Senior Advocacy & Communications Officer At Syria Civil Defense (White Helmets)

ABOUT STICHTING WHITE HELMETS FOUNDATION

Stichting White Helmets Foundation (SWHF) is a not-for-profit organisation registered in the Netherlands. The Foundation aims to provide aid to communities and persons recovering from conflicts and disasters; provide support and orientation to refugees and communities in hosting countries; support justice and human rights efforts.

Stichting White Helmets Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and applications are actively encouraged from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Senior Advocacy & Communications Officer provides support to Stichting White Helmets Foundation team and the White Helmets Group in developing, designing, and implementing advocacy campaigns that carry messages in service of the organization’s objectives. They will work to increase political, public and financial support to the White Helmets.

With a special focus on the Syrian crisis, the Senior Advocacy & Communications Officer will work on building international alliances and advocate for justice, accountability, the protection humanitarian workers and humanitarian access. Under the supervision of the White Helmets’ Advocacy and Communications Manager, they will coordinate advocacy to States Parties to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. They will also lead European-focused advocacy and target the European Union (EU) and EU Member States. The position will have a specific focus on France, Germany and The Netherlands, among other European states. The holder will also develop alliances and oversee joint activities with other non-governmental organisations.

In addition, the position will support the Advocacy Department to develop materials (briefings, reports, press releases, etc), that convey the messages of the organisation. The position-holder will advise on strategic communications, in partnership with the White Helmets Media Department.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

• Duty station: The Hague, Netherlands
• Line manager: Advocacy and Communications Manager
• Line management Responsibility: N/A
• Full-time/Part-time: Full-time

Tasks and activities:

• Develop and implement The White Helmets’ European advocacy strategies and strategy towards the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
• Track policy developments in target states (governments and parliaments) and international organisations.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders in target states and international organisations
• Join, develop, and maintain coalitions, working groups, and partnerships with a range of international professional associations, rescue worker networks and human rights organisations to advance The White Helmets international advocacy in support to justice, accountability, the protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.
• Design communications strategies and work with the Media Department to develop key messages and visibility plans.
• Build relationships with journalists to provide briefings, information and brief colleagues to speak to media.
• Prepare for and attend advocacy and coordination meetings.
• Help staff and volunteers prepare for advocacy meetings.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and support to volunteers, staff and Board Members on advocacy, communications and campaigning.
• Conduct desk research on a broad range of topics.
• Under the direction of the Advocacy Manager, prepare and distribute materials such as news releases, reports, letters, briefing papers, talking points, background research, parliamentary hearing questions, dispatches, web content, public letters and statements, op-eds and other publications.
• Plan and execute conferences, roundtables, trainings, and other events.
• Provide support to the White Helmets leadership in planning, coordinating, and follow up actions of advocacy trips and international engagements.
• Assist in fundraising activities.

Required qualifications: Education, Experience and Competencies:

• University studies/higher education in International Relations, Social and Political Sciences, or related field. Masters preferred.
• At least 5 years of proven professional experience in advocacy, policy, and research.
• Knowledge of or experience with European governments and parliaments, particularly in Germany, The Netherlands and/or France.
• Knowledge of or experience with the European Union, including the European Parliament and the European Commission.
• Knowledge of or experience with International Organisations, particularly UN bodies like the Human Rights Council or the OPCW.
• Experience developing working relationships with non-governmental organisations, research centres, researchers, think tanks, etc.
• Experience organising online and in person events.
• Knowledge of the Syrian context
• Strong research and analytical skills, evidence of persuasive writing skills and/or policy writing preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and independent judgment and discretion, as well as tact, diplomacy, and maturity in dealing with colleagues at all levels of the organization are required.
• Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently, under pressure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human rights, international relations, diplomacy, and/or policy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English & Arabic are required.
• Willingness and ability to travel in Europe and internationally when required to participate in meetings and events.
• Knowledge of other languages e.g., Dutch, German, French, considered an asset.