Communication and Advocacy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC has been operational in Cameroon since 2017, focusing on providing support to displaced communities across various regions affected by humanitarian crises. The organization operates in multiple countries, with a mission to protect displaced populations and help them rebuild their lives. NRC's work encompasses four main areas: legal assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, and education, all aimed at addressing urgent needs while promoting long-term recovery. The organization emphasizes an integrated approach to its operations, ensuring coordinated support that facilitates the transition from emergency response to stability. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where all employees can contribute ideas and take on responsibilities, thereby enhancing their professional growth and the effectiveness of their humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Communication and Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in leading, managing, and providing strategic direction for NRC’s policy, advocacy, and communications efforts in both Cameroon and Chad. This position is vital for identifying priority protection concerns and integrating advocacy across various program areas. The manager is responsible for developing and implementing advocacy and communication strategies tailored to the specific contexts of both countries, ensuring alignment with NRC’s global guidance while applying risk-sensitive approaches. The role requires a balance of responsibilities between the two country offices, with approximately 50% of the time dedicated to each. The postholder will report administratively to the Cameroon director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and functionally to the Chad Country Director, working collaboratively to ensure that advocacy efforts are effective and contextually relevant. The position also involves producing evidence-based messaging to strengthen the humanitarian response for crisis-affected populations, thereby enhancing NRC's impact in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities for the Communication and Advocacy Manager in Cameroon include leading access advocacy efforts focused on addressing bureaucratic and administrative impediments, coordinating with the HAS Manager to produce evidence-based advocacy messaging for donors and diplomatic actors. The manager will also be tasked with producing quarterly advocacy notes that highlight remaining humanitarian needs, particularly in the North-West and South-West regions, in the context of the humanitarian-to-development transition. Additionally, the manager will support collective advocacy efforts through CHINGO (Cameroon INGO Forum), contributing to joint positioning and advocacy initiatives while engaging with key stakeholders. In Chad, the responsibilities include documenting and analyzing humanitarian needs, particularly concerning Sudanese refugees, and producing quarterly advocacy notes to inform donor engagement. The manager will also contribute to regional advocacy on the Sudan crisis by participating in NRC advocacy calls and providing monthly updates on Chad's situation. Active participation in collective advocacy efforts through FONGIT and relevant advocacy platforms is also expected, ensuring that NRC's advocacy initiatives are well-coordinated and impactful.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a postgraduate degree in communications, international relations, law, political science, journalism, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in a senior communications and/or advocacy role within the humanitarian or development sector. A strong understanding of international legal and policy frameworks related to displacement, protection, and humanitarian action is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate knowledge of protection principles and experience in integrating advocacy considerations into program and operational contexts. A proven track record of delivering strategic communications and advocacy initiatives, including policy analysis, message development, stakeholder coordination, and high-level event organization, is required. Additionally, candidates must possess the ability to translate complex humanitarian and policy issues into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as communications, international relations, law, political science, or journalism. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian issues and effectively communicating advocacy messages to various stakeholders.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in a senior communications and/or advocacy role is required. This experience should be within the humanitarian or development sector, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex environments and effectively advocate for vulnerable populations. Experience in policy analysis and influencing strategies targeting national, regional, or international stakeholders is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Excellent drafting and editing skills in both languages are crucial for producing high-quality advocacy materials and communications. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Yaounde, Cameroon, with a contract duration of 12 months, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The contract type is Resident (National), and the salary and benefits are aligned with NRC Cameroon’s National Salary Scale, specifically at Grade

• NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to contribute to a safe environment, reporting any incidents of exploitation or harassment. The role offers opportunities for professional growth and encourages innovative ideas from employees at all levels.