Communication Officer (Re-advertisement)

About DRC

Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization. DRC assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

In the East Africa and the Great Lakes, DRC applies a regional approach with operational presence in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Geographic Scope: Country (Sudan)

DRC Sudan has experienced a significant strategic and operational shock following the onset of the crisis and is the country operation is responding to the evolving emergency as part of the inter-regional Sudan response plan. With the outbreak of conflict, DRC Sudan has reprogrammed activities to emergency modalities, and has deployed emergency teams to participate in joint needs assessments as well as conduct Rapid Protection Assessments. DRC continues to operate in Central Darfur, Gedaref and South Kordorfan with the provision of life-saving assistance of Emergency relief, Protection and FSL as well as establishing new operational presence in White Nile and Al Gezira and re-establishing the Country Office in Gedaref. Ongoing efforts to re-establish operations in Khartoum and new areas to respond to the increasing needs.

Purpose

The Communications Officer will promote DRC’s mission and programmes in Sudan, and be a key contributor to DRC’s Sudan-related advocacy. The Communications Officer will work closely with programme teams and the Communications & Advocacy Specialist to identify appropriate methods to communicate with affected communities, partners, and other relevant parties.

Specifically, the Communications Officer ensures that the affected population’s agency and need for information is an integral part of DRC’s humanitarian response in Sudan. Following global methodologies and best practices in communicating with communities and programme accountability, the Communications Officer works with programme teams to provide information to affected communities that responds to their needs, questions and concerns.

The Communications Officers also supports programme teams to ensure that the perspectives, priorities and recommendations of affected communities inform DRC’s advocacy activities at the area, national, regional and global levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications & Visibility

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and adaptation of a country communication and visibility plan to facilitate better understanding among partners, donors, beneficiaries and host communities, media, the public, and government stakeholders of DRC Sudan’s work;
• Support project managers in developing communication and visibility plans for their projects;
• Write, edit and produce communication products informing audiences of DRC Sudan’s to the humanitarian response, including leaflets, banners, newsletters, thematic bulletins, photobooks, etc.;
• Contribute to website updates, social media communications and print media products in English and Arabic;
• Undertake field visits to produce creative and engaging communications products to raise awareness of the crisis in Sudan and the humanitarian response efforts of DRC and partners;
• Ensure DRC Sudan communications and visibility products adhere to the principle of ‘do no harm’; and appropriate age, gender and diversity; risk management and other relevant guidelines; 
• Ensure all public communications and visibility materials have the necessary consent forms have been properly obtained and placed on file; 
• Lead the timely publication and distribution of content on the DRC Sudan country webpage, DRC Sudan social media account and HQ managed accounts;
• Support the development and delivery of training on communications and visibility to DRC Sudan staff;
• Advise DRC Sudan staff on media, public information, awareness raising and visibility issues in line with DRC and donor guidelines, protection principles and ethical standards;
• Ensure DRC and donor visibility requirements and communications commitments are met;
• Contribute communications inputs to proposal development based on donor guidelines;
• Provide support to PDQM and SMT on media request and interview opportunities;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Director or Communications & Advocacy Specialist.

Advocacy

• Participate in the development, strengthening and implementation of area, national, regional and global advocacy and communications strategies related to the crisis in Sudan
• Identify and participate in key advocacy opportunities 
• Monitor Arabic-language media related to the crisis in Sudan and national regional perspectives and responses;
• Prepare and translate advocacy-oriented communications products into Arabic.

Roles Reporting to this Position: No direct reports

Reports to: Country Director

Technical line supervision: Communications & Advocacy Specialist

Required Experience and Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, and demonstrated ability to write and develop effective communication and advocacy materials
• At least 2 years' experience working in communications and/or advocacy
• Experience working in an international NGO
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment with competing priorities, tight deadlines, and in a complex emergency context.
• Advanced skill in graphic design, web, social media and/or video production evidenced by the candidate.
• Excellent writing, editing and communications skills in English
• Fluency in Arabic
• Required Education
• University Degree in communication, journalism, public relations or similar or equivalent professional qualification

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Level: Non- manager

Salary range: 1026-1156 USD

Location: Port Sudan

Expected Start date: As soon as possible

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply:

Application process:

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note.

Applications Closing Date: 28/Nov/2024

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