Job: International Media Support is seeking an Advocacy Facilitator – MENA

Advocacy Facilitator – MENA

International Media Support (IMS) is seeking an experienced advocacy specialist for its Middle East and North Africa programme.

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.  

In the MENA region, we work with partners in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and elsewhere to further the safety of journalists and promote freedom of expression and media reform, build institutions and develop media content.

IMS works at a regional level to support the exchange of expert knowledge and foster dialogue across contexts facing similar challenges, sustaining networks of likeminded individuals and professional partnerships among media and civil society groups

The rights community in the MENA region, and globally, is confronted by a shift in the perception of human rights and is facing increasing isolation and marginalisation which impacts on their constituencies’ ability to engage in the public debate and challenge duty bearers. There is a pressing need identified by IMS’ long-term partners, to reevaluate advocacy and engagement tools and mechanisms and to build broader and stronger communities.

In this context, we are looking for an experienced advocacy specialist.

Job summary 

The Advocacy Facilitator will be part of a team of dedicated and experienced programme managers and advisers who manage a broad range of multi-year programmes across the MENA region. The Advocacy Facilitator will refer to the Head of the MENA Department.

Working in close collaboration with the Head of Department and the Sub-Regional Head, and most importantly with IMS’ long-term partners in the region, the Advocacy Facilitator will design and lead open and effective channels of information and mobilization across the MENA region, advocate on behalf of cases in global fora and most importantly ensure that rights defenders, and ultimately the communities they serve, are empowered in the advocacy they conduct and in turn lessen their vulnerability.

Main responsibilities 

• Support partners in building communities that can be mobilised for the promotion and protection of rights and act as a support system 
• Advise IMS’ partners on their advocacy strategy and tools, if/where needed, specifically on innovative and alternative approaches to advocacy that can enhance results and resilience
• Set up, curate and lead communication channels through which information and alerts on significant FoE cases in the MENA region issued primarily by IMS’ partners are circulated with a view to broaden reach, regionally and globally, and increase impact, as well as enhance solidarity toward and among freedom of expression stakeholders
• Act as a facilitator and seek mutual endorsement of key statements by IMS’ partners with a view to increase public resonance, impact and solidarity
• Monitor and alert on FoE cases, developments and trends of significance in the MENA region with a view to build more coordinated advocacy platforms, including through broader coalitions of stakeholders
• Foster participatory processes and greater engagement and pressure for the protection of rights and law reform
• Advocate on behalf of cases in regional and global fora
• Seek regional and international media coverage of critical FoE cases and developments
• Provide IMS with spot reports on critical cases and developments pertaining to FoE, including recommendations on how to address those

Qualifications and skills  

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, media policy/journalism or related; graduate degree preferred;
• Demonstrable experience in informing and leading advocacy in countries challenged by an unstable political environment;
• Demonstrable experience in designing and leading successful digital advocacy, leading to stronger civic engagement and broader communities;
• In-depth knowledge of the MENA region, including politics and the situation as it pertains to human rights;
• Solid network of relevant civil society actors and media at the regional and international levels;
• Able to work effectively both as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Excellent ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure in a fast-paced, constantly changing regional environment;
• Ability to remain flexible, creative and solution-oriented in environments with limited resources;
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English and Arabic; French an asset; excellent communication, organisational and planning skills;
• Willingness and ability to travel to the MENA region and internationally.

Everyone with the required qualifications and skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Duration and location 

The initial employment term will be 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The position, based at IMS HQ in Copenhagen, is a 30-hour position. Salary will be commensurate with experience and IMS policies. Regular travel activity must be expected. Starting date: As soon as possible.   

How to apply 

Please submit a brief motivational statement, curriculum vitae and two professional references in English to [email protected] no later than 2^nd September 2018. Kindly mark the application “Advocacy Facilitator – MENA” in the subject header. Interviews with selected candidates will take place within the first couple of weeks after the deadline. Applicants’ knowledge of the regional context, as well as their language skills may be tested during the interview. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview.

For further information about IMS please visit www.mediasupport.org or contact Head of the MENA Department, Michael Irving Jensen: [email protected].  

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