Communications Manager

• Deadline: February 13, 2025

Title: Communications Manager

Department: Programs – Restore Africa

Report to: Chief of Party

Job Location: Kampala/Uganda

Vacancies: One (1)

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has been working in Uganda since 1965 and has a vibrant portfolio of projects, serving over a million vulnerable Ugandans and refugees each year through the Country Program 2030 Strategy. CRS programs in Uganda currently support five strategic priority areas, including Health and Social Services Systems Strengthening, Resilient Food Systems, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Local Leadership. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including international and local NGOs, Ugandan government departments and ministries, the Catholic Church, and community-based organizations for maximum impact and sustainability.

Background:

Under the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation strategic priority area, CRS aims to ‘drive uptake and scaling of nature-based solutions and novel financing mechanisms to support national and community level efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change’. CRS currently has three projects which fall explicitly under this strategic priority area, and is in discussions with other donors to start additional and related programs:

• Restore Africa, which aims to restore 560,000 hectares of land with 352,500 smallholder farmers across 32 districts (Climate Asset Management funded).
• Accelerating and Scaling Climate Smart Jobs within Restore Africa – Market Linkages for Livelihoods and Land Restoration (M4R – FCDO funded) in 17 districts, focusing on 60,000 small-holder farmers and 40,000 hectares also engaged in Restore Africa.
• Mixed-Use Agroforestry in Refugee Hosting Districts (Ministry of Water & Environment), targeting 17,550 hectares and 87,782 smallholder farmers.

These projects aim to assist smallholder farmers, with an average landholding of 2 hectares (minimum 0.5 hectares, maximum 20 hectares) to diversify production within their agroforestry systems, including through payments for carbon sequestration through integration of trees into their plots. The projects also aim to incentivize smallholder farmers to be able to invest in activities which restore health to their soil and increase productivity over time, as well as meet their own food security and economic needs.

Job Summary:

The Communications Manager for CRS’ Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation portfolio is responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise CRS’s profile with target audiences as a major player in this field, including investors, donors, partners, local media, national and local government, the Catholic Church and others. S(he) will work closely with the portfolio’s MEAL team, Country Office Communication Manager, Implementing Partners and staff, to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity. The Communications Manager creates content and uses effective communications channels to help position CRS Climate Change Adaptation and mitigation Portfolio for funding and influence. This includes stories, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a robust communications strategy for the climate change adaptation and mitigation portfolio, as well as develop communications plans for each of the projects in this sector.
• Support the Chief of Party to produce quarterly and monthly program reports – this includes writing the reports, providing photos and success stories.
• Lead the production and dissemination of other communications materials including technical learning briefs, factsheets, videos, other IEC materials.
• As a donor requirement, ensure timely capture and submission of program activity photos to the donor/coordinate partners to submit photos.
• Support projects in carrying out advocacy initiatives including radio talk shows, community engagements, district and national engagements.
• Work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure CRS website, GEA website and donor websites (and social media accounts as relevant) are up to date with relevant information and program activities.
• Increase CRS’ Climate Change portfolio content on social media by creating sector specific content and working with the Country Program Communications Manger to upload it on the CRS Uganda Country Programs social media accounts- Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and respective donor social media platforms.
• Increase media visibility of CRS’ Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation sector by identifying opportunities for media engagement. Equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge for media engagements, including interviews and media placements.
• Oversee branding and marking of all CRS and partner communications materials and manage the product approval processes with donors and implementing partners.
• Ensure consistent messaging and visibility across projects, incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).
• In cooperation with Program Managers, Chiefs of Party, the Country Program Communications Manager support in organizing and coordinating quality program events, such as inception, project closure, and learning events. Support includes, branding, media visibility and developing talking points.
• Develop strategies to increase the organization’s presence at relevant national and regional events.

Basic qualifications:

• Minimum master’s degree in communications, Journalism, or related studies.
• Minimum 3 years progressive marketing and communication experience.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and customers in a cooperative and friendly manner.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in photography, capable of capturing high-quality images for various communication and marketing needs is strongly desired.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is a plus.
• Experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• With progressive experience ideally for an NGO or another organization in the Climate Change sector.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required Languages: English fluency, including excellent oral and written skills, required.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 % to project sites.

Key Working Relationships

• Supervisory: None
• Internal: MEAL and Learning Managers for WB, M4R and RESAf; PMs, COP and DCOP-Implementation for WB, M4R and RESAf; CP Communication Manager.
• External: Works closely with partners and project staff, as well as with technical leads.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.