BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work today in over 35 countries and 26 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. In the U.S., the IRC supports newly arrived refugees admitted to the United States by providing initial basic support and an expanding array of extended services through a network of staff members and volunteers, enabling refugees to establish new lives and become self-sufficient, productive citizens. Overseas, in addition to numerous humanitarian assistance programs, the IRC operates the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) for East Asia based in Bangkok, Thailand. The RSC provides comprehensive resettlement processing services to USRAP refugees including the prevision of pre-departure Cultural Orientation (CO).
The Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) is an IRC technical assistance program based in the U.S. that provides high quality Cultural Orientation information, materials, and instruction to Resettlement Support Centers overseas and to Reception and Placement Agencies and their affiliates in the U.S. (Cultural Orientation is the pre-departure and post-arrival education provided to refugee newcomers to the U.S. to help them acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to adapt to their lives in the United States and become fully integrated into their communities.) CORE also strengthens linkages between the geographically dispersed staff who teach Cultural Orientation across the United States and around the world. (http://coresourceexchange.org/)
SCOPE OF WORK:
Working collaboratively with the Deputy Director of CORE, the Digital Initiatives Officer will be responsible for maximizing new technology for CORE’s refugee communication activities which are designed to enhance access to information for refugees applying to the U.S. Resettlement Admissions Program overseas. These activities will include designing and implementing an SMS/MMS messaging strategy, developing a mobile-responsive refugee-facing website, potentially creating a mobile app, and more. In addition, this position will take the lead in ensuring that CORE maximizes the use of new technology in achieving its mandate as a “resource exchange.” This will involve assisting with technical communication tasks including the development, design, appearance, and dissemination of CORE’s multimedia resources and the auditing of CORE’s various communication channels. The Digital Initiatives Officer reports to the Deputy Director of CORE.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work collaboratively with the Deputy Director of CORE to plan and coordinate objectives, timeline, and budget for CORE’s refugee communications activities. Communicate with activity stakeholders and CORE staff as needed. Escalate issues as necessary for success of activities;
- Write and revise refugee communications messages, tailoring content for each RSC as necessary;
- Write and periodically revise the refugee communications toolkit. Maintain standard operating procedures to be up-to-date with PRM guidelines and program announcement guidelines;
- Participate in the design of a refugee-facing SMS/MMS communications program and perform administrative duties related to SMS program management. Work with consultants to select and/or create appropriate software for refugee communications systems to include SMS/MMS, potentially a mobile app, and other interactive new and emerging technologies;
- Devise and implement a monitoring and evaluation strategy for refugee communications;
- Design and manage content for CORE’s new refugee-facing website;
- Design CORE product templates, infographics, and data visualization materials;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or other related field preferred. Advanced Degree a plus;
- Program management experience preferred;
- Knowledge of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and Cultural Orientation programs preferred;
- Excellent communication skills: the ability to communicate highly technological concepts and functions to non-IT personnel;
- Capacity building experience with non-native English speakers a plus;
- Experience with open source software, SMS program design and management, app development, or other web-based multimedia platforms a plus;
- Layout and design, infographics, and data visualization skills a plus;
- Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines;
- The ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment;
- Solid computer skills: facility with Microsoft Office, email/internet, and webinar/communications software.
IRC leading the way from harm to home.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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