Advocacy Coordinator

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara’a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job:

The Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for identifying advocacy opportunities, developing advocacy messaging, and engaging key stakeholders to work on a diverse range of advocacy and policy issues that impact the effectiveness of DRCs programmatic vision in Syria, and the collective INGO response on Syria. Accordingly, the Advocacy Coordinator will guide DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development and implementation of advocacy work in Syria; alongside work with other INGOs in Syria to discuss areas of key common advocacy and in support of collective policy positioning and collective advocacy messaging with key stakeholders. The Advocacy Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Country Director to develop and implement DRC’s advocacy strategy and work with others to lead collective work. They will additionally connect with DRC’s regional and global advocacy teams and represent DRC within the Syria INGO Regional Forum (SIRF) Policy & Advocacy Working Group.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy for DRC

• Through engagement with DRC programme teams, advocacy staff, and key external stakeholders, develop an advocacy vision for DRC based on evidence from programmes and identified areas where DRC has added value. Build this vision into a country advocacy strategy, and hold leadership of delivery of the strategy.
• Ensure advocacy coherence and reinforce effective synergies between programmes and advocacy by working closely with programme staff to integrate advocacy into programme planning and implementation.
• Alert the Country Director, Head of Programme, and Regional Advocacy & Communications Manager to relevant policy developments and provide high quality analysis on key humanitarian, durable solutions and displacement trends, preparing evidenced-based policy briefing papers, policy position statements, talking points and other outward-facing advocacy products when strategic and relevant (with inputs into HQ/Regional initiatives, SIRF meetings, as well as key cluster/working groups, UN &/or donor and line ministry specific meetings/visits, etc)
• In agreement with the Country Director, represent DRC in relevant Working Groups or other coordination spaces in Syria. Maintain external relationships to support analysis of the context and operating environment.
• Work with the Protection Coordinator to develop protection analysis and to monitor protection trends, to support advocacy objectives. Work with the MEAL Manager to identify areas where information from MEAL could be utilized to support advocacy objectives.
• Suggest DRC positions on policies, practice, and framework of UN, donor governments, and/or the Government of Syria in its relation to the response, including in relation to humanitarian access and durable solutions.
• Contribute to the DRC’s global and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives; and ensure that DRC Regional and Representation offices are regularly updated on developments in Syria, relating to context and advocacy.
• Organize regular private and public advocacy events to ensure DRC’s advocacy messages are shared with relevant stakeholders and DRC’s profile on key issue is raised
• Take a holistic approach to advocacy, lead on the development and roll out of communication strategy and activities, in coordination with the Regional Communication Specialist.

Supporting collective advocacy

• Maintain a regular dialogue with identified INGO leadership in Syria and other INGO advocacy staff, to discuss contextual developments and trends, and therefore to identify areas where collective positioning will lead to more effective advocacy outcomes.
• Produce talking points and briefing notes to be utilized by INGOs in joint meetings with the donor community, UN leadership, and others as they occur.
• Organise opportunities for in-person and virtual dissemination of relevant common positions, including on contextual developments
• Act as a key contact point between DRC and SIRF Policy & Advocacy Working Group

Other areas

• Contribute to relevant DRC regional and global advocacy work, ensuring messaging from Syria is informing advocacy products and strategies
• Support programme staff in incorporating and integrating advocacy into all aspects of DRC’s programme activities, strategy and budgeting
• Proactively participate in Senior Management meetings
• Represent DRC in advocacy, policy and coordination meetings or as otherwise delegated by the Country Director.

Experience:

• Significant professional experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations
• Strong understanding of the political and humanitarian context in Syria and the region
• Professional knowledge about protection principles, durable solutions and advocacy
• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data
• Understanding of the UN and international donor landscape, including challenges and constraints in Syria. Similar knowledge on neighbouring refugee hosting countries is a plus
• Solid understanding of policy processes relating to forced displacement/refugee rights, migration, humanitarian response framework and international humanitarian law
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities, particularly in analysis, drafting of messages,
• Strong negotiation/influencing skills in coordination and networking in particular with UN, INGO, donors and humanitarian coordination forums
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the field

Behavioral competencies:

• A passion for advocacy and humanitarian outcomes.
• Good attention to detail.
• High level analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people.
• Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.
• Excellent planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams.
• Commitment to Danish Refugee Council values.

Education

Bachelors degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.

Languages

• Full proficiency in spoken and written English
• Arabic is highly desirable

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: 1 year (Extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Non- Management – Band G

Location: Damascus

Expected Start date: 01st of March-2025