Media and Communication Specialist

About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent national NGO in Iraq, committed to supporting Internally Displaced Persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities across all Iraqi cities and governorates. With operations in key regions such as Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Nineveh, Diyala, and Basra, AGO focuses on rebuilding lives and promoting inclusivity for all, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Media and Communication Specialist will play a central role in increasing AGO’s visibility and outreach by leading strategic communication efforts and developing impactful content across digital and traditional platforms. The position involves planning and executing media strategies, managing social media channels, documenting field activities, supporting donor visibility, and producing high-quality multimedia content. The role requires a proactive communicator who can collaborate effectively with programme teams, respond to dynamic field needs, and ensure consistent branding and messaging that reflect AGO’s values and impact.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1– Communication Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement AGO’s media and communication strategy in line with organizational goals and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with programme teams to develop monthly and annual communication workplans and content calendars.
• Identify visibility opportunities and integrate communication components into ongoing projects.

2– Content Creation and Documentation:

• Write, edit, and publish content including success stories, press releases, photo essays, and social media updates.
• Conduct field visits to gather stories, testimonials, photos, and videos with informed consent.
• Design brochures, factsheets, roll-up banners, and other visual materials to support project and advocacy efforts.

3– Social Media and Digital Management:

• Manage and grow AGO’s presence on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Create and schedule engaging content aligned with campaigns, awareness days, and field updates.
• Monitor and report on engagement analytics to improve reach and audience interaction.

4– Media and Public Relations:

• Build relationships with journalists and media agencies to facilitate coverage of AGO’s work.
• Coordinate press releases, interviews, and media site visits.
• Monitor media mentions and maintain a press database and media log.

5– Donor and Stakeholder Communication Support:

• Ensure visibility materials meet branding requirements of donors (EU, UN, GIZ, USAID, etc.).
• Support the preparation of communication inputs for donor reports and project proposals.
• Collaborate on field event planning and manage visibility for donor and stakeholder visits.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, media, or public relations within NGOs or development organizations.
• Proven experience in social media management, content writing, photography, and videography.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other media design and editing tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to AGO’s field locations across Iraq and Syria.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in a related field is an asset.
• Knowledge of Kurdish or other local languages.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations or in post-conflict settings.
• Familiarity with donor communication requirements and ethical communication principles.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong storytelling, editing, and visual design skills.
• Ability to translate complex project information into engaging and accessible content.
• High attention to detail, creativity, and innovation.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural communication, and team coordination skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and humanitarian principles in communication practices.