Terms of Reference (TOR)
Position Title: Communication Officer
Project Title: Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive democracy and Human Rights in Nepal and the Philippines “SAMA-SAMA Project”
Location: Cebu City
Reports To: Program Manager – Philippines
Contract Type: Project-based, Full-time
Duration: 1 year, renewable based on performance and project needs (July 2025 start)
1. Background
The Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), founded in 1958, promotes sustainable and inclusive development worldwide. Committed to poverty reduction and gender equality, CECI empowers women, girls, and vulnerable communities through innovative solutions in leadership, economic inclusion, governance, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. With operations in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, it has implemented over 350 projects, partnered with 400+ organizations, and engaged 440+ employees and volunteers globally. Our key priorities include (1) Women and Girls’ Rights – Advocating for equal opportunities, (2) Women’s Economic Empowerment – Strengthening skills for employment and entrepreneurship, (3) Climate Change Adaptation – Supporting communities in environmental resilience, and (4) Inclusive Governance & Peacebuilding – Promoting participatory governance in fragile contexts. CECI collaborates with key partners to drive transformative, gender-inclusive approaches and scale best practices. Its efforts in research, innovation, and international cooperation foster sustainable solutions to global challenges.
The Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development (CONCERN) Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare development organization formed in 1986 to comprehensively address and support the needs of disaster victims and communities at risk in the Philippines. CONCERN is a long-term partner of CECI in the Philippines. It works hand-in-hand with local communities, civil society organizations, government, with the support of partners, in strengthening the capacities in rights-based and gender-integrated disaster risk reduction and management.
The Sama-Sama project is a 3-year development project implemented by CECI, with funding support from the Government of Canada, in partnership with Pro Public in Nepal and CONCERN in the Philippines, from March 2025 to December 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen civil society in Nepal and the Philippines to reinforce civic engagement and democratic participation among women and marginalized groups (WMGs).
In the Philippines, the project will be implemented in Eastern Samar, Metro-Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan City, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The project will be implemented in 12 LGUs across Nepal’s Madhesh and Lumbini provinces.
2. Position Overview
The Communication Officer will lead the design and execution of internal and external communication efforts, ensuring that the project’s achievements, messages, and advocacy campaigns reach the appropriate audiences in a clear, engaging, and strategic manner.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the project’s communication and visibility plan, integrating a gender equality and human rights lens across all content and messaging.
- Create inclusive and accessible content for press releases, newsletters, social media, website updates, reports, and other communication materials, ensuring diverse representation and adherence to ethical standards
- Design and layout information, education and communication materials, reports, and modules.
- Coordinate the production of multimedia content, including photos, videos, and infographics.
- Manage and update the project’s social media platforms and website.
- Ensure brand consistency and adherence to donor or partner communication guidelines.
- Document project activities and success stories, highlighting outcomes and community impact.
- Support the organization of public events, campaigns, workshops, and advocacy activities.
- Liaise with the media and coordinate coverage of key project milestones.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and suggest improvements.
- Support internal communications to ensure consistent messaging and timely information sharing within the project team and with partners.
- Safeguard sensitive information and comply with data protection and privacy regulations as the data protection focal person.
- Perform other related tasks as may be assigned by the Program Manager.
- Adhere to GAC, CECI and CONCERN Policies, and uphold CECI’s Code of Conduct, preventing exploitation, abuse, and harassment, Policy on the Protection of Children; Policy Against Corruption; Policy on Data Protection, while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
4. Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in a communications, advocacy, or marketing role, preferably in a development or NGO setting.
- Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Proficiency in using digital communication tools, social media platforms, website, and basic graphic or video editing software.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with the project’s thematic areas is an advantage.
5. Reporting and Supervision
The Communication Officer will report to the Program Manager and work closely with the Communication Specialist in Montreal and other project staff to align communication outputs with project goals.
6. Work Conditions and Logistics
- Duty station: Cebu City
- Transportation allowance for official activities, communication allowance, and a work laptop will be provided.
- Statutory benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, 13th Month Pay, Leave Credits) and HMO/insurance will be provided.
REFERENCE AND VETTING PROCEDURE
CECI / CONCERN Inc. conducts comprehensive background and reference checks, emphasizing protection and safeguarding. Candidates must provide contact details for three references, who will only be contacted with explicit consent.
APPLICATION
Submit your Cover Letter and CV/resume to info@concerninc.org with subject [PH CO] [Last Name] on or before June 27, 2025, Friday.
CONCERN is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women and marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates participating in every step of the hiring process.
