Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

BASE LOCATION: Cotabato, Philippines

REPORTING TO: Country Director

LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications and Advocacy Coordinator will lead the development and execution of Islamic Relief Philippines’ communications strategy and advocacy campaigns to amplify the organization’s mission, programs, and key messages. The role is responsible for managing media relations, digital communications, content creation, and public outreach. Additionally, the coordinator will work closely with internal teams to develop and implement advocacy initiatives that engage stakeholders, influence policy, produce project visibility and campaign materials, and ensure consistent brand usage and integration of advocacy efforts across all projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications Strategy Development:

• Design and implement communication plans with appropriate strategies in order to generate greater awareness, understanding and support for Islamic Relief Philippines programs and campaigns;
• Develop key messages and communication materials that align with Islamic Relief Philippines objectives, targeting donors, partners, government bodies, and the public.
• Manage the organization’s branding, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels and materials.
• Provide support in the finalization of reports for donors, ensuring appropriate edits and packaging to coordinating timely and high-quality technical inputs, and institutional reporting requirements of IRPH and the donor, in close coordination with the Country Director.
• Evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies and make recommendations for future actions to the CMT and other senior officials accordingly.
• Respond to emergencies when requested by quickly travelling to the site and preparing information for public release on IRPH’s operations and activities, preparing all needed materials for internal and external use, particularly multimedia materials.

Advocacy Campaigns:

• Develop and implement IRPH’s advocacy plans supporting/adopting IRW’s global campaigns on gender justice, climate action, refugees/IDPs, and child protection.
• Strategize and ensure integration of these global advocacies to various IRPH’s projects.
• Identify key advocacy priorities and target audiences, including policymakers, donors, community leaders, and the general public.
• Develop advocacy materials such as policy briefs, position papers, infographics, and presentations to support the organization’s advocacy goals.
• Facilitate production of media materials to support the implementation of campaigns both online and face-to-face advocacy activities.

Media Relations & Public Outreach:

• Lead the collection and promotion of content for media materials from case studies, photos, and videos of beneficiaries and stakeholders while ensuring compliance to organisational policies including safeguarding and data privacy.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media to promote the organization’s activities and achievements.
• Prepare and edit written materials from press releases, feature articles to briefing notes, Questions and Answers (Q&A) and other materials for use in the media and distribution to the public, educational institutions, non-governmental agencies and donors.
• Act as a spokesperson for IRPH, handle media inquiries, establish and maintain contacts with media representatives and others focusing their attention on IRPH activities and achievements that are of interest to targeted groups.

Digital Communications & Social Media Management:

• Oversee the organization’s online presence, including managing its website, social media platforms, and newsletters.
• Develop and curate engaging content (written, visual, and multimedia) to promote campaigns, events, and organizational updates across digital platforms.
• Monitor social media trends and engage with online communities to raise awareness and support for the organization’s initiatives.

Content Creation & Reporting:

• Create compelling stories and case studies that highlight the success of the organization’s programs and advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather content, data, and testimonials for use in reports, marketing materials, and donor communications.
• Ensure all communications materials are accurate, well-written, and aligned with the organization’s messaging guidelines.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Communication, Mass Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. A master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or advocacy, ideally within the NGO or non-profit sector, experience in Communication for Development (C4D) is an advantage.
• Proven experience managing media relations, digital communications, and advocacy campaigns.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, donors, and media outlets.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to create clear, concise, and compelling content.
• Experience in implementing advocacy campaigns is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, content management systems, and digital marketing strategies.
• Experience in organizing and managing public events, campaigns, or advocacy initiatives.
• Proficiency in using communication tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or video editing software is a plus.
• Functional knowledge of photography and videography.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Core Competencies:

• Creativity and Innovation:
• Advocacy & Policy Understanding:
• Collaboration:
• Adaptability:

Ability to create innovative and engaging communication campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.

Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and actionable messages for the public and decision-makers.

Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners to ensure communications and advocacy efforts are aligned and impactful.

Flexibility in responding to emerging issues and trends in communications and advocacy.