Communication and Advocacy Officer for Syria

Communication and Advocacy Officer for Syria

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Type of position: Paid job

Country Programme: Syria

Base: Erbil (Iraq) with travels within the region

Starting date: January 2019

Contract length: 12 months (with the possibility of prolongation)

Line Manager: Country Director for Syria Response


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 Country Director and works in close cooperation with HQ Communication & Advocacy Department in Prague, Czech Republic, as well as with the Senior Country Management Team (Head of Programmes, Programme Managers and Grants Department). It covers activities in Syria and is connected with regular travelling within the region. Communication and Advocacy Officer is a line manager of Communication Officer in Syria.


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).

Responsibilities:

Information sharing:

  • 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 manage internal communication addressing PIN teams with regular updates about communication outputs and media initiatives
  • To update and implement the country programme’s Communication Strategy Framework in close cooperation with Communication & Advocacy Department and PIN Syria Response’s Senior Management Team
  • To write and collect stories, pictures and videos covering PIN’s activities in coordination with PIN staff and media service providers in Syria
  • To manage communications team in the field and recruit new staff if needed
  • To lead communications on behalf of Alliance2015 partners in Syria, writing articles, collecting data
  • To prepare flyers, leaflets and promo materials about PIN programmes
  • To act as a focal point for journalists coming to the mission, give interviews with the press
  • To collect media contacts and maintain contact list
  • To prepare trainings and presentations for PIN staff to build their capacity and awareness about PIN’s communications

Advocacy

  • 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
  • To update and implement the country programme’s Advocacy Strategy in close cooperation with Communication & Advocacy Department and PIN Syria Response’s Senior Management Team (SMT)
  • 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 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, and 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 (advanced or proficient level), basic knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage
  • Previous experience in Public Relations in an INGO is welcomed
  • Previous experience in advocacy welcomed
  • Previous media experience welcomed
  • Previous work experience in the conflict context is an advantage
  • Previous experience in the Middle East context is 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
  • Salary and benefits according to People in Need’s salary scale and HR policies, expected starting salary 2,500 EUR
  • Capacity development
  • Accommodation in PIN’s guesthouse on People in Need’s expenses
  • Shared access to a car for travel within base (Gaziantep/Erbil)
  • Performance related bonuses paid half yearly based on standard evaluation process
  • 25 days of paid leave annually
  • Reimbursement of travel expenses to the country of residence once per every 6 months of completed work, plus R&R benefits according to People in Need’s policy
  • Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure
  • Free medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available on line
  • Travel health insurance

How to Apply:

Kindly send us your cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English the latest on 31st of October, 2018. Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you.