Advocacy Manager Sudan at Norwegian Refugee Council

What you will do:

The Advocacy & Media Manager leads NRC's advocacy and communications work in Sudan. S/he is responsible for leading NRC's humanitarian diplomacy efforts, developing high-impact and actionable policy recommendations on the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, and driving the organisation's influencing strategy. The role is externally facing: s/he serves as NRC's lead media spokesperson and represents the organisation in relevant forums. Internally, s/he strengthens the integration of advocacy across programmes and operations and as part of the Country Management Group, strategic advice and analysis to inform decision-making and support the implementation of NRC's strategy in Sudan

General Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead NRC Sudan advocacy and communications strategy, aligned with the overall country strategy, in coordination with three Regional Offices (East and South Africa, West and Central Africa and Middle East), NRC Representation Offices, the Head Office and the Secretary General's office. 
• Provide high-quality analysis of key humanitarian, protection, access, political, and diplomatic developments, including ongoing diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts related to Sudan. 
• Deliver evidence-based and principled policy positions, develop compelling and targeted high quality advocacy products 
• Lead NRC Sudan's media and public communications work, ensuring that communications are strategically aligned with advocacy objectives, grounded in risk analysis, adhere to do-no-harm principles, and uphold people-centred and ethical storytelling standards, while ensuring compliance with internal clearance and sign-off procedures.
• Represent NRC with key stakeholders and in relevant forums. Build and maintain relationships with diplomats, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, media, and other key stakeholders to advance NRC's advocacy objectives and humanitarian priorities.
• Complies and adheres to NRC policies, guidance and procedures

Specific responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate NRC's humanitarian diplomacy strategy on Sudan, including stakeholder analysis, engagement plans, and messaging, with a particular focus on Gulf and African states.
• Analyse programme findings and coordinate research initiatives to produce high-quality analytical, policy, and advocacy products, and strengthen evidence-based, programme-driven advocacy.
• Build and maintain relationships with organisations involved in the Sudan response, contribute to INGO Forum advocacy efforts, and support the development of joint positions and advocacy initiatives towards key target audiences.
• Lead NRC's strategic communications efforts, including engagement with media and oversight of the production of high-quality communications products.
• Line manages the Advocacy and Communications Unit. This includes: 
• Performance management process; setting clear goals aligned to country strategy and priorities, and to follow up and support staff’s achievement. 
• Responsibility for key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction and development and ensure Duty of Care for own staff
• Work with NRC's local partners to develop joint advocacy initiatives that are relevant, compelling, and aligned with NRC's advocacy strategy.
• Oversee advocacy and communications capacity-strengthening initiatives for NRC staff and local partners. 
• Ensure NRC Regional Offices, Representative Offices, and relevant departments (Field Operations, External Relations, Partnerships, and Policy) are regularly briefed on advocacy priorities and supported to advance NRC's advocacy objectives on Sudan.
• Identify funding opportunities for advocacy work and contribute to the development of quality proposals, ensuring the inclusion of research, advocacy, and policy activities related to humanitarian and protection issues affecting displacement-affected populations where appropriate.

What you will bring:

Generic professional competencies: 

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field, with a minimum of five years' experience in humanitarian, human rights, diplomacy, mediation, or related fields within international organisations (INGOs, UN agencies, diplomatic institutions, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, policy engagement, humanitarian diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement.
• This is a specialized advocacy role. Applicants must have substantial advocacy experience, including advocacy management and influencing work in humanitarian contexts. Candidates without demonstrated advocacy experience will not be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, media engagement, and serving as a spokesperson.
• Experience working in complex, conflict-affected, and highly volatile environments, including engaging with sensitive stakeholders
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce high-quality briefs, reports, and policy papers.
• High levels of initiative, flexibility, and creativity.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills; managerial and project management experience are an asset.