CharityComms

So, what do you actually do?

It's my job to know everything that's going on in our 26 country programmes and to keep everybody else informed. I produce reports letting people know what projects we've worked on and bulletins to alert staff to changes that will be happening. They keep our network of fundraisers and our media and web team informed so they can communicate the work of Islamic Relief to supporters, donors and the general public. My team provides staff at in-country programmes with training on proposal and report writing.

How did you get into it?

I volunteered for Oxfam as a student. After the 2004 Tsunami, I started helping Oxfam's Tsunami communications teams to deal with the massive amounts of information (reports, stories, facts and figures etc) coming in from all the affected countries. After three months I was sent to Banda Aceh in Indonesia and then on to Darfur in Sudan to work as a Communications Officer in the field. On my return to the UK, I got my job at Islamic Relief.

What does your typical day involve?

Every day brings different challenges. I usually have two or three large projects that are underway; large reports that need editing or training modules to be designed. This means I have to work closely with all departments at HQ and staff in the field. I also respond to requests for information from Islamic Relief staff around the world.

What skills and experience do you need to do your job?

Good English skills for report writing. You also need an ability to analyse and interpret information. Strong networking and communications skills are essential as you need to build relationships with a diverse range of people, many of whom you may never meet face to face.

What's been your biggest challenge?

It's never easy getting information out of busy field staff especially in an emergency when people are overworked and understaffed. After a long day in the field producing a report for HQ is the last thing on their mind. We have to be creative and design tools to make it as easy as possible for staff to provide the information we need.

What are the best things about your job?

In the Communications department we are at the hub of Islamic Relief and we see the best bits of the work we do on a daily basis.