Advocacy and Media Officer

The Union of Charitable Societies–Jerusalem (UCS) invites highly qualified candidates to apply for the following post: 

Position Title    : Advocacy and Media Officer 

Reporting To    : Project Manager and Director-General

Location            : East Jerusalem

Duration            : 18 months contract-renewable.

Job Type            : Full Time

Closing Date      : Monday-February 24, 2025

Vacancy Code   :  EUP/1/2025

1. Project Background:

A consortium of a Civil Society Organizations in East Jerusalem, which consists of the Union of Charitable Societies – Jerusalem (UCS), AL Bustan Association Silwan(BAS), and the Women’s Center Al-Thouri Silwan(AWC), is implementing its joint EU funded project: “Civil Society Empowerment for Social Change in Jerusalem: Strengthening Grassroots Networks and Partnerships”. The objectives of the project is to reduce the impact of policies and procedures that restrict the work of civil society organizations in the Jerusalem Governorate and to improve the resilience and solidarity of civil society organizations in Jerusalem.The project will be implemented over the next 3 years. The Advocacy and Media Officer will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the Project Manager and the Director-General of UCS-Jerusalem.

UCS is the first National Palestinian non-profit and independent union of non-governmental charitable and developmental societies that was established in Jerusalem in 1958. It strives to build an effective Palestinian civil society through advancing the Palestinian civil work in an institutionalized and democratic manner and according to good governance and accountability standards in order to contribute to national building and sustainable development. UCS aims mainly at empowering the Palestinian non-governmental organizations, developing their resources and advocating for their rights and causes. It also strives for supporting sectoral development priorities in the fields of social welfare, poverty reduction, health, education, childhood, women and youth empowerment, integration of the disabled people, elderly care, human development and demographic planning.

2. Main duties and responsibilities

The Advocacy and Media Officer will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and monitoring advocacy and media strategies to support the UCS and project’s goals, aligned with the needs of civil society organizations and the Jerusalem community at the national, regional, and international levels. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in managing social media platforms effectively, pitching stories to journalists, organizing press conferences, and securing media coverage to amplify the organization's impact and visibility.

3. Specific duties and responsibilities
4. Advocacy and Media Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Design and Implementation:Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of comprehensive advocacy and media strategies that address the needs of civil society organizations and the Jerusalem community and to raise awareness of the project’s goals, activities, and achievements.
• Impact Assessment:Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy efforts, using data-driven insights to refine and adjust strategies for maximum impact.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and international partners, to advance the project’s objectives and amplify its reach.

2. Media and Communications:

• Social Media Management: Manage and optimize social media platforms to ensure consistent, impactful, and engaging messaging that aligns with the project’s objectives.
• Website Management: Oversee the UCS website, ensuring it is regularly updated with relevant content, news, and resources to reflect the project’s progress and impact.
• Content Creation: Produce high-quality content, including press releases, articles, blogs, and multimedia materials (e.g., videos, infographics), to support advocacy and media campaigns.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to secure coverage and amplify the project’s visibility and impact.

3. Campaign Design and Management:

• Campaign Development: Design and execute targeted advocacy and media campaigns to mobilize support for civil society organizations in Jerusalem, ensuring alignment with the project’s goals.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with consortium partners to ensure cohesive and collaborative campaign efforts, leveraging collective strengths for greater impact.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community leaders, and international donors.
• Representation: Represent the project in meetings, conferences, and other forums, advocating for the rights and resilience of civil society organizations in Jerusalem and promoting the project’s objectives.

5. Reporting and Documentation:

• Progress Reporting: Prepare regular, detailed reports on advocacy and media activities, including progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Success Stories: Document success stories, case studies, and best practices to showcase the project’s impact and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the sector.

6. Publications and Dissemination:

• Material Production: Support the production and dissemination of publications, reports, and other materials that align with the project’s goals and enhance its visibility.
• Branding Guidance: Provide guidance on branding requirements and ensure the consistent application of UCS’s communications brand policy across all internal and external products and materials.

7. Capacity Building:

• Training and Support: Provide training, mentorship, and technical support to consortium partners and grassroots networks on advocacy, media, and communications best practices.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to build the capacity of local stakeholders and enhance their ability to advocate effectively.

8. Other:

• Any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the UCS that are within the incumbent’s expertise and experience.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

4. Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in journalism, political science, public relations, international relations, or a related field. (A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is a strong asset).
• Professional certification, in social media, digital media, advocacy…etc, is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in advocacy, media, or communication roles, preferably in the context of civil society or human rights.
• Experience working with civil society organizations (CSOs), grassroots movements, or international development projects is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of the political and social context in Jerusalem and the challenges faced by CSOs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic, (Proficiency in Hebrew is a significant advantage).
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to represent the project at conferences, workshops, and media events.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including CSOs, community leaders, and international partners.
• Ability to demonstrate computer literacy including use of word processing and basic programs such as excel, power point and web browsing.
• Proficiency in managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn) and using digital tools to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Experience in media relations, including pitching stories to journalists, organizing press conferences, and securing media coverage.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and content management systems (e.g., WordPress) is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, handle a variety of concurrent activities, rank priorities, organize work efficiently, and deliver assignments in a timely manner often under time constraints;
• A team player who can also work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks efficiently, and cope with stress.
• The applicant must have a valid driving license.
• The applicant must be a resident of Jerusalem.

5. How to apply:

All applicants are required to submit their resumes and a cover letter in English to the following email address: [email protected], with the subject line "Advocacy and Media Vacancy". The deadline for applications is Monday, February 24, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The Union of the Charitable Societies-Jerusalem (UCS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage women to apply.