The Haiti Information Officer will help develop and implement a strategy to build awareness about CRS and our programs in Haiti to the U.S. media, especially as they relate to the long-term response to the January 2010 earthquake. The candidate will provide timely information on CRS activities in Haiti to HQ staff, U.S. correspondents working in Haiti and U.S.-based news outlets. Through the use of skilled writing and research, the candidate will compile success stories, write profile pieces, press releases and other materials aimed at educating and informing the U.S. Catholic constituency and other donors about CRS programming in Haiti and how their money has been spent.

Job Responsibilities:
1. In collaboration with the LACRO Regional Information Officer for LACRO, implement a media strategy for the communicating the ongoing relief, recovery and rebuilding response in Haiti.

2. Working with the Haiti Country Representative, in collaboration with the LACRO Regional Information Officer, develop a crisis communication plan focused on mitigating possible future problems.

3. Establish and maintain relationships with national and international media representatives based in Haiti to increase awareness in the U.S. of CRS projects and priority issues. Become a vital resource of information for journalists, feed them story ideas and keep them abreast of CRS activities. Consistently seek out newsworthy stories for U.S. media consumption.

4. Serve as media spokesperson in Haiti, under the direction of the Country Representative and in coordination with the LACRO Regional Information Officer. Represent CRS in meetings with other NGOs on issues relating to media, and information exchange.

5. Serve as a resource for staff on all issues relating to media and public relations, public appearances, and information exchange.

6. Provide HQ departments with stories, photos/captions and other public relations information pieces for distribution to Catholic and secular news media, internal publications, the Web unit, fundraising and Church Outreach.

7. Coordinate all visits by the media, arrange interviews with key CRS staff when necessary, provide key messages and talking points to interviewees for interview preparation.

8. Provide on-the-ground support for visiting delegations by members of the Executive Leadership Team, bishops, key CRS donors or U.S. diocesan partners. In addition, help coordinate visits of videographers and/or photographers to the region.

9. Support the Haiti Country Representative and senior leadership in other relevant tasks and responsibilities.

Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications preferable
2. 5 – 7 years work experience in journalism, communications or public relations
3. Fluency in English and French
4. Solid understanding of U.S. media and U.S. audience
5. Experience working with international non-governmental organizations
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills
7. Overseas work experience, preferably in the developing world

Personal Skills
1. Self-motivated, proactive
2. Strong research and analytical skills
3. Ability to deal effectively with deadlines
4. Strong representational skills
5. Team player
6. Ability to work in harsh environments

Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae with a cover letter, and copy of certificates in a sealed envelope with the mention of DIR-HIO-0503 , before March 19th, 2010.

2010-03-19