Somalia: Advocacy Officer, Mogadishu/Dhusamareb - (2 Positions)

Background:
The International Rescue Committee has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgadud regions) and Mogadishu implementing interventions in the areas of livelihood, WASH and health reaching out to more than 200,000 conflict and drought affected people.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The role of the Advocacy Officer is a varied one, requiring significant skills in networking and building relationships across a range of actors in health; from Ministry of health, International and local organizations and the private sector. The post-holder will need outstanding document drafting skills and the ability to communicate orally and in writing with a range of audiences, from technical experts to lay people, including returnees served by this grant. He/she needs to have a thorough knowledge of Somalia health system and human resource policies. He/she will represent the organization within certain formal and ad hoc advocacy networks and groups and target policy makers and other key stakeholders to provide an overview of the program and seek for their support in order to achieve the performance indicators for the grant. The post holder will report to the WISH Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a high profile meeting with the MoH to provide an overview of the program and discuss next steps to achieve program performance indicators.
• In collaboration with program team, develop key reproductive health messages to communicate to targeted populations and monitor the same
• Support the teams with the development of effective communication tools for advocacy and communication
• Identify and pursue advocacy opportunities in order to ensure project success. Such opportunities will include but not limited to radio messages, advocacy forums, community engagement sessions and information education communication materials.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders on advocacy and communication work. These will include UNICEF, WHO and the Ministry of Health.
• The advocacy and Communication officer will have an active role in supporting the programs objectives and activities, including the development of advocacy work in line with the program objectives so as to reach the targeted beneficiaries.
• The Advocacy and Communication Officer will assist coming up with advocacy and communication plans that will involve all beneficiaries and stake holders and ensure the targeted beneficiaries are reached.
• Compilation and submission of monthly and quarterly communication and advocacy reports to the WISH manager
• Take lead in doiscussion and challenges or changes that ought to be made in the area of communication and advocacy and ensure effective remedial measures are taken.
• The Advocacy and Communication Officer will plan for and lead in advocacy campaigns: Advocacy campaigns will focus of integrated reproductive health services provided in the WISH project.
• The Advocacy and Communication Officer will contribute to production and distribution of periodic success stories as well as producing advocacy briefs and leaflets.
• Develop a comprehensive advocacy and communication strategy and action plan and take lead in implementing the same during the grant period
• Support the WISH Manager in budget setting processes for advocacy activities and provide reports and budget updates as required.

Reporting and Coordination:

• Provide formal and continuous overview of the program to the MoH and other stakeholders.
• Represent IRC in Health Coordination meetings with implementing partners and in other Health related forums.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports and updates as required.

Qualifications

1. Degree/Diploma in related field such as public health, Communication; and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience.
2. Excellent knowledge of the principles of advocacy and what it involves at a high level of stakeholders engagement.
3. Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication.
4. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of humanitarian action, political developments, public attitudes and local conditions.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a high degree of creativity.
6. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
7. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
8. Demonstrated analytical, verbal and written communication skills in English, including public speaking.
9. Experience of working in networks and building strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
10. Demonstrated ability to set an example of leadership.
11. Must be able to travel domestically within Somalia.

Gender Equality:IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Full description of this position and application details can be viewed through our website https://www.rescue.org/careers
Deadline for Applications: 2nd December 2018

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.