Advocacy and Communications Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that was established to work alongside communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. The organization aims to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. With a team of over 6,000 staff and local volunteers, RI operates across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on various programs including Health and Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education, and Livelihoods. These programs are designed to lay the foundations for community resilience. RI is a network of three organizations: Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, and Relief International-UK, all sharing a common mission to support vulnerable communities in crisis situations.

Job Overview:
As the Advocacy and Communications Coordinator, you will serve as the strategic lead for advocacy and external communications within Relief International’s Syria program, which operates in a highly complex and politically sensitive humanitarian environment. Your primary responsibility will be to design, drive, and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive Advocacy and Communication Strategy that aligns with RI’s humanitarian goals while amplifying the voices and needs of conflict-affected Syrians. This role acts as a vital link between programmatic evidence and strategic influence, translating operational realities into impactful advocacy messages and media engagement that raise awareness, secure funding, and drive policy change. You will also engage with humanitarian coordination platforms, donors, and diplomatic actors to enhance RI’s visibility and impact in the region. The position requires a high degree of autonomy, political sensitivity, and strategic judgment, as you will navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and manage reputational risks while seizing advocacy opportunities that can influence the broader humanitarian response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your key responsibilities will include leading the development and delivery of RI’s Advocacy and Communications Strategy for Syria, providing strategic humanitarian analysis and policy advice to the Senior Management Team, and drafting position papers and policy briefs grounded in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and RI’s operational experience. You will represent RI in key advocacy platforms and maintain strategic relationships with donors, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will collaborate with Program Advisors and Area Managers to identify advocacy issues and ensure alignment with program objectives. You will oversee content development for visibility products and campaign materials, manage country-level external communications guidelines, and assess reputational risks linked to communication products. Furthermore, you will set strategic direction for the Communications Officer and field-based focal points, provide technical leadership, and promote a collaborative team culture aligned with RI values.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in Political Science, International Development, Journalism, Law, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in advocacy and communications within humanitarian contexts is essential, along with a proven track record of engaging in high-level advocacy and policy influence in conflict settings. Candidates must possess excellent writing and editing skills, a deep understanding of the Syrian humanitarian context and Middle East geopolitics, and knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. Strong interpersonal, coordination, and relationship-building skills are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Development, Journalism, or Law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of advocacy and communications in humanitarian settings, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Syria.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in advocacy and communications, specifically within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a proven ability to engage in high-level advocacy and influence policy in conflict settings, demonstrating a strong understanding of the operational realities faced by humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic is desirable, as it will enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders. While Arabic is a preferred language, candidates should also possess strong English language skills to produce strategic communication products and engage with international audiences.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, with travel requirements of up to 50% within the country. The closing date for applications is October 4, 2026, although the position may be filled before this deadline. As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to safeguarding all individuals encountered through its work and adheres to core humanitarian principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct, and recruitment includes a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks.