Advocacy & Communication Manager (National/Expat Post)

Who we are?

IDA is an international independent non-governmental organization providing medical and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
IDA was founded in 2012 by Syrian doctors from Aleppo in response to the healthcare and humanitarian crisis in Syria.

IDA Syria is the main healthcare provider in the Northern Aleppo/Syria area, working closely with 500,000 IDPs and 700,000 host communities through 20 healthcare facilities and other health and nutrition projects

During last year, IDA has provided 1.2 million services in Heath, Nutrition, WaSH and Camp Management

Responsibilities:

• Overview:
• The Advocacy & Communication Manager will spearhead the Communications & Advocacy (C&A) Unit, playing a pivotal role in promoting IDA’s mission, enhancing its visibility, and influencing key stakeholders within the context of the Syria crisis and the broader humanitarian community.
• Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
  • Craft and implement a strategic plan for the C&A unit aligned with IDA’s overarching organizational strategy.
  • Lead the development of IDA’s media and communication policy in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships and Advocacy.
  • Revise and enhance related policies, procedures, and tools.
• Communication & Media Engagement:
  • Ensure content is engaging and aligns with IDA’s advocacy priorities, particularly regarding the Syria crisis.
  • Produce, manage, and review media content such as newsletters, annual reports, and organizational profiles.
  • Oversee the website’s development phases and future updates.
  • Manage and oversee the content and engagement of IDA’s social media accounts, ensuring timely and effective communication that aligns with the organization’s goals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with targeted media outlets, manage media contacts, and coordinate press activities.
  • Assess media requests, undertake risk evaluations, and liaise with relevant teams for informed decisions.
• Capacity Building and Training:
  • Develop materials for communication and advocacy capacity enhancement.
  • Ensure adherence to organizational standards and policies, fostering the adoption of best practices.
  • Mentor field teams for effective media interactions
• Cross-Organizational Collaboration:
  • Integrate advocacy and communication efforts with programmatic and strategic initiatives.
  • Offer guidance on advocacy and communication plans and tools in the projects level.
  • Support the Executive team in preparations for advocacy initiatives or external liaisons, including preparing talking points for management during external engagements.
  • Represent IDA in diverse fora and within the humanitarian network.
• Team Management and Coordination:
  • Supervise the HQ and field-based communication teams.
  • Set team objectives, monitor progress, and manage work dynamics.
  • Handle line management duties, ensuring a conducive environment for growth and development.
  • Be the central point of contact for inter-departmental communications.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Initiate new media project proposals in synergy with the Director of Partnerships and Advocacy.
  • Undertake any other duties as directed by the Director of Partnerships and Advocacy.

Competencies
Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organization to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

1. Professional competencies
These are skills, knowledge, and experience that are important for effective performance.

Generic professional competencies for this position:

• B.A in Media or humanitarians affairs or any relevant department
• Experience working within a humanitarian context;
• Experience in activities relating to specific sectors of humanitarian work, possibly including Media, communication, and advocacy
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts;
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities;
• Fluency in English is essential
• Good IT skills, including Excel and Word, and PowerPoint;

Context/specific skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Knowledge of the context in Northwest Syria
• Good standing and reputation in the community
• Experience working with local partners;
• Experience in conducting assessments and monitoring activities;

2. Behavioral competencies
These are personal qualities that influence how successful people are in their job, the following are essential for this position:

• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Communicating with impact and respect
• Handling insecure environments

Independent Doctors Association does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, and committed to acting professionally and ethically.
Independent Doctors Association is zero tolerable with any SEA case, IDA is creating the best environment to make sure that all staff have understood SEA and how to report in case there is any suspected case