Communication Specialist / Спеціаліст/ка з комунікацій

Who We Are

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 office in Ukraine seeks a qualified professional to fill the position of Communication Specialist for the Ukraine Veterans Reintegration and Rehabilitation Program (UVRR) and Ukraine Rapid Response Fund. 

Ukraine Veteran Reintegration and Rehabilitation Program (UVRR) is a continuation of IREX’s, initiative launched in 2019, which aims to create the necessary support systems for female and male veterans to enable them to realize their full potential and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery. 

The overall goal of the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund Program (URRF) is to address immediate needs and enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s government, civil society, and civilian population amidst Russia’s Invasion.

Communication Specialist will work under the supervision of Project Director, with direct inputs from Program Managers and in close collaboration with all program team members and will support the implementation of program activities and carry out a variety of communication and organization tasks. Tasks will involve developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that effectively convey the UVRR and URRF mission, services, and impact to various stakeholders, including veterans, veterans family members, program partners, and the general public.   He/She will be providing day-to-day communication support to all VRP components and URRF veteran related component.

Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by manager. 

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; 
• 3+ years of proven relevant experience in communications, public relations, or marketing roles, particularly in the non-profit sector;
• Excellent command of English language and Ukrainian is required;
• Background in media sphere, work in veteran community sphere will be a strong advantage;
• Proficiency in content creation and management for digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns;
• Familiarity with media relations practices and techniques;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences;
• Proven expertise in developing and executing effective social media strategies.
• Proficiency across diverse social media platforms for engagement, content promotion, and brand enhancement.
• Analytical acumen to optimize strategies and content using social media insights.
• Skillful creation of engaging visual content, encompassing graphics, videos, and multimedia elements.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities;
• Proactiveness;
• Good storytelling skills;
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications;
• Must be skilled at handling multiple tasks and able to adhere to tight deadlines;
• Familiarity with political, economic, and social issues in Ukraine;
• Ability to work independently to achieve tasks, as well as collaboratively within a team; 
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory;
• Knowledge of veteran reintegration issues and related resources is a strong asset.
• Must demonstrate valid proof of unrestricted work authorization in Ukraine

Your Daily Tasks

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with the IREX goals and objectives focusing on veterans reintegration and rehabilitation through crafting tailored messages for different target audiences; 
• Work closely with Program Teams to gather information, success stories, and data that can be leveraged for communication efforts;
• Create engaging and informative content, including articles, success stories, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and multimedia materials (videos, graphics, etc.) to highlight program results, programmatic updates, and relevant resources;
• Cultivate relationships with leading media outlets and journalists to facilitate increased outreach and coverage of the content developed;
• Prepare media kits, and other materials to effectively communicate key milestones and events, as needed;
• Develop social media strategy, aligning it with the overall communication goals and program objectives focusing on veterans rehabilitation and reintegration
• Create visually appealing content including images, text, and short videos in accordance with the program content plan.
• Regularly update and manage the program’s social media channels to foster engagement, share programmatic updates, and amplify results.
• Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization to ensure consistency and validity of messages communicated across the programs;
• Provide communication support in organization, including participation on-site, of Programs events, workshops, and outreach activities, as well as Programs target audiences directly;
• As needed, support the development of technical specifications for external contractors, such as graphic designers, printing companies, videographers, and web developers, for the creation of high-quality communication materials. Provide clear guidance and feedback to ensure the alignment of their work with the IREX messaging and branding.
• Support the organization of press conferences to highlight the results or activities of the Programs, as needed. 
• Ensure communication oversight and the successful implementation of the communication strategy for conferences organized by the Programs.  
• Contribute to the preparation of Programs reports for internal use and Donor reporting purposes;
• Identify opportunities and initiate communication activities to support Programs;
• Serve as a Communications Focal Point for Programs subgrantees to ensure their adherence to IREX’s and Programs messaging, as well as developed Programs Banding and Marking Plans;
• Provide training for Programs implementing partners and/or subgrantees on IREX’s communication requirements, as needed; 
• Other duties as assigned.

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 based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

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.