Regional Advisor, Advocacy, Policy and Communication At Center for Civilians in Conflict

ABOUT CIVIC:

Regional Advisor, Advocacy, Policy and Communications

Center for Civilians in Conflict is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. Our mission is to work with armed actors and civilians in conflict to develop and implement solutions to prevent, mitigate, and respond civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

CIVIC worked with the G5 Sahel Joint Force (FC-G5S), OHCHR and partners on the ground to contribute to reducing civilian harm associated with FC-G5S’ operations in the border regions of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Chad in support of the Human Rights Compliance Framework (HRCF). The project’s general objective was to improve FC-G5S’ capabilities to mitigate civilian harm throughout the lifecycle of operations.

CIVIC supported the FC-G5S to establish a system to track and adjust operations to mitigate civilian harm, the Civilian Incident Tracking and Analysis Mechanism (CITAC/MISAD), and ensure that FC-G5S personnel have a strong understanding of how to run and fully utilize this tool in furtherance of the HRCF.

In addition to CIVIC Sahel’s work with the FC-G5S, the Sahel team is planning to work in Niger, with additional support to Malian and Burkinabe forces. The aim is to move from the multinational (the MISAD) to the national level, using the impact of the MISAD to implement CHM at the national level of all three countries is a priority.

“Civilians in the Sahel are better protected” is the strategic vision of CIVIC Sahel program for the next four years. CIVIC aims to support conflict-affected civilians and civil society organizations improve their capacities and means to advance communities self-protection, and security forces improve capabilities and tools to protect civilians.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Regional Advisor, Advocacy, Policy and Communication

CIVIC is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Regional Advisor, Advocacy, Policy and Communication based in Niamey.

Work with the Regional Director, Sahel, Deputy Country Director, Niger, Country Program Manager, Mali to ensure successful implementation of projects within the Sahel portfolio. The incumbent will implement the policy, advocacy and communication component of the Sahel program. They will serve as the CIVIC’s interface to the governments, security and defense Forces, communities, donors, civil society, institutions (national, regional and international) and the media as it regards to all aspects related to advancing the policy and programs on protection of civilians and assistance to civilians harmed in armed conflict.

This includes developing and executing strategies for successful implementation of the advocacy component of the project; conduct advocacy activities for adoption of policies on protection on civilians and post-harm assistance; work with civil society and local populations to understand how civilians are being harmed in the conflict and treated by the military personnel to best contribute to the policy advocacy; develop advocacy products (policy briefs, reports, surveys) and work with medias to reflect and amplify civilian perspectives; work with other NGOs to develop mechanisms for addressing civilian needs; represent the organization at UN clusters and other international organization platforms.

Location: Niamey, Niger

Travel: Up to 50% required (domestic and international)

Staff Reporting: At least 1 staff in-country

Reporting to: Regional Director, Sahel and will work directly with Country Program Manager, Mali and Deputy Country Director, Niger.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the development and implementation of a robust advocacy strategy to advance the adoption and subsequent implementation of national and regional. policy on protection of civilians (POC policy).
• Support the Regional Director Sahel in the interaction with international, regional and national Institutions, Cabinets of Ministers, Office of Presidents, G5 Executive Secretariat, G5 Joint Force, Armed Forces of G5 Sahel Countries, and other military/political offices of the states to mainstream protection of civilians at the state policy level.
• Contribute to the definition of recommendations to relevant stakeholders on improving the delivery of assistance to civilians affected by the conflict in the Sahel.
• Promote recommendations developed within the CIVIC research at bilateral meetings with stakeholders, public events and presentations; follow up on the implementation of the recommendations.
• Develop plans, and prepare reports under the thematic portfolio for regular and ad hoc planning and reporting products.
• With contribution from CIVIC Researchers’ products (briefings, reports, surveys) that capture and amplify the voices and perspectives of civilians in authentic and compelling ways to support CIVIC advocacy strategy.
• Develop communication strategies to disseminate the advocacy products via meetings, public events, as well as social media and other outreach channels.
• Support the Regional Director and country senior leadership in the organization of high profile events such the regional and national learning conference, National POC meetings on protection of civilians (including putting together the agenda, conference panels, organizational aspects), support materials development, and communications strategies.
• Work with national NGOs to identify and leverage existing protection of civilian’s mechanisms and enable them to facilitate the civilian access to protection and assistance.
• In coordination with the Regional Director and country senior leadership teams, liaise with the IHL Implementation Committee or alternative/auxiliary bodies to ensure coordination with government institutions and UNs, (I)NGOs engaged in protection of civilians at the government-led level.
• Support the Regional Director in representing CIVIC with international, non-governmental organizations, and government stakeholders, promote effective collaborations and partnerships on delegated areas of responsibility.
• Set workplans and manage the workflow of the communications activities, provide support for production of high level communication and advocacy materials contributing to the achievement of intended impact.
• Identify new opportunities for advocacy, dialogue, and portfolio expansion.
• Leads development of communication strategy and branding implementation and marking plan with Regional Director Sahel and technical teams
• Creates promotional and public outreach materials for the project, including newsletters, fact sheets, media advisories, press releases, success stories, leaflets, brochures, etc., and supervise their production and distribution.
• Ensures communications tools such are maintained and up to date, and that conferences, events, webinars, and interactive feedback platforms are well maintained and managed.
• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals in the Sahel.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced university degree in social science, political science, international relations, law, or a related field.
• Training in project management, human rights, humanitarianism, mediation would be an advantage.
• Minimum four years of relevant work experience, including work in conflict zones.
• Experience in projects in the field of conflict and security and/or protection.
• Understanding of the conflict landscape in the Sahel and issues related to protection of civilians.
• Willingness and experience working with conflict-affected populations and security forces.
• Policy-making and advocacy experience is mandatory.
• Proven experience in writing policy documents, briefs, reports in English and French in a concise manner.
• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere and as a team member.
• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize and implement programs in stressful environments.
• Experience in representing organizations in sensitive political and security environments, ability to maintain neutrality and impartiality in line with the organization’s mission.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.