Peace Building , Uganda

The IRC has implemented peace building programs in Karamoja since 2002 with support from USAID and the European Union. IRC’s peace building portfolio currently includes Women Building Peace, a project that enhances women’s meaningful participation in peace building processes; and Akimorikin (coming together), a USAID funded project that is anticipated to start in March 2013. Akimorikin will strengthen institutional capacity for effective Early Warning and Early Response in Karamoja. IRC’s peace building program incorporates a strong gender dimension, contributing to the UNSCRs 1325 & 1820, and the Government of Uganda National Action Plan in support of these resolutions. The program objectives are achieved through strong partnerships with local Civil Society Organizations, government institutions and IGAD’s CEWERU in Uganda. IRC’s peace building work covers the districts of Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Moroto, Napak and Kotido.

JOB PURPOSE: In line with donor’s visibility and communications guidelines and requirements, the Communications Officer is responsible for developing program communication and advocacy strategies, monitoring and providing support for their effective implementation. He/she will contribute to enhancing the quality and visibility of IRC’s peace building program by undertaking capacity building for the IRC and its program partners in effective communication, capturing success stories and lessons learnt, preparing and producing information and communication materials for diverse internal and external audiences.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Lead on the development of innovative and relevant communication and advocacy strategies for the peace building program in Karamoja • Develop and enforce the use of a branding and marking guide / strategy based on IRC global guidelines and donor regulations to ensure consistency and professional quality across IRC’s peace building program. • Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of print and electronic documentation of project activities, program successes, lessons learned and best practices for internal and external dissemination. • Support the preparation of quarterly project reports in close collaboration with the manager and technical coordinator. • Work closely with the data, monitoring and evaluation officer to draft research, monitoring and evaluation reports and ensure proper cataloging and safe storage of program information. • Lead the preparation of peace building contributions to the IRC Uganda annual report, the governance and rights newsletter and any other publications relevant to the peace building program. • In liaison with the data, monitoring and evaluation officer, develop and maintain an electronic library for safe and ethical storage of resources and quick reference for the program team. • Write blog posts, articles and newsletters for local, national and international audiences including donor agencies, and ensure they are posted on the IRC website and relevant publicity or information sharing platforms. • In support of the technical and program coordaintors, facilitate Karamoja level arrangements for publicity events, design and organize the production and distribution of publicity/visibility materials. • Review the local, national, regional and international news and share weekly updates to keep program staff updated on relevant developments in governance and peace building fields. • Issue IRC’s peace building staff and partners with news alerts and background material for stories likely result in media queries. • Strengthen the communication capacities within the peace building team through scheduled capacity building initiatives and day to day support.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS • Degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations or any other related field; or a diploma with relevant progressive work experience. • At least two years experience in a related position. • Must be conversant with the development of effective communication and advocacy strategies that target a diverse range of stakeholders in communities, government, donor agencies, media and civil society organizations. • Must have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to adapt different writing styles to suite specific situations and audiences; a keen eye for detail and a desire for maximum levels of accuracy at all times. • Excellent photography skills and competence in the use of computer software key to the support of communications publications. • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team and foster healthy team dynamics. • Diplomacy, tact and patience required to gather stories about the lives of IRC’s beneficiaries; understanding of and maturity with regards to the sensitivities of collecting and communicating information about peace and security issues; • Should be passionate about working in rural areas to serve communities affected by conflict with an interest in issues of governance, peace and human rights. • Knowledge of written and spoke nga’ karimojong will be an added advantage.

Female and Ugandan nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available for this position. Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Ugandan NGO Sector.

How to apply:

Send CV and cover letter clearly indicating the position applied for to: The Human Resource and Administration Manager, International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 24672 Kampala; OR Email: UA-IRCJobs@Rescue.org Only short listed candidates will be contacted.