ABOUT THE WHITE HELMETS
The white helmets (The Syrian Civil Defense) save people’s lives and enhances the role of civil society organizations. And is committed to neutrality, objectivity, and human values, and declares its non-dependence on any political party or party to the conflicts, where it is committed to serving all the Components of the Syrian people, which is the people and is available to serve.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer will support the White Helmets to strategies and implement impactful advocacy campaigns that ensure the voices of our volunteers are heard in international political fora. They will work under the supervision of the Advocacy and Communications Manager to lead White Helmets engagement in key humanitarian advocacy fora at regional and international levels. They will develop research and analysis that supports internal positioning and external outputs like briefings and reports, and lead on the coordination of key White Helmets events. The key focus of this position is humanitarian advocacy, with a particular focus on Mine Action and Unexploded Ordnances, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access, but the position holder will also be expected to have an understanding of justice and accountability issues.
The Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer will be expected to plan and participate in advocacy meetings, roundtables or other events with a variety of stakeholders, including governments, parliaments, UN, NGO and think tanks. They will also provide mentoring and support to Board Members and other relevant staff members and volunteers in the lead up to advocacy meetings. They will work closely with the other members of the Advocacy team, as well as coordinating with the Media team, Programs team and the Justice and Accountability Program.
They will undertake research, draft recommendations and work with the team to initiate and design campaigns, public communications and advocacy messages that aim to increase public, political and financial support to the White Helmets and civilians affected by war.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
- Duty station: Turkey – Gaziantep or Istanbul
- Line manager: Advocacy and Communication Manager
- Line management Responsibility: N/A
- Full-time/Part-time: Full-time
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement The White Helmets’ advocacy strategies
- Track policy developments in target states and international organisations
- Develop relationships with key stakeholders in target states and international organisations
- Lead White Helmets engagement with ICVA, NGO Forum, SNL, SNA and other regional advocacy groups
- Lead White Helmets advocacy on mine action, including engagement with the International Coalition to Ban Land Mines – Cluster Munitions Coalition, in coordination with the explosive hazards team
- Work with the Media Department to develop positioning, key messages and statements
- Develop recommendations and talking points for staff
- Prepare for and attend advocacy and coordination meetings
- Help relevant staff and volunteers to prepare for advocacy meetings
- Provide ongoing mentoring and support to volunteers, staff and Board Members on advocacy, communications and campaigning
- Conduct desk research and analysis, both independently and as part of a team, on key topics, track topics of interest and provide updates to the team
- Prepare, draft, edit, format, and distribute materials such as news releases, reports, letters, briefing papers, talking points, background research, parliamentary hearing questions, dispatches, web content, public letters and statements, op-eds and other publications, according to internal processes
- Plan and execute conferences, roundtables, trainings, and other events
- Provide support to the White Helmets leadership in planning, coordinating, and follow up actions of advocacy trips and international engagements
- Assist in fundraising activities
Note: the above-mentioned responsibilities are illustrative ones. Another future responsibilities/accountabilities may be assigned to the job depending on the department’s organizational chart or title.
Qualification (Education/Work Experience)
Essential:
- University studies/higher education in International Relations, Law, Social and Political Sciences, Business Administration or related field. Masters preferred.
- At least 5 years of proven professional experience in advocacy, policy, and research.
- Proven experience engaging with governments to deliver advocacy messages
- Demonstrable experience engaging with networks and coalitions
- Experience organising online and in person events
- Knowledge of the Syrian context and key humanitarian issues in this context, including humanitarian access, protection of civilians and UXO
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and independent judgment and discretion, as well as tact, diplomacy, and maturity in dealing with colleagues at all levels of the organization are required
- Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently, under pressure
- Demonstrated knowledge of humanitarian policy, human rights, international relations
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic is required. Evidence of persuasive writing skills and/or policy writing is preferred.
Desirable:
- Master’s degree in international Humanitarian Law, Humanitarian Studies, International Relations, Law, Social and Political Sciences or related field.
- Minimum of ten years’ experience in the field of humanitarian advocacy.
- At least five years of experience in Syrian context
Competencies
Core and Humanitarian Competencies:
- Effective communication and contact
- Continuous development and learning
- Accountability and sense of responsibility
- Understanding contexts, principles, and humanitarian standards.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Relationship building and partnerships
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced skills and experience with MS Office Products with the ability to learn additional software packages.
- Familiarity with mail merging and/or customer relationship management software an asset
How to apply
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please fill out the application form by clicking on this link and attach your CV and a covering letter explaining your background, suitability for the role and interest in what we do.
Closing date for application: 31 October 2024.
The Syria Civil Defense believes in achieving diversity in its workforce by encouraging all qualified applicants, both male and female, to apply for announced vacancies.
The Syria Civil Defense is committed to its employees and volunteers, ensuring they are not subject to sexual exploitation or abuse in exchange for the services they provide. Additionally, they are responsible for safeguarding children from harm and abuse, ensuring a safe environment for them. The organization strives to create a secure work environment for everyone, free from any form of harassment, harm, exploitation, or misconduct during work that may undermine the dignity and safety of volunteers and employees.
Only shortlisted applicants who meet the required job qualifications will be contacted.