Communications Assistant, JRS Asia Pacific Regional Office

The Communications Assistant will be responsible for implementing the Communications Strategy of JRSAP as well as producing JRS external publications, such as articles for the website and the quarterly Diakonia e-magazine, as well as brochures and other resources to support public advocacy and fundraising in JRSAP regional and country offices. Through the JRSAP Country Offices, the Communications Assistant will solicit, edit and report back on the use of material from the field, in response to requests of Regional Office Staff.

Location
Bangkok, Thailand

Report to
Regional Advocacy-Communications Officer

Responsibilities
Responsibilities

Communications

• Create opportunities for refugees and displaced people to tell their own stories
• Develop and maintain communication tools, including: posting items onto the regional website and maintaining and updating its content; drafting news articles and press releases; photographing and interviewing the people we serve, including refugees, asylum seekers and forced migrants; obtaining input and drafting stories for the internal and external newsletter; taking part in the design of leaflets and reports
• Assist in the planning, organisation and implementation of press and public events
• Edit and proofread texts that are directed towards internal and external audiences, such as research reports, policy papers, leaflets and website material
• Attend meetings with Bangkok-based NGOs, as necessary and maintain relations with communications and press officers of partner organizations plus media contacts
• Assist in the planning, organisation and implementation of JRS-Asia Pacific led meetings, such as: staff meetings, JRS-Asia Pacific national director meetings, annual general meetings
• Conduct communications training with field staff, as required
• Undertake work-related travel as necessary

Field Support remotely and through field visits

• To visit refugees and displaced people at JRS projects, be close to them, listen to them and understand their lives
• To travel occasionally to the field to spend time with the JRS teams and learn about the projects
• To listen to and support the JRS country offices

Qualifications
Requisite skills

The skills required for this position are: research, writing, working to Log Frames, evaluation and reporting. Prior understanding and knowledge of the Southeast Asian social and political migration context, interest in human rights and refugee issues, knowledge of how to take a gender-based approach and experience in communications are a plus. Applicants must be fluent in English with strong writing abilities. Being well-versed in In Design and Adobe Photoshop would be beneficial.

Qualifications

The Communications Assistant needs to be someone who;

• Shares the vision, mission and values of JRS including compassion and empathy toward forcibly displaced people
• Is capable of executing word-processing and Internet functions, and maintains a sufficient knowledge of programmes such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Light Room and other similar design and website programmes
• Maintains an excellent command of oral and written English, comparable to that of a native speaker
• Possesses demonstrated media and communication skills, such as experience with writing press releases, drafting news articles, conducting journalistic interviews, editing and proofreading
• Is able to work within a team, as well as independently
• Is a self-starter who takes initiative and offers creative ideas
• Maintains a high level of efficiency and organisation skills

The following desired capabilities are an advantage:

• Formal training or a university degree in communications, journalism or a related field
• Design skills for online publishing or print publications
• Knowledge of social and new media
• Photography and photo editing skills
• Video editing skills and knowledge of Final Cut Pro is a plus
• Good Knowledge of issues concerning people forcibly displaced
• Experience in working or volunteering within an NGO setting

Conditions
Working Hours: 3 Days per Week

Starting date: September 2014

Length of Contract: 1 year with possible extension depending upon funding availability

This position offers a localised salary and other benefits. Interested candidates must apply by sending cover letter and CV (including contact details of three professional referees) and addressing how they satisfy the criteria described above.

How to apply:

Applications are to be sent to job_comms@jrsap.org . Applications close on 29 August 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.