Regional Communication and Advocacy Manager for Middle East

Regional Communication and Advocacy Manager for Middle East

This job offer is not active.

Type of position: Paid job

Country Programme: Syria, Iraq

Base: Erbil (Iraq) with travels within the region

Starting date: Mid August 2022

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

Line Manager(s): Country Director for Syria / Country Director for Iraq

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 (90%) and Iraq (10%), 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 MENA.

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 $53 million, engaging over 400 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 external communication addressing the public, partners and donors with regular reporting about PIN achievements, as well as the humanitarian situation in areas of PIN’s operation
  • To write and collect stories, pictures and videos covering PIN’s activities in coordination with PIN staff and media service providers in Syria/Iraq
  • 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 promotional materials about PIN programmes
  • 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, training 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, and HQ Communication & Advocacy Department
  • Leading the creation of visibility products 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
  • 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
  • Salary and benefits according to People in Need’s salary scale and HR policies, expected starting salary 1 800 EUR
  • Capacity development
  • Accommodation in PIN’s guesthouse at 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 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
  • Psychological consultation available online
  • Travel medical insurance

How to Apply:

Are you interested in this position? Send us your CV (no longer than 4 pages) and short cover letter via this application form. Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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).