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 Sudan is as dynamic and diverse as the needs of the people we serve. Since 1978, CRS Sudan has been assisting the people of Sudan across the emergency, recovery, and development spectrum. Key sectoral areas for CRS Sudan include food security, livelihoods, nutrition, health, peacebuilding, climate change, and natural resource management. CRS Sudan has an expanding portfolio of programs crossing the emergency response and resiliency spectrum. Currently, CRS Sudan oversees programming across East Darfur, West Darfur, Central Darfur, North Darfur, Gezira, and the Red Sea.

*Location: Sudan (Khartoum), This role requires frequent travel to Darfur and other project locations in Sudan. Candidates must already be based in and authorized to work in one of these locations. Candidates must be willing and able to travel regularly to Darfur, subject to security and operational conditions.

Job Summary

The Communications Manager for CRS Sudan is responsible for developing and executing an effective, comprehensive communications strategy to raise the country program’s profile among target audiences, including donors, partners, local media, national and local governments, and others. S(he) will work closely with the Senior Management team and the Regional and HQ Communications 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 Sudan for funding and influence. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Regional Marketing Strategist, create and implement a robust communications and marketing strategy that supports country program business goals and aligns with regional and agency strategy. 
• Work with senior leadership in the CP in support of representation for CRS in Sudan. 
• Write, design, and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing materials – stories, photos, video, briefs, factsheets, slide decks, etc. - for various audiences, including institutional and private donors, local and national governments, partners, media, and others as needed. 
• Manage and work with local creatives in the production of marketing materials with final approval/review from regional and global teams.
• Identify and serve as the main contact for local media and help identify relevant spokespeople. 
• With the Regional Marketing Strategist, help develop specific messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• As appropriate, manage social media channels and create content platforms like Facebook and Twitter. 
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc. 
• Train and coach relevant country program staff and partners on best practices in communications. 
• Will have a dotted supervision to the project-level Communication Senior Project Officer and other temporary consultants by providing technical assistance and coaching

Basic Qualifications (BQs)

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• Minimum 5 years progressive marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming. 
• The individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority. 
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Arabic (written and spoken) is required.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and customers in a cooperative and friendly manner. 
• Must possess the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 %. 
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is a requirement.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfill their responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Integrity 
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships 
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities - N/A

What we offer 

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. 

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. 

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

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.