Regional Media Advisor (Regional Communications Advisor)

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. 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.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency

DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey and a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

About the job

The Media Advisor will be expected to lead on the development and delivery of creative and strategic media work in the region to position DRC as a sector leader in the field and to support and advance DRC’s programme, policy, advocacy and fundraising priorities. He/She will be responsible for proactive management of media strategies, including sourcing news stories, writing and distributing to media, and rolling out of media campaigns. They will develop and implement cross-platform media strategies, develop media relations and ensure timely and accurate dissemination to the media.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement informed, cross-platform long-term media strategies aligned with the global communications strategy to advance DRC’s priorities and deliver high impact media coverage in regional and global outlets.
• Manage the delivery of messages with an expert knowledge of traditional and new media to both internal and external audiences, while assessing the reputational risks and advising on opportunities.
• Establish, Build and maintain strong relations and partnerships with the media regionally and globally.
• Manage risk and brand reputation to ensure media work does not endanger staff, programmes, partners and the target populations we work with.
• Analyse and advise the regional senior management team and country offices on changing trends and opportunities in the regional and global media landscape.
• Provide strategic advice, support and guidance to country offices in relation to media work. Monitor and evaluate the impact of media work at both country and regional levels, and provide regular strategic recommendations and reporting.
• Oversee editorial process to ensure the accuracy and quality of external content, including the drafting of materials for external audiences such as opinion editorial articles, position papers, press releases, features for print and online media.
• Build the capacity in the region by training on media.
• Act as a spokesperson for DRC ME in the media when needed.
• Provide support to spokespeople on a range of issues while training more spokespeople in the region.
• Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of media materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact.
• Maintain a library of media products and coverage.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them as needed.
• Support in preparing requested interviews by the media.
• Monitor and analyse local and international media coverage related to the local situation as necessary, including on protracted displacement, Durable Solutions and Mixed Mi­gration.
• Lead the development of new policies, standards and procedures for media work in the region.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you must have:

• At least four years of experience in media work, preferably in an NGO or media settings.
• Master's degree in communication, journalism, advocacy or similar.
• Proven track record of working with traditional and digital media outlets
• Excellent oral, written and copyediting skills and demonstrated ability to write and develop strong media, communication and advocacy materials
• Proven record in creating compelling media campaigns and media content
• A strong news sense
• At least 5 years of similar experience preferably on a regional level
• Experience working in an international NGO
• Experience delivering media or communication trainings
• Full professional proficiency in Arabic and English
• Working relationships with online content platforms (preferable)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:  

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.  
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.  
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract till December 2019, renewable based on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work as soon as possible and be willing and able to work out of Amman and travel in the ME region.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals; please refer to www.drc.org under Vacancies. This position will be placed at F Band.

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.

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. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk

Applications close 20 July 2019. 

Need further information?

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org