Communications Officer – Erbil / Iraq At Spark

Position: Communications Officer – Erbil/Iraq

Location: Iraq – Erbil

Program: Networks of Change II

Duration: Full-time – 31.12.2024

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Communications Officer will produce and edit quality content for a range of SPARK communication channels, including press, the SPARK website, social media presence and newsletter that are designed to boost visibility of the programme activities, in line with donor and SPARK branding requirements. The candidate has excellent writing skills, the ability to write for different audiences and the ability to edit texts quickly and to a high standard. The candidate has excellent interpersonal and journalistic skills. Based at the Iraq office in Erbil, the candidate will be required to travel regularly to locations throughout KR-I and federal Iraq (Mosul, Baghdad etc.)

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the communication activities for Networks of Change (NoC) II programme funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands;
• Produce and edit up-to-date written content for the SPARK and NoC II campaign website, newsletter and social media channels in collaboration with relevant Program Officers, campaign teams and media service providers;
• Lead in creating promotional Photo and video production alongside relevant Program Officers, campaigners and media service providers;
• Lead the Design of promotion online and offline materials e.g. social media visuals, posters, banners, flyers, brochures, etc alongside relevant Program Officers and campaigners and media service providers;
• Conduct interviews with programme participants and develop written stories and articles;
• Contribute to the enhancement of the SPARK and NoC II website – update content, SEO, AdWords etc.;
• Support the organisation of programme and SPARK events and NoC II campaigns;
• Monitor and oversee the public awareness campaigns of the 2024 and 2025 youth campaign teams, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement, and impact;
• Coordinate donor requests on visibility and access to beneficiaries.
• Support the Regional Communications and HQ communications;
• Assist with internal communication deliverables;
• Finalise the communications deliverables under the communications strategy for the EU Iraq programme;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Skills

• Bachelor or Master’s degree, preferably in English, Media, Communications, Journalism or a field relevant to SPARK’s work;
• Proficient in Kurdish and English languages (written and spoken), proficiency in Arabic is advantageous
• Proven graphic design skills in Adobe Creative Suite;
• Journalistic skills: not afraid of picking up the phone and giving someone a call;
• Social media knowledge and experience are essential;
• Familiarity with Google Drive/Docs/Analytics/SEO/Adwords etc.;
• Good communication and social skills and the ability to work in a multicultural setting;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise;
• Ability to work independently;
• Eligible to work in Iraq.

SPARK Offers

• International and dynamic working experience;
• Opportunity to take initiative and realise your ideas;
• Full-time employment contract;