Humanitarian Communications Officer at Save the Children

ROLE PURPOSE

• The Humanitarian Communications Officer role is to manage and deliver vital information and communication products covering the humanitarian or emergency responses in Kenya and Madagascar to enable the timely sharing of targeted information with key stakeholders; potential donors, media, fundraising colleagues, Save the Children Members, and staff across Save the Children International.
• This role will work closely with child safeguarding and child protection colleagues, ensure that all children involved in our humanitarian communications, advocacy, and media work are protected from potential mental and physical harm, and potential repercussions from their involvement in our humanitarian communications, advocacy, and media work. 
• As a member of the communications team, you will also support the country office to deliver strategic and timely communications support for other projects on a need basis.
• In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
• This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Programme Support

• Lead information and communication flows between emergency responses and a variety of internal and external stakeholders (including situation reports, dashboards, and trackers)
• Produce accurate, clear, and consistent information and communication outputs relating to emergency situation and Save the Children’s emergency response – including key messages, Q&A’s and factsheets. 
• Ensure that results from case study collection are fed back into humanitarian response team and planning. 
• Information, Communications, Advocacy and Fundraising 
• Produce accurate, clear, and consistent information and communication outputs relating to the humanitarian responses in Kenya and Madagascar – including key messages, Q&A’s, internal email updates, factsheets, reactive lines for media and advocacy work.
• Oversee and act as focal point for all visit requests to humanitarian sites, coordinating approval of requests and ensuring visitors adhere to the visits protocol.
• Work with the Communications and Media Manager to ensure the humanitarian communications response strategies are carried out in line with the Country Strategic Plan.
• Ensure all information for external use presents accurate information and appropriate images and does not put Save the Children unnecessarily at risk.
• Available for travel to the field sites to collect case studies and undertake photography commissions and case studies.
• Collaborate with advocacy colleagues to ensure core messaging is consistent when being shared externally.
• Manage the production of compelling photo stories, case studies and audio-visual materials from the field to highlight Save the Children`s work, including the commissioning of photography and film when required and in line with SCI policies and procedures (all consent on file and available).
• Ensure branding and visibility in the materials.
• Determine how to use various different materials through different communications channels (print, web page, social media, radio, television).
• Evaluate results and impact of media and communications activities.
• Ensures adherence to policy and procedure and that the rights of families and children are respected in all materials produced and disseminated (voice, photo, video, written).
• Develop and disseminate communication products such as invitations, podcasts, blogs as relevant. 

Multimedia

• In coordination with line manager, undertake multi-media commissions and produce content to accompany compelling case studies particularly on our work around child protection, health and nutrition, food security and livelihoods, education. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in development communications, experience in humanitarian or NGO context is an added advantage. 
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills 
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong writing, photography and editing skills.
• Knowledge of children’s rights key international agreements and conventions 
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written, required.
• Demonstrates Save the Children’s core values of accountability, collaboration, integrity, ambition, and creativity.