Advocacy and Communication Manager (FONGIM) At Norwegian Refugee Council

Are you an advocacy & communication expert willing to contribute to the mission of FONGIM in Mali?

We are looking for a passionate professional that has creativity, energy and diplomacy! More info below.

First of all, what is FONGIM?

The Mali INGO forum (FONGIM) is an association recognized by the authorities and currently has 99 international NGO members. The FONGIM aims to ensure/strengthen, in an independent manner, coordination between member INGOs, local and national authorities, the United Nations, donors, diplomatic representations and external partners. It facilitates better sharing of information and expertise, the establishment of common guidelines among member INGOs, and the respect of fundamental principles for a more coordinated, efficient, and effective use of humanitarian, recovery, and development resources in response to the needs of the Mali population.

The FONGIM’s activities consists in:

Information / exchange platform
Coordination / representation / relationship with partners
Advocacy
Communication
Access
Capacity building

What are the responsibilities of the role?

The role can be described as a fusion of two specific tasks: advocacy and communication. The position is line-managed by the FONGIM Director and works in close cooperation with the FONGIM Working Groups as well as with the FONGIM Bureau. The position covers activities in all Mali and is connected with regular travelling within and outside the country. The Advocacy and Communication Manager is a line manager of the Information Manager Coordinator.

Advocacy

Identify and coordinate advocacy response to prioritised FONGIM. Advocacy has a strategic importance in Mali in an environment characterized by repeated insecurity and humanitarian shocks that are extremely violent for civilian population. The past year has seen a decline in humanitarian space and access as well as repeated questioning of humanitarian principles by stakeholders in the conflict.

Lead and coordinate the FONGIM’s strategic advocacy in subsidiarity and support to advocacy already conducted by the members.
Develop and implement the FONGIM’s advocacy strategy based on population’s needs and in consultation and close cooperation with the members of relevant Working Groups as well as with the FONGIM Bureau;
Bring together expertise and knowledge and build evidence-based analyses, researches to support advocacy jointly with members, sectorial groups, external or internal experts
Based on evidence and consultation of members, develop relevant advocacy products (talking points, advocacy notes, message compendiums, etc), coordinate dissemination, and lobby at various level to support joint advocacy efforts for positive changes by FONGIM members.
Coordinate and support all influencing & advocacy efforts led in the name of FONGIM at different level (heads of mission of members, executive bureau and director of the FONGIM, members advocacy teams at international level, technical level, etc.)
Build links and support toward coordination and advocacy platforms in country and at international level between NGOs in key capitals (New York, Washington DC, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London, etc.) to strengthen direct advocacy toward international decision-makers engaged in Mali.
Conduct directly advocacy and lobbying actions as relevant in coordination with FONGIM members and groups based on signed-off products.;
Communication

The Advocacy and Communication Manager will develop and implement a communication strategy in line and support of the larger influencing and FONGIM strategies and priorities, based on consultations of FONGIM members and groups.

S/He will manage both internal and external communication (from organizing meetings and develop internal strategy to relaunch the FONGIM website and disseminate coomunications material).

More info on this role here!

What we are looking for

Minimum 5 years’ experiences from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context
Master’s degree in International Relations, International humanitarian law, Political sciences, Development or Communication
Very good knowledge of humanitarian law.
Strong experience in advocacy in conflict countries
Strong knowledge of the United Nations system, integrated missions and clusters
Experience from working in a complex emergency crisis and volatile contexts
Fluency in French, English, both written and verbal
Political sensitivity
Knowledge of the context/Sahel

Behavioural competencies

Strategic thinking
Managing performance and development
Empowering and building trust
Demonstrated competence in communication, interpersonal exchanges and negotiation
Ability to build consensus

What We Offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.