ROLE PURPOSE: 

The communication officer will develop and deliver all aspects of Islamic Relief’s media and communications work for IR Sudan. The post holder will also develop, implement, compiling, documenting, archiving updating, packaging and sharing of critical information. This information is key to support the achievement of country programme goals in marketing, funding, external influencing, and branding. This post holder will document human interest stories of Islamic Relief’s project in IR Sudan’s working and share them on the IR Digital and other online platforms through compelling photos, short videos, blog posts and social media updates.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Work closely with Communication Coordinator under over direction of the Country Director and in close coordination with the Head of Programmes, sectoral/technical leads at country level.
• Close work with field programme Managers and programme teams at the field level.
• Maintain a cordial working relationship with communication officers of donors, IR partners, Government agencies and local community -based organizations.

SCOPE AND AUTHORITY 

Scope of the role:

This position will provide communication- related functions for Islamic Relief Sudan. The successful candidate will serve as a Communication Officer documenting IR Sudan’s works through photos, videos, case studies and cover success stories of programme beneficiaries and in IR’s project areas. The compelling photos, videos, blog posts and social media updates will be shared on the IR Digital and other online platforms.

In addition, s/he will work closely, as needed, with our local partners to execute community engagement events and activities. Additional activities may involve supporting IR Sudan communications efforts.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

The holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with Islamic Relief values and principles of fairness =, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. The following are the main responsibilities that the role holder will be accountable for:

Key Accountability 1: Raise Awareness of IR Sudan’s work in IR Operations Areas

• Arranging and coordinating media visit and media coverage in the region.
• Assist in development of detailed itineraries and programmes for visitors and events related to IR Sudan’s projects.
• Assists in conducting awareness raising campaigns, events, information dissemination workshops, etc for target groups.

Key accountability 2: produce and develop communication material for all projects.

• Develop communication material for projects in collaboration with programme staff a per the project communication plans. This includes writing blogs posts and articles, taking high quality photos, and shoot and edit short, compelling videos. Turn stories into web and online formats such as social media posts.
• Work closely with logistics team to ensure that quality media/visibility materials are printed and delivered on time.

Key accountability 3: collecting stories across projects.

• Coordinate blogs, case studies, and human -interest stories to be used for media pitches, social media, and other communication needs.
• Maintain and regularly update media pitching document outlining key potential stories ideas, information regarding where IR works in Sudan and what journalists can expect to see and do during a facilitated visit.

Key Accountability 4: any other duties assigned by the line Manager.

PERSON SPEFICATION

It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic Relief’s values and principles as well as commitments to Islamic Relief worldwide vision, mission, and core values.

Experiences, competencies and qualifications

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge 
• A minimum qualification of a first degree in journalism, social sciences and or social work is desirable. 
• At least 2 years of similar experiences in development projects with specific experience in digital journalism, social media tools (especially twitter, Facebook, and Instagram), and writing for the web.
• Key competencies and experience:
• Committed to Islamic Relief worldwide values and code of conduct.
• Understanding of poverty, social and gender iniquities in Sudan.
• Excellent communication in English and Arabic (both verbal and written fluency required), and any other national language would be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in conducting interviews with diverse stakeholders including community members and other benefitting from IR’s projects.
• Understanding of global culture and ability to tell the local story that will appeal to the international community in the appropriate medium.
• Significant experience (personal and or professional) in using social media tools;writing and or designing compelling posts, understanding of how to develop content that will inspire the target audience to like /share, and ability to tell stories through these social media.
• Strong ability to write as well as develop photographic and video material in an inspiring, accurate and descriptive manner, that can bring its reader /donor into proximity with right holder’s communities’ photography and videography skills.
• Experience in editing software such as photoshop, and design software such as illustrator, Indesign.
• Familiarity with word processing and database applications also is important.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences 
• Knowledge of media law in Sudan
• Any ability to work under pressure with limited support and in difficult /harsh environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote, harsh environments, often for an extended period.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action
• High level of integrity.