CARE and its partners work with vulnerable communities to address the underlying causes of poverty and promote peace and development, through its strategic goal to reduce poverty by empowering women, enhancing access to resources and services, and improving governance. The Somalia NGO Consortium promotes information sharing, cooperation and joint advocacy initiatives amongst local and international NGOs working in all regions in Somalia and highlight key NGO concerns in key coordination forum. This recruitment is managed through CARE Somalia.
CARE is seeking applications from qualified and talented candidates for the position of Senior Advocacy and Information Officer for the Somalia NGO Consortium based in Nairobi, Kenya with at least 50% travel to Somalia. S/he will be responsible for leading the advocacy and information initiatives in coordination with members to ensure high quality and consistent messaging is put out on behalf of all members. S/he will lead the development of advocacy products as well as lead the development of communication products and liaise with the media on a regular basis. The holder of this position will also deputize the Director when required.
****JOB SUMMARY****
The Senior Advocacy and Information Officer for the Somalia NGO Consortium will work alongside the Director coordinating member’s priorities and messaging to internal and external stakeholders at local, national and global levels. The position holder will lead the advocacy and information initiatives in coordination with members to ensure high quality and consistent messaging is put out on behalf of all members. He/She will lead the development of advocacy products as well lead the development of communication products and liaise with the media on a regular basis. The Senior Advocacy and Information Officer will deputize for the Director when required.
****RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS****
****Task 1: Advocacy****
- Develop and implement an annual advocacy strategy for the Consortium in collaboration with the membership with clear timelines and products.
- Identify and lead (when appropriate) advocacy initiatives for the membership through mobilising members and through the production of joint advocacy products.
- Support overall Consortium advocacy efforts through developing and facilitating relevant advocacy products including policy briefs, briefing notes, position papers and background papers. Lead the process as appropriate and get member consensus for sign on.
- Liaise with advocacy leads from international coordination structures such as InterAction and ICVA to strengthen linkages with Somalia for better engagement to prioritise Somalia agenda.
- Support regional representatives in Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Garowe to identify advocacy opportunities for engagement with authorities on thematic issues.
- Facilitate the advocacy, peace building and resilience working groups, through calling for meetings, drafting action-oriented meeting notes, support in sourcing for presenters and developing agenda for the meetings.
Task 2: Communications and Information Management
- Gather, analyse and repackage information for use by a wide range of audiences
- Initiate, research and write targeted information products
- Develop press releases and media products to support membership initiatives
- Develop and maintain list of media and establish professional relationships to support membership and overall consortium work
- Develop rolling key messages regularly and talking points for the Director as required
- Uphold strong links to key media contacts and member UN/NGO Public Information working group.
- Produce communication and information products including annual report, and initial drafts of articles for strategies, reports, newsletters
- Manage the Consortium’s social media platform ensuring that Consortium’s messages and activities are covered in this platform
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, development studies, social sciences, policy, communications. Master’s degree an added benefit.
Experience
- At least three (3) years of practical work experience at within NGOs / UN in humanitarian work in developing countries.
- Working knowledge of Somalia and an understanding of the current humanitarian and development issues
- Demonstrable experience with advocacy/lobbying and/or communications (NGO or other stakeholder)
- Proven experience in developing a high quality of advocacy and communication products
- Working knowledge of social media platforms
- Proven experience in working with a range of stakeholders and proactive coordination experience.
- Proven understanding and experience of advocacy within a complex humanitarian context. Strong willingness to work and adapt to the NGO sector in compliance with humanitarian principles
Competencies
- Strong communication, coordination and representational skills.
- Demonstrated capacity to recognize when and where proactive action is required and to initiate timely and appropriate action
- Collaborative approach
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to use discretion
- Strong personal diplomacy
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are encouraged to send their application letters and detailed CVs to recruit@som.care.org and copy to info@somaliangoconsortium.orgby 1st May 2015. Kindly indicate the position title on the subject line when applying. Forgeneral information about the Consortium, please visit www.somaliangoconsortium.org Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
*CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.*
