Function prerequisite:

The position is based in Erbil, with travel to other areas of operation as required in both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Experience and knowledge:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications or in a related area. Additional years of qualifying experience may compensate for a master’s degree.
• A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in Advocacy and Communication.
• Experience and knowledge of the humanitarian and development context and situation in Iraq.
• Experience and enthusiasm for working within the partnership model, organizational development of partners, and capacity development of local actors (NGOs, CBOS, movements).
• Extensive knowledge of the political situation as well as the regional and cultural differences in Iraq and the region. Experience working in a multi-cultural and/or international work environment.
• Previous experience working with local partners, especially in capacity building and advocacy program design.
• Extensive experience in analysis of trends and issues.

Skills and special aptitudes:

• Language proficiency in English and Arabic, Kurdish preferable, both written and verbal.
• Experience in advocacy and policy formulations, and good understanding of the role of INGOS in the development and humanitarian sector.
• Good technical knowledge of policy analysis.
• Excellent technical ground experience on advocacy.
• Good experience in success stories/case studies development, analysis, and documentation.
• Good Experience in developing engaging advocacy messages.
• Good cultural understanding, and interpersonal skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, good communication, organizational and analytical skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Good understanding of local partnerships and capacity building to ensure quality implementation and minimize risk.
• Able to work effectively under and adapt to difficult conditions.
• Good time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines while ensuring quality, and triangulations of findings.
• Ability to work a part of a team with a flexible approach.
• Proven ability in network mobilisation, coordination and in developing processes and initiating consultations. Experience with active concensus decision making processes is a significant advantage;
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and outside the country.

Responsibilities:

General Description

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (PM), the position holder will be responsible for the preparation of NPA’s strategic advocacy plan in line with NPA’s long-term strategy and the context of Iraq. As well as, the development of a communications strategy, facilitate and implement communications.

S/he will provide support to NPA and partners advocacy initiatives, collaborate in advocacy opportunities nationally, regionally, and globally.

The purpose is to influence the humanitarian and development agenda by showcasing the experience and lessons learned from Iraq, promote media and public outreach and to mobilise targeted stakeholders and the public toward the objectives of NPA and partners.

The Advocacy and Communication Consultant will also lead the communication activities in NPA Iraq, has a strong working relationship with Programme and Projects Managers and staff working with partners. S/he will liaison closely with HQ Communication Department.

Advocacy on national, regional and international arenas

• Developing strategic advocacy raodmpas mirroring NPA and partners strategies, and the Iraqi and regional contexts.
• Initiating and supporting the development of advocacy materials to achieve the EIDHR Project’s common advocacy goals and intended outcomes.
• Facilitating and supporting the advocacy work, internal and external, needed to implement NPA Strategy in Iraq, and at global level.
• Providing all-around advocacy inputs for the relevant staff, strategic partners in close collaboration with the EIDHR program management, and closely with the stakeholders to ensure effective advocacy work, including engaging in campaigns core and effective messaging.
• Facilitating, coordinate, develop, implement and track NPA Programme advocacy strategies, plans and activities including facilitating the advocacy events, and visits in close collaboration and with the support of NPA Programme Department relevant teams’ members.
• Formulate and deliver a clear and effective advocacy interventions , including the development and dissemination of advocacy and lobbying success stories and messages.
• Developing the country advocacy strategy and objectives as part of the country strategy review, and liaison with the program and influencing teams to include influencing advocacy key objectives, plans, activities, logistics, equipment, and other support as needed.Monitor key policy developments based on the priorities of the European Union in Iraq.
• Follow up advocacy working groups and be an active member of the all advocacy platforms and relevant appropriate forums.
• Providing an all-round advocacy and influencing purposes to ensure effective internal and external advocacy work, including engaging and contributing to the campaigns materials and engaging messaging.
• Initiating and supporting the development of advocacy materials to achieve the EIDHR Project’s common advocacy goals and intended outcomes.
• Working collaboratively with NPA at Iraq delegation level, HO, and partners to ensure synergy and harmony of the advocacy, communication, and influencing messaging at all levels.
• Produce press releases, statements, in collaboration with other INGOs.

Capacity development

• Develop relevant training modules and train staff on communication and advocacy.
• Work closely with partner staff or focal points and provide support as appropriate.
• Provide training to partners on strategic advocacy and communication.
• Train NPA partners on evidence generation for advocacy work, (such as preparation of policy briefs) advocacy skills, and advocacy track.
• Advise NPA staff and partners on donor communication requirements and follow up their implementation.

Communication, visibility and media

• Follow up on communication commitments in NPA agreement with donors.
• Review and improve Communication Plans.
• Develop NPA visual profile.
• To assist in communication and media related activities.
• Follow up and assist on preparation and participation of NPA and its partners related events, including conferences.
• Produce internal communication products.
• Support Country Management Team in crisis communication.

Production of information materials

• Prepare up to date information materials on NPA country and program strategies and NPA added value.
• Prepare up to date information material on NPA results, impact stories, lessons learned, change stories by use of written and/or visual media.
• Developing, organizing and maintain NPA Iraq photo library and archives.
• Produce presentations of NPA by use of video and power point for use in external relations.
• Produce graphic presentations of NPA, for external relations.

Perform other duties as assigned by line manager

Authority/ Decisions

Typical decisions the holder of the positions makes

• Reference is made to the NPA Regulation for Delegation of Authority, Quality Management and Guidelines for the NPA Iraq Office.
• All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks including vetting and due diligence.

Additional Considerations:

• NPA Employee is to abide by the policies and personal code of conducts set by Norwegian’s People’s Aid (NPA) and represent the organization in a loyal and responsible manner.
• All offers of consultancy will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks including vetting and due diligence.