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Position Title: Advocacy and Communication Manager
Location: Tehran
Country: Iran
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been operational for over 40 years, providing assistance to people forced to flee due to crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, delivering life-saving and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. NRC is committed to advocating for the rights of displaced persons and improving their living conditions through various programs and initiatives. In Iran, NRC has established itself as the largest international NGO, focusing on the needs of refugees and displaced populations, particularly the Afghan community, which constitutes one of the largest and most protracted refugee situations globally. The organization operates in ten provinces across Iran, providing assistance in sectors such as education, livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, protection, and legal assistance. NRC also plays a significant role in coordinating inter-agency working groups and building the capacity of humanitarian partners in the region.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy and Communication Manager at NRC Iran is tasked with providing leadership and strategic direction for the organization's advocacy and communication efforts. This role is crucial in identifying key protection concerns that require advocacy and ensuring that advocacy is integrated into all NRC activities. The manager will develop and implement a country-specific advocacy strategy that aligns with NRC's overall objectives, enhancing the organization's ability to influence policy and improve humanitarian responses for displaced populations. The position requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The Advocacy Manager will also oversee the development of communication strategies that effectively convey NRC's messaging and promote awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced individuals in Iran. This role is pivotal in shaping NRC's advocacy messaging and ensuring that it resonates with both local and international audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy and Communication Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Line management of Core Competence and Partnerships Specialists, Grants, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) staff.
• Identifying and coordinating NRC's advocacy responses to prioritized protection issues at both national and international levels.
• Developing and implementing a country-specific advocacy strategy that aligns with NRC's overall country strategy.
• Ensuring coherence in advocacy efforts and fostering effective synergies between programmatic activities and advocacy initiatives by collaborating closely with program staff.
• Seeking Fundraising opportunities for advocacy initiatives and supporting fundraising efforts for programs, including contributing to the development of high-quality proposals that incorporate research and advocacy activities.
• Providing systematic training on advocacy and communication to enhance the capacity of technical staff.
• Conducting high-quality protection Analysis on key humanitarian and displacement trends and preparing evidence-based policy briefing papers, position statements, and other advocacy products.
• Liaising with NRC's Country, Sub-regional, Regional, and Global Representation Offices to coordinate advocacy messaging and maximize impact.
• Engaging with external stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and international organizations, to promote NRC's advocacy agenda and enhance collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Advocacy and Communication Manager position must possess the following qualifications:

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant field, such as International Relations, humanitarian studies, or Social Sciences.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant managerial or advisory experience within the humanitarian sector.
• A solid understanding of international legal and policy processes related to displacement and international protection.
• Proven results in areas related to the position's responsibilities, particularly in analysis, message drafting, Coordination, networking, and event organization.
• Strong leadership skills and self-awareness regarding personal leadership style.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential.
• Knowledge of the refugee context in Iran and/or the humanitarian context in Afghanistan is considered an asset.
• Exceptional writing skills for producing articles, briefings, reports, and official correspondence.
• Experience in managing communications, including internal communications and Community Engagement. 1
• A background in policy analysis and influencing is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Advocacy and Communication Manager position includes a postgraduate degree in a relevant field. This could encompass areas such as international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or any other related discipline that provides a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and advocacy efforts. The emphasis on a postgraduate qualification underscores the need for advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary for effectively navigating the challenges faced by displaced populations and influencing policy decisions.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in managerial or advisory roles within the humanitarian field. This experience should encompass a strong focus on advocacy, communications, and policy analysis, demonstrating a proven track record of successfully addressing protection issues and influencing humanitarian responses. Candidates should have experience working in complex and sensitive contexts, showcasing their ability to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies that resonate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, as well as for producing high-quality advocacy materials. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the refugee context in Iran or the broader region, would be considered advantageous. Such language skills could enhance the ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders, further strengthening NRC's advocacy efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 2 years, including a 6-month probation period. The salary and benefits are determined according to NRC's salary scale and terms and conditions. The duty station for this position is Tehran, Iran. NRC encourages both internal and external candidates to apply, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The organization is open to recruiting individuals who demonstrate a strong alignment with NRC's mission and values, particularly in the context of addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations. It is important to note that NRC may review applications before the advertised deadline, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.