Communication and Media Officer At Peaceful Change Initiative

TITLE: ​​​ Communication and Media Officer

BASED IN: ​ Istanbul

FULL/PART-TIME: ​Full-time (100%, fixed-term contract)

REPORTS TO:​

• The SNC President
• Head of the SNC Geneva Office for matters related to that office

BACKGROUND

The SNC Geneva Office is representing and supporting the Syrian Negotiations Commission (SNC) and its mandate by expanding and facilitating outreach to Syrians and international actors. As per its mandate, SNC’s vision is a negotiated end to the conflict benefiting the Syrian people through dialogue, peaceful means and democracy in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The SNC Geneva Office works in partnership with a number of organisations, including but not limited to the Peaceful Change initiative.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Position Summary

The SNC Geneva Office is looking for a Communication and Media Officer to support and strengthen the work and profile of SNC in general and the SNC leadership and the SNC Geneva Office specifically. The Communication and Media Officer is expected to support the development and implementation of a communication and media strategy; to disseminate key messages in support of SNC’s work and mandate, and to provide other day-to-day communication support. The Communication and Media should be motivated to further the cause of SNC’s mandate and vision.

Communication Strategy and Media Management

• Support the development of a communication strategy for SNC
• Lead on delivering the communication strategy
• Ensure alignment of all communication with SNC communication strategy
• Support SNC on communication initiatives to both Syrian and international actors, including developing key messages for public use
• Explore and support methods to enhance linkages to media by developing relations with experts, journalists, spokespersons and editors
• Monitor news outlets to explore opportunities to introduce the work and mandate of SNC, including the SNC Geneva Office, as well as SNC priorities.

Management of SNC Communication Channels

• Manage the SNC President and SNC Geneva Office social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter etc.) by ensuring regular and timely updates and communicating and sharing information about the work of SNC, including SNC facilitated events, and other relevant issues to be communicated publicly in line with SNC priorities
• Ensure an increase in exposure and followers on social media.

Other Responsibilities, including Direct Support to the SNC President

• Support the development of additional communications products and tools related to SNC
• Prepare high-quality online and published materials to convey clear and effective SNC messaging
• Facilitate and otherwise provide support to the SNC President’s media engagements, including through relationship building with international and Arab media
• Support the SNC President’s communication with interlocutors, including planning of visits and translation/interpretation
• Support the SNC President and the SNC Geneva Office on other tasks whenever needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge & Experience

• University degree in communications or related discipline : Desired
• 3-5 year experience in media and communications work: Essential
• Proven experience in working in a diplomatic mission, UN or NGO: Desired
• Proven experience in media and communication, incl. social media: Essential
• Proven experience in planning and organising events and activities: Essential
• Proven experience of working as part of small teams and ability to manage own time: Essential
• Experience of working with diverse teams: Essential
• Experience of working in challenging and high-pressure environments: Essential
• Knowledge of the political context in Syria and in the Middle East: Essential

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal Arabic: Essential
• Excellent analytical and writing skills: Essential
• Excellent written and verbal English: Essential
• Excellent written and verbal French: Desirable
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with a broad range of people from different cultural backgrounds: Essential
• Excellent attention to detail, a can-do attitude, and the ability to be result-focused: Essential
• Self-starting, adaptable, and resilient personality: Essential
• Ability to communicate with colleagues with full confidence and non-disclosure: Essential
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and PhotoShop: Essential
• Willingness and flexibility to work outside regular hours particularly during events and high-level meetings: Essential
• The right to travel to Switzerland: Essential