Senior Media & Communications Manager: CARE International (Humanitarian Aid)

Organization: CARE International Role: Senior Media & Communications Manager Location: Flexible / Hybrid (London, Geneva, Atlanta, or Regional Hubs like Nairobi/Amman) Salary: Competitive NGO Senior Scale (e.g., £55,000 – £68,000 / $75,000 – $90,000 depending on location) Contract: Permanent / Fixed Term (2 Years) Closing Date: Rolling Recruitment for 2026 Strategic Plan

In a world of poly-crises—from climate emergencies to conflict-driven displacement—the story of humanitarian aid is becoming harder to tell. CARE International is looking for a Senior Media & Communications Manager to cut through the noise.

As a global leader in the fight against poverty, with a specific focus on empowering women and girls, CARE needs a storyteller who is also a strategist. In this role, you will not just be writing press releases; you will be shaping the global narrative on how the world responds to crisis.

If you are a seasoned journalist, PR professional, or humanitarian communicator who stays calm when the phone rings at 2 AM, this is your platform to influence global policy and public opinion.

Also check Technique Inc Hiring: Purchasing Agent / Buyer (Competitive Salary & Benefits)

Background & Role Description

This position sits within the Global Communications Secretariat. You will work at the intersection of Advocacy, Fundraising, and Operations.

In 2026, the media landscape is fragmented. Traditional news outlets are shrinking, while digital platforms drive the agenda. Your mandate is to secure high-profile coverage for CARE’s work, manage complex reputational risks, and ensure that the voices of the women CARE serves are heard loudly in the halls of power.

You will lead a distributed team of press officers and content creators, often coordinating rapid-response communications during emergencies (e.g., earthquakes, famine alerts).

Senior Media & Communications Manager: CARE International (Humanitarian Aid)

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Media Relations

• Pitching: Secure top-tier coverage in outlets like The New York Times, BBC World, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian.
• Narrative Control: Develop messaging frameworks for complex political situations (e.g., operating in sanctioned regimes) to ensure CARE’s neutrality and safety are maintained.
• Relationships: Maintain a “Little Black Book” of editors and correspondents who trust your leads.

2. Crisis & Emergency Communication

• Rapid Response: When a disaster strikes, you are the first line of defense. You will deploy (virtually or physically) to coordinate the flow of information from the field to the world.
• Reputation Management: Handle sensitive inquiries regarding safeguarding, funding transparency, or security incidents with absolute discretion and professionalism.

3. Content & Storytelling

• Digital Leadership: Oversee the production of multimedia content (video, photo essays) that is optimized for 2026 social algorithms.
• Ethical Storytelling: Ensure all content adheres to CARE’s policy of “Dignified Storytelling,” avoiding “poverty porn” and empowering subjects to tell their own stories.

4. Team Leadership

• Mentor junior press officers in country offices, helping them build local media networks.

Qualifications

This is a senior role requiring high-level judgment.

Essential Experience

• 7+ Years Experience: In media relations, journalism, or corporate communications. (Humanitarian experience is preferred but not mandatory if you have strong news instincts).
• Crisis Management: Proven track record of handling “breaking news” situations or reputational crises.
• Global Mindset: Experience working with diverse teams across time zones.

Skills & Competencies

• Writing: Ability to distill complex policy documents into a compelling 1-page press release in under 30 minutes.
• Gender Lens: A deep understanding of gender equality issues and how to frame stories through a feminist lens.
• Languages: Native/Fluent English is essential. French, Spanish, or Arabic is a massive asset for this specific role.

Why Apply for This Position

1. Influence You will be the voice behind the scenes. When a CARE report on hunger makes the headlines of the G7 Summit, that is your work.

2. Travel While primarily a strategic desk role, you will have opportunities to travel to field offices (from Yemen to Somalia) to train staff or accompany journalists on media trips.

3. Work-Life Balance (Hybrid) CARE International offers a flexible working culture. While the news cycle never sleeps, the organization respects time off and offers generous leave packages.

Application Tips & Insights

1. The “Portfolio” Do not just send a CV. Include a Media Portfolio (PDF) with links to 3-5 major stories you have placed or campaigns you have led. Show the result (e.g., “This Op-Ed led to a parliamentary inquiry”).

2. Demonstrate “Risk Awareness” In your cover letter, discuss a time you navigated a difficult story. NGOs are risk-averse; showing you know when not to speak is just as important as knowing when to speak.

3. Highlight Digital Savvy Mention your experience with data-driven storytelling or social media integration.

How to Apply

1. Visit: Go to the CARE International Careers Page.
2. Search: Use keywords “Media,” “Communications,” or “Advocacy.”
3. Check Regional Sites: Also check CARE USA, CARE UK, or CARE Canada sites, as the contract often sits with a specific member member.

Suggested Focus Keywords

CARE International Jobs, Humanitarian Communications Manager, Senior Media Officer NGO, Crisis Communications Jobs, Non-Profit PR Careers, Gender Equality Advocacy Jobs