Communication and Advocacy Officer at World Food Programme (WFP)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Develop, maintain and update an appropriate advocacy work plan for 2023-2024, which implements the regional advocacy strategy, in order to position WFP as a partner of choice with governments, IFIs and donors in Eastern Africa, and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP, and support  partnerships and fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with WFP strategy.
• Plan, manage and evaluate advocacy campaigns that favourably influence and position WFP in the changing lives agenda and narratives, and positively impact the views of governments, IFIs, private and public sector, opinion leaders and donors in order to raise WFP’s profile and support partnerships, programming and fundraising activities.
• Working closely with programme, partnerships and VAM, prepare advocacy briefs and products that effectively convey the desired position and message to targeted audience(s).
• Maintain and develop a contact list of key policy, donor and governments partners and allies, and manage the regular flow of information about WFP’s work to the policy makers, media, ensuring reputational risks are identified and managed.
• Works closely with other CAM officers to develop a social media plan for advocacy and influencing, which leverages social media content, platforms, networks and partners to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities.
• Generate and/or facilitate the production of donor-specific advocacy assets and content including content from research, data and programme impact evaluations, for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support global and country advocacy activities, ensuring consistency with corporate advocacy agenda.
• Build the capacity of WFP staff on all aspects of advocacy and influencing, providing advice, guidance and training to ensure consistent, quality advocacy activities that deliver the desired impact.
• Work in close collaboration with counterparts to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to advocacy within WFP.
• Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitoring the management of advocacy-specific risks. 
• Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Advanced University degree in social/development studies, Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant fields, or First University degree with five years of related advocacy and communications work experience and/or training/courses.

Expierience: 

• At least five years of experience in an advocacy and communications role in a humanitarian/development setting.
• Has gained experience in advocacy campaigns, influencing and communications practices
• Has managed small teams of staff with related areas of expertise in the delivery of innovative communications projects
• Has provided support in leading advocacy initiatives at the national and regional levels, including engagement with regional economic entities (AU, EAC, IGAD)
• Must have experience working in coalitions and partnerships with other UN/INGO agencies to influence and advocate for policy change with governments/regional economic entities, Africa Union.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Must work well independently and within a matrix team structure;
• Experience in managing all elements of advocacy and partnerships relations – including organising advocacy events, high-level meetings and panels; bringing together coalitions and partnerships; managing media
• Familiar with WFP advocacy, communications and media relations protocols  
• Ability to train teams and explain complicated concepts across a range of cultures and geographies to a diverse audience;
• Proactive and highly organised, with strong time management and planning skills;
• Able to meet tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
• Language: Excellent knowledge of English is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of second official language (a WFP working language).