Communication and Advocacy Specialist

Position: Communication and Advocacy Specialist.
Organization:  The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO).
Location: West Bank, Palestine.
Project Title: ‘’SHORAKA’: Enabling the Environment of CSOs in Palestine and Participation of Grassroots Organizations in Decision Making Process and Constituency Building.’
Duration: 36 months. Full-Time position.
Reports to: Directly to Project Manager, and to PNGO Executive Director.

PNGO is the biggest network for Palestinian CSOs. It was established in 1994. It is considered the main coordinating body and the institutional umbrella in which over 142 organizations are members. PNGO upholds and promotes values of democracy, social justice, and sustainable development while performing its various roles. PNGO works to support, strengthen, and consolidate Palestinian Civil Society, through coordination among national platforms, and through launching projects and implementing activities with member organizations and networks. PNGO leads a pivotal role as a ‘coordination committee’ among non-governmental platforms by supporting the different Palestinian networks and sectors. 

INTORDUCTION:

PNGO is the lead applicant in the EU funded project ‘SHORAKA شركاء’. The aim of the project is to enable the environment of CSOs in Palestine, and to promote the participation of grassroots organizations in decision making and constituency building. This project aims to enhance and elevate CS’s capacity in national policy dialogue and policy monitoring. Despite the increasing institutionalization of consultative process between the PA and CS, CSOs consider the relationship to be superficial as revealed by the EU Country Roadmap for Palestine (2014-2017).  The Project will promote national, regional, and international networking on Civil Society matters.

The action will build on previous EU projects with PNGO, such as projects to strengthen the role of civil society development, and promote civil society engagement. The Palestinian Civil Society has potential that remains to be unleashed, through reinforcing and increasing coordination among civil society actors. Also, ensuring a more inclusive engagement with other CS actors such as unions, associations, media outlets, and even the private sector.

The communication and advocacy element is a core component in project implementation. This project focuses on advocacy content, information distribution, and campaigns to Palestinian CSOs, which will assist CS communicate its position and combat the trend of shrinking space. This is a role that requires creating communication channels which support the advocacy activities as well as all project activities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTION:

The specific results of the project are:

To mitigate and reverse the shrinking space trends increasingly evident in the local Palestinian context.

To amplify the Palestinian narrative and the effectiveness of Palestinian Advocacy efforts in the EU-EUMS

To boost the governance, institutional capacity and coordination of PNGO, the main sectorial committee and the CS platforms and to strengthen the role of Palestinian CSOs in local decision-making. 

To strengthen the capacities of PNGO, the main sectorial committees  and beneficiary CS platforms in advocacy and lobbying to better coordinate and participate in decision-making and in the monitoring of the implementation of public policies. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Specific Responsibilities He/she will perform are as follows, but not limited to:

ADVOCACY STRATEGY AND POLICY:

Develop and lead a joint advocacy strategy that will guide PNGO’s advocacy efforts  to combat the trend of shrinking space among national CSOs. Accordingly, create plans for local, regional and international levels. 

Execute PNGO’s advocacy strategy. Candidate has to ensure the implementation of campaign activities and lobbying efforts in accordance with advocacy objectives.

Lead PNGO’s engagement and research efforts in policy shaping and influence, with special focus on target sectors and beneficiaries. 

Research and analyze advocacy information, such as publications that address national policies and Palestinian CS. 

Ensure application of visibility guidelines with guidelines of PNGO, EU and other involved partners. 

Conduct and implement project Advocacy campaigns, which include advocacy content and material. 

Provide required information for reporting, or monitoring and evaluation purposes. 

Coach project coordinators to ensure proper communication, and the completion of project activities. 

Cooperate with partner networks, member CSOs, and other actors to increase and enhance PNGO’s membership base.

Build on existing synergies between the Civil Society Sectorial Committees and the different networks, coalitions, and unions, to create a better policy dialogue with the Palestinian government. This includes Engagement with sectorial committees in identifying policy issues and advocate to the government to address policy constrains.

Manage and implement the Palestinian Advocacy Taskforce, which includes work with key actors from Europe and Palestinian CSOs. 

COMMUNICATIONS AND EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT:

Develop a communication mechanism (both Internal and External), and management of information feed.

Produce communication plans in accordance with advocacy objectives and strategic priorities. 

Update the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) and other websites, to ensure information flow and quality of material.

Work and coordinate with EU experts, in order to cover and implement different activities and campaigns. Also, coordinate with EU advocacy expert to identify, and reach selected officials and bodies, which includes communication with ECCP, and ELSC.

Develop media initiatives and create digital content that supports advocacy campaigns.

Draft and reflect the position or stance of PNGO regarding matters like national policies or civil rights.  

Manage and cover the press, by dealing with news agencies and media outlets.

Transfer, disseminate, and communicate advocacy material, in order to be published on social media platforms and websites.

Oversee a wide range of communications among various project activities, and with multiple partners. 

Represent and attend events, also participate in policy forums and advocacy opportunities at national, regional, and international levels. 

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KEY COMPENTENCES AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 

Education and Experience criteria He/she must have:

Education: 

Uuniversity degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, advocacy or equivalent communication-related field, such as institutional communication, communication for development and HR. 

Experience:

7 years of proven experience in a communication-related field, preferably with elements of coaching and training.

Knowledge of theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.

Good knowledge and experience in Palestinian Civil Society needs and concerns is essential.

Global human rights issues knowledge and background, specifically relating to advocacy with IHL/HR narrative.

Proven experience in communication in relation to HR advocacy and social media.

Strong knowledge of the oPt (Occupied Palestinian Territory) context, including its sensitivities and needs;

Adhere to the FDFA Code of Conduct.

Availability to travel to the West Bank and Gaza.

Skills:

He or she must be fluent in English and Arabic (Spanish and French is an added value). 

Marked social and interpersonal skills.

High level of networking, and negotiating skills. 

Presentable with charisma and influence.

Great attention to detail, adaptable, and patient. 

Time management and prioritizing skills.

All Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.  

Deadline for submitting the application is: August 23, 2021.  By 16:00 PM.  

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

Cover letter with indication of applicant’s ability and availability.

CV or Resume explaining how your background and experience are relevant to the work assignment and the qualifications, competencies, knowledge and skills.

Example/s of applicant’s communication and advocacy work.

The application shall be submitted to the following email: [email protected]

The email must mention “Communications and Advocacy Specialist” in the subject line. 

Important note: For all those who applied earlier for ‘’Communication and advocacy specialist’’,due to a technical error please resubmit your application at: [email protected]