Senior Communications Specialist / Старший/а спеціаліст/ка з комунікацій

At IREX we strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people and communities thrive.

But around the globe, persistent poverty, repression, and injustice prevent too many people form achieving their full potential.  To address these problems, we focus on people, not on vaccines, roads, or wells. We support individuals and institutions to create change in their own communities—and to create person to person bridges between nations.

IREX works with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

IREX in Ukraine seeks a qualified Communications Specialist responsible for strategic communication of IREX programs in Ukraine. IREX has a variety of programs in Ukraine, focusing on youth development, veteran reintegration, media literacy, and other areas.  The Communications Specialist will work under the supervision of the IREX Ukraine Country Director and be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and ensuring proper implementation of project communication activities and maintaining day to day oversight over IREX Ukraine social media channels. He/she will be responsible for draft communication strategy for the office working together with program leads implementing diverse portfolio of projects in Ukraine. Following the approved communication strategy, Communications Specialist will draft communication plans and campaigns, increase visibility and value of the project to target audiences and amplify IREX’s work. He/she will be responsible for working with media outlets to identify and create media engagement and assist with media-related enquiries. Communications Specialist will closely work with program team to coordinate information collection necessary for creating communication materials, impact stories as well as ensure that staff are properly trained on IREX communication guidelines and requirements.

 The ideal candidate takes pride in his or her work and is able to work independently as well as work closely and cooperatively with others to problem-solve and find solutions. She or he will handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality, has a strong work ethic, and is committed to IREX values. We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

 Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Ukrainian citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.

• Degree in communications and/or another relevant field is preferred.
• Over 3+ years of experience of work in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Excellent communications skills, including ability to do public presentations.
• Strong command of spoken and written Ukrainian and English.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and complete tasks in accordance with stated deadlines.
• Experience working with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other related graphic media applications would be an advantage.
• Strong background on social media channel management
• Able to work independently and as a team member with the ability to take initiative, meet deadlines, and be flexible.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Demonstrated high attention to details
• Positive attitude and willingness to support and assist colleagues

Your Daily Tasks

• Drafting IREX Ukraine communication strategy and overseeing implementation of the strategy on day-to-day basis.
• Ensure proper implementation of IREX communication strategy and adherence to communications guidelines.
• Draft communication guidelines, style guides for IREX Ukraine office and ensure proper training.
• Co-design, coordinate and conduct project specific communication plans and campaigns as necessary.
• Manage the design, content, and production of all communication materials based on approved communication plan.
• Responsible for day-to-day management and content production for IREX Ukraine social media accounts.
• Work with program implementation teams to identify cross-cutting themes and activities to highlight through communication channels (social media, website, external platforms/publications)
• Identify and create opportunities for media engagement.
• Assist with media enquiries and monitor media coverage.  
• Liaise with online and traditional media outlets in the region.
• Collect information on project activities, impact stories, success stories.
• Draft press releases, talking points and communication documents for media. 
• As needed, deliver, and/or organize training and briefing on media- and communications-related topics for program partners and participants.
• Establish and maintain collaboration with program teams responsible for program specific communication.
• Translate project materials into and from Ukrainian/English as requested and needed.
• Create and maintain updated fact sheet for IREX Ukraine office.
• Collaborate with other team members to identify key priorities and coordinate actions.
• Liase with communication team in HQ.
• Participate in creative communications brainstorming sessions.
• Other duties consistent with the position where required.

 IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is eligible for Telework.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.

All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

 Interested candidates are asked to send CVs and Cover letters to [email protected] as soon as possible, indicating position title in the subject line. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Position is open until filled.