Regional Communication and Advocacy Manager for Middle East

Type of position: Paid job
Country Programme: Syria, Iraq, Turkey
Base: Erbil (Iraq) with travels within the region
Starting date: As soon as possible
Contract length: 12 months (with the possibility of prolongation)
Line Manager: Country Director for Syria Response and Iraq country programme

Job overview:

The role can be described as a fusion of three specific tasks: information sharing, visibility and advocacy. The position is line-managed by PIN Syria Country Director and works in close cooperation with HQ Communication & Advocacy Department, as well as with the Senior Country Management Team (Head of Programmes, Programme Managers, and Grants Department). The position covers activities in Syria (75%) and Iraq (25%), and is connected with regular travelling within the region. The Regional Communication and Advocacy Manager MENA is a line manager of Communication Officers in Syria and of the Regional Communication & Advocacy Officer.

Organizational context:

People in Need (PIN) has been working in Northern Syria since 2012, providing emergency relief and early recovery support to conflict-affected communities. Programmes focus mainly on Emergency Food Assistance, WASH, and Education, in addition to Early Recovery and Livelihoods activities. People in Need’s contribution to the Syria humanitarian response is amongst the largest, with an annual turnover of over $30 million, engaging over 350 full-time staff members across Northern Syria based in 7 field offices and cross-border response hubs in neighbouring countries (Gaziantep and Erbil).

PIN has been working in Iraq since 2003, providing emergency relief and early recovery support to conflict-affected communities. Programmes focus mainly on Education, in addition to Early Recovery and Livelihoods activities. People in Need’s contribution to the Iraq humanitarian response is amongst the largest of the organization, and it benefits from synergies with the Syrian response, as many of its staff members sit at the same office, in Erbil.

Responsibilities:

Information sharing

• To develop/update and implement the country programme’s Communication Strategy Framework in close cooperation with Communication & Advocacy Department and PIN Syria/Iraq Response’s Senior Management Team
• To manage communications team and recruit new staff if needed
• To manage external communication addressing public, partners and donors with regular reporting about PIN achievements, as well as the humanitarian situation in areas of PIN’s operation
• To coordinate, collect, write and edit stories, pictures and videos covering PIN’s activities in coordination with PIN staff and media service providers in Syria/Iraq
• To lead communications on behalf of Alliance2015 partners in Syria, writing articles, collecting data
• To act as a focal point for journalists coming to the missions, give interviews with the press
• To collect media contacts and maintain contact list
• To prepare inductions, trainings and presentations for PIN staff to build their capacity and awareness about PIN’s communications
• To manage internal communication addressing PIN teams with regular updates about communication outputs and media initiatives

Advocacy

• To develop/update and implement the country programme’s Advocacy Strategy in close cooperation with Communication & Advocacy Department and PIN Syria/Iraq Response’s Senior Management Team (SMT)
• To advocate jointly (with humanitarian partners and other relevant stakeholders/initiatives) or individually as PIN for humanitarian issues
• Liaison with Alliance2015 partners to develop and implement Alliance advocacy strategy
• Creating ad hoc advocacy strategies to address crisis developments if necessary (with HQ and programme staff)
• Undertake, collect and analyse field-based research on the impact of main factors related to the Syrian/Iraqi crisis and of PIN programmes
• Formulate drafts of advocacy messages PIN will communicate
• Contribute to prepare advocacy, campaigning and communication materials
• Attend and actively contribute to Advocacy Working Groups

Visibility

• Drafting communication and visibility sections of reports and proposals in cooperation with programmes and the Grants Department
• To lead visibility decisions and prepare projects visibility as well as flyers, leaflets and promo materials about PIN programmes, with support from HQ Communication & Advocacy Department
• Supporting programmes in managing and spending of visibility budgets
• Liaising with relevant donor communication focal points
• To implement, monitor and report on field and external visibility measures in line with PIN and donor requirements

Requirements for Applicants:

• Fluent in English (proficient level), knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage
• Previous experience in Communications in an international NGO
• Previous experience in advocacy welcomed
• Previous media experience welcomed
• Previous experience in crisis management welcomed
• Previous experience in managerial positions highly valued
• Basic graphic design skills
• Video and photo editing welcomed
• Previous work experience in conflict context is an advantage
• Previous experience in the Middle East is an advantage
• Enthusiasm to learn new things in communication and advocacy
• Flexibility
• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding and commitment to the values of People in Need

PIN Offers:

• Working environment in a well-established and growing humanitarian organization
• Starting salary 2900-3000 EUR (including per diems)
• Capacity development
• Accommodation in PIN’s guesthouse on People in Need’s expenses
• Shared access to a car for travel within base (Erbil)
• 25 days of paid leave annually
• Reimbursement of travel expenses to the country of residence once per every 6 months of completed work, plus regional flights according to People in Need’s policy
• Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure
• Psychological consultation available on line
• Travel medical insurance

How to Apply?

Are you interested in this position? Great! Send us your CV and short cover letter via this link. Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

People in Need staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need Code of conduct and key policies (available at: www.peopleinneed.cz/policies).