Communication Coordinator – Colombia

Danish Refugee Council/Danish Demining Group (DRC/DDG) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in more than 40 countries to provide adequate assistance with a rights-based approach to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees and migrants. DRC/DDG is currently looking for a highly qualified Spanish and English-speaking Communication Coordinator (CC) for a 12-month contract (renewable depending on funding) in Colombia. This is an opportunity for an experienced and dynamic professional to support and strengthen DRC / DDG communication strategy in Colombia.

About the job

DRC/DDG established operational presence in Colombia in 2011 with focus on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) and providing support to conflict-affected population in the south of the country. With the onset of the large mixed migration flows into Colombia due to the Venezuelan crisis, DRC started up an integrated humanitarian response in 2018 to meet the urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, Colombian returnees, and host communities. Hence, DRC has been able to assist the Colombian population, Venezuelan refugees, migrants and host communities through its integrated humanitarian response. Primarily based on protection activities (protection monitoring, individual protection assistance and legal assistance), the response also includes components of Camp Management (Transit camp of Maicao), Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and cash for Rent, Non Food Items distributions, livelihood interventions, prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV). Lastly, through DDG it also conducts Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programming in the department of Caquetá.  Through community liaison, Mine Risk Education sessions, technical and non-technical surveys and clearance activities, the programme focus on returning cleared land to the population in different areas of the country.

Currently, DRC Colombia’s programming is taking place in some of Colombia’s most vulnerable areas such as the Caribbean coastal areas (Riohacha and Barranquilla), urban centres (Bogota and Medellin), and along the border with Venezuela (Vichada and Guainia).

Overall purpose of the role:

The overall objective of the Communication Coordinator is to Promote DRC's mission, mandate, work and advocacy strategies in the country, working closely with management teams to identify appropriate methods to communicate to relevant parties. The post holder is part of the extended senior management team (E SMT) and supports the Country Director to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to field teams while overseeing country activities.      

Main responsibilities

• In coordination with the Senior Management Team and protection unit, design and implement a country program communication and visibility strategy.
• Work with the programme teams/Grant unit and donors to develop visibility and communication plans.
• Develop and produce DRC information and communication materials such as brochures, newsletters, stories / lessons learnt, human interest stories, blogs, photos, videos and regularly update the DRC website / Facebook page and other publications.
• Regularly visit projects in the field to ensure a direct link between programme work and media coverage, and identify and generate high quality media and communication opportunities.
• Provide content for key communications materials including; pagers, organisational profile and annual reporting in especially on beneficiaries’ stories/case studies etc.
• Build relationships with media colleagues in other organisations (eg: Consortium partners, NGOs, UN agencies); coordinate and collaborate on media projects.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with Colombia media outlets and maintain a database of media contacts.
• Monitor and evaluate media coverage generated and draw lessons to improve coverage, and provide regular analysis on local media coverage issues relevant to DRC’s programme.
• In collaboration with programme team, draft communications and advocacy material for different thematic work-streams, including newsletters, reports, promotional materials, and talking points for senior management.
• Take an active role on organising public events, including international celebrations at Refugee Site level as and whenever organized by field teams.
• Ensure compliance with donor communication requirements.
• Develop and update an archive of media “clippings"

Supervisor responsibilities:

• Coordinates the daily activities of small teams, often comprised of subordinates and/or employees carrying out similar tasks.
• Does not have direct line management responsibility for staff, but may contribute to recruitment and/or performance appraisal of members of the team.
• Implements the manager’s decisions through the work of subordinate employees, often playing a role in deciding how to do it; and how to achieve the objective set by the manager.

Roles reporting to this position: None.

Reports to: Country Director.                         

Technical line: DRC Communication team in Copenhagen, programme team and Area Managers.

Required experience and competencies

• At least 3 years' experience working in communications and/or advocacy, preferably with an international NGO
• University Degree in communication, journalism, advocacy or similar.
• Excellent Spanish and English interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written skills)
• Demonstrated ability to write and develop strong communication and advocacy materials
• Understanding of local media with strong networks developed
• Strong social media skills (eg using websites/Twitter/blogs)
• Proven skills in engaging national organizations in media and communications visibility
• Experience with info-graphic computer packages
• An eye for detail and accuracy and an ability to grasp complex issues and present them clearly
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively, innovatively and effectively with limited direct supervision;
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and negotiation skills. The ability to remain calm whilst deal with conflicting priorities/work under pressure is essential.
• Flexibility to work out of normal offices hours is required, recognising media is not a standard “office hours” job.
• S/he must be able to plan and manage her/his own time effectively. The holder must exercise a strong work ethic and take responsibility for his/her own actions. High degree of flexibility with respect to working hours.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and actions

Required

• University or graduate degree in relevant field.

Desirable

• Calm and diplomatic in nature.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and to meet deadlines.
• Effective team-player.

Languages:

• English – fluent
• Spanish – fluent

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values.

We offer

A great opportunity to become part of one of the leading global NGOs, focusing on refugees and displaced people, in a fast-growing environment in Colombia. This position is open as a national contract only, foreigners are also welcomed to apply as nationals

Duration: 12 months renewable depending on performance and funding.

Start date: no later than 01/08/2020.

Duty Station: Bogotá, with field trips to sub-offices.

Salary: Between 4.577.000 COP and 5.315.000 COP according to profile.

Benefits: Complementary health insurance.

Access to more than 1,000 free online training and certificates

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact: diana.martinez@drc.ngo

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 08/07/2020 at 11:59 am (Bogota, GMT/UTC -5 hour).