Comms & Advocacy Officer

Job Title:                                                  Comms & Advocacy Officer (Ukrainian nationals only)

Department:                                         Programming

Division:                                                   Communications and Advocacy

Duty Station                                          Ukraine: Odesa (with travel to NP programme sites)

Line Manager:                                      Head of Programme

Line Management Responsibility: N/A

Position Type:                                      Full-time

 Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

 OVERVIEW

NP first established a presence in Ukraine in 2014/2015 working on peacebuilding and conflict mediation. NP has had a sustained presence in Ukraine since April 2022. NP occupies a unique space in the protection response in Ukraine; simultaneously providing direct protection to at-risk civilians and providing hands-on support to front-line volunteer collectives to directly contribute to the sustainability and safety of their actions. 

  JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Comms and Advocacy Officer (CAO) to join NP Ukraine team and contribute to public communications, outreach and advocacy with civilians in Ukraine. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the political and humanitarian landscape and civilian protection needs in Ukraine. CAO will engage with internal and external stakeholders to build up NP’s external visibility, gain traction from key partners and raise the profile of NP in Ukraine. CAO will develop NP Ukraine’s collective ability to communicate its identity, core messages, and achievements in Ukraine to international, national and local audiences, with boosting of its social media presence through high quality content. Direct engagement with local partner organisations on uplifting and highlighting their work in the field of civilian protection will be among the key priorities. 

  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Comms

•  Identify and develop comms opportunities to highlight NP and partner work in Ukraine - in collaboration with field teams and Country Programme
•  Build relationships with relevant media stakeholders and facilitate media on civilian protection issues and NP and partner work in Ukraine
•  Collaborate with field teams to develop innovative communications materials for a range of audiences utilising media such as photography and video
•  Support the Programme Development Team in the delivery of timely and high-quality reports to donors, with new infographics, quality pictures and captions
•  Contribute to NP Global Website content and social media and develop Ukraine-specific social media content highlighting NP and partner work in Ukraine 
•  Directly support national and global thematic campaigns (e.g. localisation events, World Humanitarian Day etc.)

 Advocacy

•  Closely monitor, identify, and amplify key civilian protection needs, risks, and responses in Ukraine
•  Develop advocacy outputs, including written briefs, case studies, talking points, and reports - in collaboration with the NP Programmes Team and Global Advocacy Team
•  Support advocacy skills and strategy development for NP Ukraine and local partner organisations and communities; 
•  Participate in relevant stakeholder meetings and advocacy working groups on Ukraine upon request

 QUALIFICATIONS 

 Education, Knowledge, and Experience

 Degree in Journalism or Communication, development communication, social sciences or other related field

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders 
• High proficiency in in the use of technology and software (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Professional, Google Products, social media platforms)
• Video and Photography skills
• Proficiency in the use of infographic software and/or experience in graphic design
• Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed
• At least 2 years of experience doing communications and media work, preferably with an NGO
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian

 Key Challenges

 Working in volatile conflict environment requiring strong stress resilience, team spirit and creativity

• Managing multiple competing priorities and strict deadlines

 Skills and Competencies

 Strong collaborator with effective interpersonal and analytical skills who can work seamlessly across cultures, and organisational units

• Able to work effectively in a highly matrixed structure, multi-task, prioritise and make decisions
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to work independently and with a team needed
• Deep knowledge and understanding of CSO work and their organization trends in Ukraine
• Fluent in Ukrainian language and very strong English language skills (spoken and written) is essential 

 Preferred Qualifications 

 Experience working in an INGO/NNGO or similar organisation

• Ability to work with relevant technical tools such as: SharePoint and MS Office are strongly needed

 Working Conditions:

 This position requires travel to insecure locations. You must be prepared to travel and to spend time away from the duty station

• Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict security protocols and maintain high level of professionalism

 APPLICATION PROCESS

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the Incomplete applications will not be considered  https://nonviolentpeaceforce.bamboohr.com/careers/480?source=aWQ9MzA%3D
• The closing date for applications is 15 December 2024.
• The position is open to Ukrainian nationals only
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview

 SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

 Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

 The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

 All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

 NO FEE 

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.