Advocacy & Communications Specialist, Africa at HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads advocacy and communications efforts in the region with humanitarian partners and other relevant stakeholders in relation to refugee and humanitarian priorities, and frequently participates in humanitarian communications working groups.
• Provides oversight on implementation of advocacy initiatives in country offices and monitors the fulfillment of the objectives in line with the broader strategic vision for the organization.
• Supports in the development of strategic plans for the country offices; ensures cohesion of strategic plans and approaches across the team.
• Builds partnerships and coordinates work with other networks and allies in the humanitarian and human rights field in Africa and beyond, to maximize the chance of securing advocacy wins.
• Represents HIAS in advocacy-related working groups and networks in Africa, and feeds into advocacy conducted by HIAS headquarters on Africa-related refugee response.
• Coordinates closely with counterparts in HIAS’ headquarters covering international communications and advocacy in the implementation of strategies implemented in HIAS’ operations in Africa.
• Coordinates the compilation of stories, pictures and videos covering HIAS’ humanitarian and emergency response activities for communication and advocacy purposes.
• Drafts and produces country office annual reports, brochures and promotional materials showcasing advocacy recommendations, programs and other relevant communications for visibility, including relevant social media.
• Drafts communications sections of reports and proposals to existing and prospective donors.
• Supports country offices in development and management of budgets that support communications and advocacy activities.
• Guides relevant country office communications focal points on compliance to various or emerging donor communications requirements.
• Trains and provides oversight on the development of content for HIAS Chad’s and HIAS Kenya’s social media channels.
• Supports in organizing media outreach within the country offices and leads on regional media outlets by arranging for media contacts, press briefings and interviews; provides talking points and other materials as needed for colleagues.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Regional Director, Africa & Eurasia.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations or International Relations.
• 3-5 years of experience in communications and advocacy in Africa.
• English and French fluency are required.
• Working experience in an international humanitarian NGO.
• Strong background in humanitarian and/or refugee-related advocacy in Africa.
• Understanding and commitment to the values of HIAS.
• Experience managing social media for an NGO.
• Basic graphic design skills; video and photo editing experience preferred.
• Enthusiasm to learn new communications and advocacy skills.
• Flexibility to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently, take initiative, prioritize competing tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.