Advocacy & Communication Assistant

About DRC   
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities.  DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role
The position holder will lead the Supporting Displacement Affected Communities in Kenya with Entrepreneurship Development (SDACKED) project’s advocacy and communication efforts to effect positive change for communities through influencing decision-makers, individuals to change their policies and practices, attitudes or behaviour to address their needs. The role will also contribute to strategically amplifying DRC’s work in line with respective donor projects and the organizational advocacy, visibility & communications strategy/or guidelines.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead to develop and manage Mandera projects’ communication plans (internal and external) and activities, according to DRC’s policy and guidelines while promoting DRC’s work in Mandera.
  • Work closely with project leads on the development and implementation of the DRC advocacy strategy and ensure high quality communication products that speaks to the organization’s work especially in Mandera.
  • Provide technical support and advice to project staff/partners on advocacy and communication deliverables.
  • Lead and support the communication of visits to the programme so as to highlight work being done on the ground and at urban level.
  • Maintain a high-quality photo repository of DRC’s work in Mandera for amplifying the organization’s efforts to impact the lives of communities.
  • Lead and support in developing Mandera Field Office social media content and support the Advocacy & Communication Officer in Urban and the Advocacy & Communication Coordinator at the Country office in administering DRC’s social media platforms.
  • Conduct regular field visits to areas of operation in Mandera to document human interest stories, successes and impact of DRC’s work.
  • Develop project information sheets, donor briefs, key messaging and other relevant material for use at strategic events to promote and showcase impact of DRC’s work.
  • Conduct advocacy & communication capacity development or training for Mandera field office staff and partners and come up with an action plan for follow up.
  • Ensure that DRC brand, donor branding and visibility guidelines are adhered to during project implementation, procurement and external communication.
  • Support SDACKED Project Manager during external representation when required to do so, budget management and donor reporting aligned to advocacy and communication deliverables.
  • Support in fundraising efforts by contributing in developing concept notes and proposals in advocacy and communication framework designs including budgetary requirement elements.

Experience and technical competencies: 

  • Minimum 2 years + working on advocacy campaigns or communications. 
  • Experience with building constructive working relationship with diverse stakeholders or working with networks or coalitions (work with northern Kenya communities desirable). 
  • Demonstrable understanding of how change occurs and of effective advocacy and campaigning strategies including familiarity with online and social media use.
  • Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to work both independently and within a team in a demanding work environment.
  • Good analytical and strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas simply, both verbally and through writing.
  • Excellent computer skills with MS applications Word, Excel & PowerPoint. 

Education

  • Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Development Studies. Degree in Social Science with relevant 2 years’ experience in Advocacy and Communication work can be considered.

Language: 

  • Written and spoken fluency in English and Kiswahili 

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

  • SDACKED project partners (KCB Bank, KCB Foundation, Chamasoft Ltd, Salihin Sharia Advisory Ltd). 
  • Local communities.
  • County Government of Mandera.
  • National government.
  • Other relevant external partners including the donor as appropriate..

About you:  
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:  

  • Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.   
  • Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   
  • Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
  • Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   
  • Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.   

Conditions  

  • Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. 
  • Availability: July 2024
  • Duty station: Mandera base office, Mandera

Application and CV:  
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.  
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations.  Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 28th June 2024

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.  
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms. 
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. 
 


DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:
  • Professionalism, impact & expertise
  • Humanitarian approach & the work we do
  • Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
  • Culture, values & strong leadership
  • Fair compensation & continuous development


DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.


Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants regardless of race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. We have a strong ambition to further enhance the diversity of our workforce and our goal is to achieve 50% gender balance and at least 50% representation of national staff in management roles. We acknowledge the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive team to successfully achieve our organizational goals and positively impact the communities we serve.



APPLY FOR POSITION


Application due:
6/28/2024

Workplace:
Mandera

Department/Country:
Kenya

Contract type:
National contract

Homepage:
drc.ngo


ABOUT DRC

Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 40 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.