Communications Specialist

CARE began its operations in Pakistan, as a multi-mandate organization, working for both longer-term development opportunities as well as supporting the most vulnerable communities in times of humanitarian crises. Since its establishment, CARE International in Pakistan (CIP) has worked across all parts of the country- from the hardest to reach areas to urban metropolises. CARE engages with private sector partners, government, and local communities to promote women’s economic empowerment with a particular focus on entrepreneurship development, financial inclusion, strengthening inclusive value chains, and increasing employability skills. Our approach goes beyond a singular focus on income generation to holistically promoting empowerment by focusing on strengthening women and girls’ education, confidence, negotiation skills and fostering an enabling environment that is free from gender based violence (GBV) in the world of work (especially sexual harassment and other gender biases). 

I. Job Summary

In light of the entrepreneurial milieu in Pakistan, CIP is implementing a Financial Inclusion project that aims to support striver entrepreneurs (businesses with two to ten employees) by improving their access to finance, encouraging them to use digital tools such as mobile wallets, and marketing platforms to grow their businesses and provision of skill enhancement trainings and mentoring. In order to implement this project, CIP seeks to work through partners to provide financial services to beneficiary entrepreneurs. As part of the project team, the Communications Specialist will implement and manage CIP and project’s visibility and engagement related activities. The Communications Specialist will also be responsible for overall CIP and project communication and visibility in line with CIP and donor’s visibility guidelines whilst also contributing towards CIP’s overall projection in line with CARE International global communications protocols. The role will create content for the outreach and marketing campaign, manage CIP and project visibility, and develop beneficiary stories and case studies. The incumbent will be expected to align and integrate all major knowledge management centric initiatives and tools to ensure that a two-way exchange of information takes place successfully, along with timely dissemination of quality products amongst all CARE stakeholders. The position of Communications Specialist will work with the Project Manager to manage communications and knowledge management holistically.

II. Job Description

Job Responsibility #1: Manage Project Communications and Knowledge Management - % of time: 60%

• Oversee the project communications strategy and activities related to project outreach
• Develop communications work plan with timelines for implementation in consultation with stakeholders
• Develop, write and edit marketing and communications materials, including press releases, success stories, publications
• Promote communications and marketing materials through appropriate channels
• Track analytics and create reports detailing performance of communications campaigns
• Ensure that all communications and marketing material aligns with CARE and donor guidelines and standards
• Maintain project digital media archives including photos and videos
• Build partnerships for external communication
• Maintain and actively contribute towards creating graphic contents for various project related communication using effective methods such as audio, video, photos, infographics etc.
• Manage the project outreach/awareness campaign
• Establish minimum standards for CARE’s content by working with CIP staff and partners, to ensure consistency of messaging and accuracy of information on various avenues (such as the website and social media).
• Work with CIP Team to produce and disseminate press releases and other communications materials, and to support advocacy/awareness efforts regarding the project
• Visit the field to monitor and support media and communications work by collecting and developing case studies, along with compiling communication materials
• Coordinate and support CIP and its partners to establish and maintain high quality and timely project related events, workshops, media functions and activities, in order to support public awareness and project visibility
• Support CARE’s external representation and policy/advocacy work, including work with the donors, partners, peer organizations, media and beneficiaries 

Job Responsibility #2: Coordinate and Support Media and External Communications Functions of CIP - % of time: 35%

• Manage communications and branding for CIP
• Coordinate and support CIP and its partners to establish and maintain high quality and timely media functions and activities, in order to support public awareness and fundraising initiatives
• Visit the field to monitor and support media and communications work by collecting and developing case studies, along with compiling communication materials.
• Support CARE’s external representation and policy/advocacy work, including work with the donors, partners, peer organizations, media and beneficiaries.

Any other task as assigned by the supervisor - % of time: 5%

III. Job Specifications

A) Education/ Training

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, media or related discipline from a reputable international or national institute

Preferred:

• Master’s degree is desirable

B) Experience

• 7 years of experience in the field of communications, knowledge management and external relations, with proven track record of managing media platforms, website management, community management and social insight reporting
• Experience of working with corporate entities and/or international donor agencies is required
• Proven experience in developing high-quality communication products (reports, brochures, newsletters, case studies etc.) using basic design softwares like Canva etc.  

C) Technical Skills

• Ability to communicate in a clear and diplomatic with diverse stakeholders (such as vendors, beneficiaries, and donors)
• Excellent writing, proofreading, editing and presentation skills
• Excellent networking and PR skills
• Ability to be detail-oriented and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Ability to analyze and synthesize information/report findings and present it, using appropriate frameworks (infographics, insights, newsflashes, etc.).
• Ability to interact with and manage diverse stakeholders (such as vendors, beneficiaries, and donors).
• Additional technical skills are desirable, including knowledge of emerging media technologies and social media (Twitter, Facebook etc.); proficiency in design and photo/video editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Final Cut Pro, etc.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu; knowledge of any other local language will be preferred 

D) Competencies

• Excellent written and spoken communications skills;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Aptitude of being a team player;
• Ability to self-manage, work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Proactivity and ability to present the big picture;
• Capacity to be dynamic, creative and innovative;
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, and able to manage relationships across units;
• Capacity to plan, organize and deliver results; and
• Commitment to CARE’s vision and mission.