Who We Are 

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work 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. 

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for strategic communication of IREX programs in Ukraine. IREX has a variety of programs in Ukraine, focusing on youth development, veteran reintegration, media literacy, and other areas.  The Communications Specialist will work under the supervision of the IREX Ukraine Country Director and be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and ensuring proper implementation of project communication activities and maintaining day-to-day oversight over IREX Ukraine social media channels. He/she will be responsible for drafting a communication strategy for the office working together with program leads to implement a diverse portfolio of projects in Ukraine. Following the approved communication strategy, the Communications Specialist will draft communication plans and campaigns, increase the visibility and value of the project to target audiences, and amplify IREX’s work. He/she will work with media outlets to identify and create media engagement and assist with media-related inquiries. The Communications Specialist will closely work with the program team to coordinate information collection necessary for creating communication materials, and impact stories as well as ensure that staff are properly trained on IREX communication guidelines and requirements.  

The ideal candidate takes pride in their work and can work independently as well as work closely and cooperatively with others to problem-solve and find solutions. They will handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality, have a strong work ethic, and are committed to IREX values. We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships. 

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships. 

Are you the next member of our team? 

Your Background & Skills 

• Bachelor's degree in communications and/or another relevant field is preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience of work in marketing, communications, or a related field.  
• Excellent communications skills, including ability to do public presentations.  
• Strong command of spoken and written Ukrainian and English. 
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and complete tasks in accordance with stated deadlines. 
• Experience working with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other related graphic media applications would be an advantage. 
• Strong background on social media channel management   
• Able to work independently and as a team member with the ability to take initiative, meet deadlines, and be flexible. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) 
• Demonstrated high attention to details  
• Positive attitude and willingness to support and assist colleagues 
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Ukraine. 

Your Daily Tasks 

• Drafting IREX Ukraine communication strategy and overseeing implementation of the strategy on day-to-day basis. 
• Ensure proper implementation of IREX communication strategy and adherence to communications guidelines. 
• Draft communication guidelines, style guides for IREX Ukraine office and ensure proper training. 
• Co-design, coordinate and conduct project specific communication plans and campaigns as necessary. 
• Manage the design, content, and production of all communication materials based on approved communication plan. 
• Responsible for day-to-day management and content production for IREX Ukraine social media accounts.  
• Work with program implementation teams to identify cross-cutting themes and activities to highlight through communication channels (social media, website, external platforms/publications) 
• Identify and create opportunities for media engagement.  
• Assist with media enquiries and monitor media coverage.   
• Liaise with online and traditional media outlets in the region. 
• Collect information on project activities, impact stories, success stories. 
• Draft press releases, talking points and communication documents for media.  
• As needed, deliver, and/or organize training and briefing on media- and communications-related topics for program partners and participants. 
• Establish and maintain collaboration with program teams responsible for program specific communication. 
• Translate project materials into and from Ukrainian/English as requested and needed. 
• Create and maintain updated fact sheet for IREX Ukraine office.  
• Collaborate with other team members to identify key priorities and coordinate actions. 
• Liaise with communication team in HQ. 
• Participate in creative communications brainstorming sessions.  
• Other support duties as needed. 

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates. 

This position is eligible for Telework. The eligible employee is a regular, full-time Kyiv, Ukraine based staff who works from a worksite outside the Kyiv, Ukraine office for one or more days a week.   

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship. 

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE 

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.