WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Job Title: Colombia Communications Officer
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Function: Advocacy and Communications
Job Location: Bogota, Colombia
Start Date: Immediate
Term: Full time


WHO WE ARE
Build Change is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 17 years’ experience delivering innovative, cost-effective, and scalable solutions to improve housing performance before the next earthquake or windstorm. Our mission is to prevent housing loss caused by disasters. We mobilize people, money, and technology to transform systems for regulating, financing, building, and improving houses around the world.

Build Change is a trusted advisor among governments, NGO’s, the World Bank, and other institutions working on disaster-resilient housing in emerging economies, having developed building standards and influenced policies and programs in 24 countries with over 140 partners. Our efforts have led to 78,000 people being trained in disaster-resistant design and construction, who in turn have built new or structurally strengthened more than 93,000 safer buildings, protecting over $1.5 billion in housing infrastructure assets and over half a million lives.

Build Change believes that all people have the right to live and learn in homes and schools that will protect them. In the case of earthquakes and windstorms, most deaths can be attributed to the collapse of poorly designed and built housing, and women and children are disproportionately impacted. UN-Habitat estimates that 3 billion people will live in substandard housing by 2030. Investment in resilient housing is a critical step in preparing for future natural events and pandemics. COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of the housing unit and the environment we now live, learn and work in.

To learn more about us and our programs visit www.buildchange.org.


YOUR NEW OPPORTUNITY
You will lead the development and execution of the Build Change Colombia communications plan, focused on advocacy targets, in collaboration with the country leadership team and the Global Senior Management Team. This will include the development and coordination of a communications and advocacy calendar, including the mapping and regular engagement of our key audiences and stakeholders, the securing and preparation of speaking events for key staff and leadership, and dissemination of information on our programs, tools and methodologies.

You will prepare inputs about the country program to ensure updated information on Build Change’s website, social media accounts and content, Annual Report, quarterly newsletters, appeals, success stories, promotional videos and other outreach materials managed at HQ and the local level.

This position reports to the Colombia Country Program Manager and receives technical direction from the Global Marketing and Communications Manager.

Specific responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a communications plan based on advocacy targets in collaboration with the country leadership team.
• Provide inputs to keep updated information on the country program in Build Change internal and external communication resources.
• Develop and implement dissemination plans and materials for technical resources, methodologies and tools.
• Update and maintain the relevant social media accounts, newsletters and other regional communication resources.
• Contribute to internal and external project reporting and proposal writing.
• Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities. Provision of logistics support to the events.
• Maintenance of information database and photo library.
• Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources.
• Liaise with media outlets to disseminate Build Change’s work in Colombia, including preparing press releases.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase and improve public outreach.
• Prepare promotional material for Build Change’s projects, including pamphlets, videos, etc.
• Select, coordinate and interact with external vendors such as Graphic Designers, Video Producers, etc.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
You have:

• A University degree in communications, journalism or related areas.
• An excellent ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical persons.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy, which is a must. Graphic design and video editing software skills is highly desirable.
• Superior organizational skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail, and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

Your experience includes:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a proven track record of successful communications activities. Experience working closely with development organizations and governmental agencies is desirable.

You would describe yourself as:

• Having no ego or pessimism; the successful candidate will be flexible, humble, patient, solution-focused and have a good sense of humor.
• Proficient in written and spoken English and Spanish, which is required.