Back ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

SIHA is looking for a self-motivated Advocacy and Communications Officer, with strong orientation on gender equality and women rights concepts and as a praxis. She or he will have a solid experience of working in conflict and post conflict areas and with societies in transition. With at least three years of communications and advocacy experience.

Job Summary

The Advocacy and Communications Officer will work closely with SIHA programme coordination unit to develop, implement and operationalize the institutional advocacy strategy; work closely with project teams to plan and implement advocacy and communication activities; and manage SIHA external communications including the website, social media platforms, newsletters, IEC materials, and other communications.

The position is line-managed by the Regional Programme Manager, works under the supervision of the SIHA Regional Research, Policy and Advocacy Officer, and in close collaboration with the country teams and SIHA Regional Director. The position covers activities in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia/Somaliland, Ethiopia and Uganda .

Key Responsibilities:

● Work closely with the Senior Policy, Research and Advocacy Officer, and SIHA Management Team (SMT), to develop and implement the institutional advocacy strategy and communication strategy including the design of communication tools such as guidelines, templates, and messaging;

● Support project teams in the planning and implementation of SIHA’s programme related advocacy and communication work, providing guidance or leading activities as required;

● Lead in the production and management of communication and visibility materials including photos, videos, fact sheets, quarterly newsletters, and other promotional or informational materials in coordination with SIHA staff and programme team;

● Lead in the development and management of SIHA’s online materials, including SIHA’s website and social media platforms;

● Coordinate and develop SIHA campaigns in close collaboration with the Senior Policy Advocacy and Research Officer, the team at the Regional Secretariat, and in-country staff;

● Keep abreast of relevant events and news in the region and support SIHA response to critical situations including the development of press statements, memos and other communication materials;

● Support the development and management of a regional and international events calendar, including relevant regional and international meetings, and international days and weeks, to guide advocacy and communication engagements and activities within SIHA;

● Support communication between SIHA and its member organizations and affiliates providing regular updates maintaining good communication channels;

● Establish regular communication between SIHA and Regional and International human rights organizations, feminist networks and organizations regionally and internationally;

● Contribute to all project reports as required;

● Perform any additional work-related tasks assigned.

Qualifications

The applicant should hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Social Sciences/ Arts, Development Studies or any related degree obtained from an accredited university.

Core Competencies and Skills

● At Least 3 years proven experience developing and delivering advocacy and campaign strategies

● Proven experience working on women empowerment, gender programming, or working with women human rights defenders and or in the women’s movement or a related field

● The person should demonstrate experience in coordination, communication and advocacy activities in NGO related contexts. The person should have a results-oriented approach and be able to propose ways to innovate and continuously improve our communications products, practices, channels, and messaging

● The person should have a commitment to women’s rights and a commitment to local civil society and grassroots women movement

● Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, additional knowledge of Arabic, Somali, or Amharic language is desirable

● computer literate (word, excel, internet, outlook, powerpoint)

● Proven experience working with members of a network and knowledge of how it is different to working in one single organisation

● Understanding of human rights and people centered approaches

● Previous experience in effective use of media to raise awareness and implement campaign strategies

Remuneration and Benefits

● Salary and benefits according to SIHA’s salary scale and HR policies based on qualifications and experience.

● For internationally recruited staff, SIHA will cover all the cost of entry visa and work permits, travel cost to the duty station and provide a relocation grant.

Organizational Profile

Borne of the social justice movement, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network is an indigenous African women’s rights organisation with a soul. Our organisation was created by women activists from Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Sudan in the mid-1990s. Today we continue to work as an inclusive and diverse feminist women’s rights network that holds a unique position working as a regional civil society organisation in politically volatile contexts. SIHA works in a variety of cultural, political, and geographical environments in Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan and South Sudan. Read more

Our Values:

Equality, Solidarity, Ethical, Diligence, Transparency, Humility, Resilience, Critical-thinking, disciplined, Courageous, Integral, Empathy, Collectiveness, determination, Rationality, Diversity, Innovation, Democracy, learning, Self-critical

****Female candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply**