Advocacy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international humanitarian organization that was established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC began its operations in Sudan in 2019 and has since expanded its reach significantly. By 2025, NRC and its partners had provided direct assistance to over 1.3 million individuals and an additional 1.5 million through various humanitarian initiatives across 18 states in Sudan. The organization prioritizes advocacy as a core component of its response strategy, focusing on the protection of civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and supporting local responders. Sudan is recognized as one of NRC's largest and most critical operations globally, making it a focal point for the organization's international advocacy efforts. The Advocacy & Media Manager plays a pivotal role in leading NRC Sudan's Advocacy and Communications Department and is a key member of the Country Management Group, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational implementation.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy & Media Manager is tasked with leading NRC's advocacy and communications initiatives in Sudan. This role encompasses the responsibility for humanitarian diplomacy, where the manager develops actionable policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection of civilians and improving humanitarian access. The position is externally focused, requiring the manager to act as NRC's primary media spokesperson and represent the organization in various relevant forums. Internally, the manager is expected to integrate advocacy efforts across all programs and operations, providing strategic advice and analysis to inform decision-making processes and support the implementation of NRC's overarching strategy in Sudan. The role demands a proactive approach to developing and executing advocacy strategies that align with the country’s overall objectives, while also coordinating with regional offices and other stakeholders to ensure a cohesive approach to advocacy and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy & Media Manager will develop and lead the advocacy and communications strategy for NRC Sudan, ensuring alignment with the overall country strategy and coordination with three Regional Offices (East and South Africa, West and Central Africa, and the Middle East). Key responsibilities include providing high-quality analysis of humanitarian, protection, access, political, and diplomatic developments, and delivering evidence-based policy positions. The manager will oversee NRC Sudan's media and public communications, ensuring that all communications align with advocacy objectives and adhere to ethical storytelling standards. The role also involves representing NRC with key stakeholders, building relationships with diplomats, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and other relevant parties to advance advocacy objectives. Specific responsibilities include developing a humanitarian diplomacy strategy, analyzing program findings, coordinating research initiatives, managing the Advocacy and Communications Unit, and identifying funding opportunities for advocacy work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of five years of experience in humanitarian work, human rights, diplomacy, or related fields within international organizations such as INGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic institutions. Demonstrated experience in advocacy, policy engagement, humanitarian diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement is essential. This role requires substantial advocacy experience, including management and influencing work in humanitarian contexts. Candidates must also have experience in strategic communications, media engagement, and serving as a spokesperson, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, are required, as is the ability to produce high-quality briefs, reports, and policy papers.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by specialized training or certifications related to humanitarian work, advocacy, or communications, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in humanitarian, human rights, diplomacy, or related fields. Candidates should have substantial advocacy experience, particularly in humanitarian contexts, and must demonstrate a proven track record of engaging with sensitive stakeholders in complex, conflict-affected environments. Experience working in Sudan, especially at the policy level, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with humanitarian protection programs and advocacy efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role, particularly in written and verbal communication. Additional language skills, particularly in Arabic or other relevant languages, would be considered advantageous but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position can be either Port Sudan, Khartoum, or Nairobi, Kenya, and it is classified as an unaccompanied contract. The initial contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. The role may require approximately 20% travel. The salary is set at grade 9 on NRC’s International salary scale, amounting to NOK 52,933.0

• NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in employment, ensuring a welcoming and supportive work environment for all employees.