Advocacy and Communication officer

Background:

In April 2014, Syrian NGOs working in providing humanitarian assistance realized the need for a solid and harmonized voice standing for the humanitarian violations and lack of sufficient support to the Syrian people. As a result, a constantly expanding alliance of Syrian humanitarian NGOs have been formed, currently consisting twenty NGOs. The primary mandate of Syrian NGO Alliance (SNA) is Advocacy, and its core objectives and purpose revolves around it. SNA Advocates for the issues that affect, but not limited to, dignity, safety, security and livelihood of the Syrian people.

The Syrian NGO Alliance is a voluntary body, governed by membership criteria that complies with international humanitarian standards. SNA aims to effectively participate in decision making for a better effective, qualitative, equitable and efficient humanitarian response. The purpose is to provide a joint platform for SNGOs to collaborate and build consensus about the strategic issues confronting Syria Humanitarian Response. The SNA aspires to be an inclusive, representative and independent alliance that is out in front on key humanitarian issues and recognized as a leading actor in the humanitarian community for Syria, helping to enable a functional, integrated structured response that better identifies and serves the most vulnerable.

The core function of the SNA is to facilitate coordination among members by: (a) Identifying strategic issues, (b) Advocating for common positions with a unified and consistent voice to influence policy and decision making, (c) Sharing information, and (d) Engaging and Representing the alliance with external stakeholders at all levels.

Job Overview:

The Communication and Advocacy Officer (CAO) will work closely with the SNA Coordinator to design, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and analyze the advocacy strategy and workplan approved by SNA General Assembly and Steering Committee.

The Communication and Advocacy Officer (CAO) will work closely with Advocacy workgroup members, co-chair meetings and encourage active engagement of SNA members in advocacy initiatives.

Major Responsibilities:

· Supporting the SNA Coordinator, in the design and implementation of advocacy strategies for Syria humanitarian response, including agreed on humanitarian and human rights issues.

· Work with the SNA Coordinator, SNA members and partners identify policy makers to influence, in-country, regionally, and internationally.

· Work with the SNA Coordinator in developing key messages for different stakeholder extending SNA outreach to different audiences.

· Work with the SNA Coordinator in developing media/advocacy campaigns, draft and disseminate newsletters, press releases in English and Arabic.

· Enhancing and expanding SNA outreach and communication channels with the deferent stakeholders (UN Agencies, INGOs, SNGOs, CSOs, Networks, Governments, donors, media, and officials … etc.).

· Support in developing and maintaining active working relationships with policy and advocacy colleagues in SNA partner organizations and other Syrian and International NGOs, and help in exploring formal or semi-formal partnership opportunities with policy and research institutions.

· Track humanitarian community wide reports, policy briefs, published advocacy letters and statements and other related materials, screening them and provide the SNA Coordinator with weekly briefs.

· Develops appropriate visibility materials including written stories, video, web, etc.

· Prepare briefing papers and talking points as required, keeps accurate records of media activities, and produces reports on SNA.

· Communicate with media and act as SNA spokesperson as necessary (as assigned when necessary).

· Represent the SNA in meetings, committees and fora as requested.

· Attend all relevant internal meetings and take minutes when necessary.

· Assists in the preparation, writing and editing of different reports

· Follow up on signature of advocacy letters and initiatives from SNA members and partners.

· Create online and offline advocacy archive for SNA efforts.

· Manage SNA Website and Social Media accounts.

· Developing and maintaining contact list of all actors in the Syrian crises as possible, including donors, UN representatives, NGOs and coordination bodies.

· Facilitate media interviews for SNA Coordinator or SNA SC members.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

· Position reports to: SNA Coordinator.

· Position directly supervises: N/A

· Other Internal and/or external contacts: Coordinates as appropriate with Communication and Advocacy colleagues in Syrian and International NGOs and fora at Turkey level, including SNA advocacy workgroup members. Coordinates with SNA colleagues (information management, media officer) to achieve the assigned targets and objectives.

Job Requirements:

Education:

· At least a University degree, communications / journalism / conflict related studies or any other relevant field of study.

Work Experience:

· 2-3 years of experience influencing policy makers in the Syrian context related issues, working in Syria/region humanitarian response and/or foreign policy issues.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Self-Motivated and Team Player.

· Demonstrated experience in the Syria humanitarian context.

· Promote and model a positive, professional and respectful office culture.

· Proficient in use of computer applications related to the tasks is essential.

· Ability to work in a team and to sometimes tight deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

· Ability to travel

· Strong communication and writing skills.

· Fluency in English and Arabic (both verbal and written), Turkish is a plus.

· Ability to create new ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including creative contributions

· Capacity to innovate and solve problem.

· Proficient in use of computer applications related to the tasks is essential.

· Experience of working with local NGOs, INGOs and government bodies would be an advantage.

Disclaimer Clause

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with position.

Working Environment

Standard office work environment. Up to 10% travel required.