CARE Deutschland-Luxemburg
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
Position Title:
Location:
Assignment Period:
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
home-based (in Europe, ideally Germany or Austria)
24 months (preferred starting date February 15, 2017)
SUMMARY
The Emergency Communications Officer supports CARE International’s media and
communications work in emergencies, and develops and maintains communications materials for
use by the CARE confederation. This includes deployment to the field, often on short-notice, to
CARE’s emergency operations. The Emergency Communications Officer has a strong
understanding of CARE’s work, policies, and approaches and uses this as the basis for CARE’s
media and external communications work. This position is managed by CARE Austria and CARE
Germany, in close coordination with CARE International’s Secretariat in Geneva. The position is
home-based (ideally in Europe), with approximately 60 percent travel required.
Purpose / Role
Maximize positive media coverage and fundraising opportunities with a focus on German-speaking
markets and support accountability to key stakeholders by communicating the humanitarian
situation and CARE's emergency operations.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Deploys regularly to the field to support CARE’s responses to emergencies (estimated
60% of time):
 In coordination with the CARE International Secretariat and delegated by Austria and
Germany, the position supports CARE’s work during emergencies to establish and maintain
high quality and timely media and communication activities, in order to support awareness
raising, fundraising and advocacy for CARE’s humanitarian work;
 Develops and disseminates steady flow of communication and media materials such as press
releases, talking points, blogs, human interest stories, web content;
 Regularly provides high-resolution, good quality digital images and video of emergencies and
CARE’s work;
 Acts as the main point of contact for media, and responds to requests for information from
journalists, members of CARE International, and donors, including arranging interviews and
field visits;
 Gives media training for designated spokespeople and offers media coaching;
 Acts as spokesperson for the organization when appropriate;
 Liaise with ECHO, UNHCR, OCHA and other peer Communications Officers to get latest
updates and work on potential joint-messaging.
 Participates in the Communications to Disaster-affected Communities (CDAC) working group
or public information working group if active;
 Produces a ‘lessons learned’ document after deployments and makes recommendations for
future operations.
1
2. When not deployed, provides support to ongoing media and communications activities
for CARE Austria and CARE Germany (estimated 40% of time):
 Works with CARE Austria and Germany communications teams to support
advocacy/awareness and fundraising efforts regarding humanitarian issues;
 As appropriate, supports CARE’s external representation and policy/advocacy work,
including with the UN, other multilateral agencies, the media and public worldwide;
 Develops and maintains excellent relationships with key national and international
journalists (particularly wire services and regional-based correspondents) on behalf of CI
and with other CI Communication Officers;
 In coordination with CI members and Country Offices, develops creative ways to raise
awareness of CARE’s humanitarian work, in particular chronic and forgotten emergencies.
3. Undertakes any other communications tasks as required.
QUALIFICATIONS








Masters degree (or a combination of a Bachelors degree and relevant experience) in
journalism, communications, public relations or a related field;
Minimum 3 to 5 years’ experience in media or public relations, preferably in an international
setting;
Experience deploying as an emergency communications or media officer to a developing
country during an emergency or crisis;
Proven track record of successful storytelling and media outreach
Experience in and demonstrated understanding of humanitarian aid and development
Fluent written and spoken German and English; French or another major language an asset;
Ability to act as a spokesperson;
Additional technical skills are desirable, including sound knowledge of digital content creation,
social media; design and photo/video editing programs
CORE COMPETENCIES







Excellent written and spoken communications skills;
Able to self-manage, work under pressure and meet deadlines;
Proactive, dynamic, creative and open-minded;
Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, able to manage relationships across units and
time zones;
Able to plan, organize and deliver results;
Committed to CARE’s vision and mission
Gender awareness and cultural sensitivity
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your complete application package (CV, motivation letter, references) to Ms. Judith
Berger at [email protected], no later than 23 January 2017.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Women and men are equally encouraged to apply.
2