Advocacy & Communications Assistant (For Filipino Nationals only)

BASE LOCATION: Cotabato City with travel to project locations in BARMM and other IR project areas.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Advocacy and Communications Assistant will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Advocacy and Communications Officer. She/he supports to ensure the effective, efficient, quality implementation of communication and advocacy plans for humanitarian and development projects of Islamic Relief Philippines.

The holder of this position will support the development, design, layout and editing of media materials used for brand visibility, project promotion, and advocacy campaigns of Islamic Relief in the Philippines.

Overall, the Advocacy and Communications Assistant will work closely with the Advocacy and Communications Officer, and respective project teams in the Programme Unit as well as Support units to ensure delivery of tasks i.e., effective planning and implementation of communications and advocacy activities per project, adherence to IR brand and visibility policies and guidelines, timely and quality donor reporting of visibility and media material requirements, and networking with relevant stakeholders to build positive reputation and promote IR work in the Philippines.

REPORTING TO: Advocacy and Communications Officer

KEY OBJECTIVES:

The holder of this position will be a proactive, creative individual, people-centred, and keen to support the development of communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as well as the overall promotion and reputation management of IRW work in the Philippines.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Advocacy and Communications Assistant will support the gathering, production and editing of media materials used for project promotion, advocacy campaigns, and brand visibility of Islamic Relief in the Philippines.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Gather content including case studies, photos, and videos for the development of knowledge products and promotional materials.
2. Design and layout visibility materials and knowledge products needed to promote the project and Islamic Relief’s work in the Philippines.
3. Produce and edit videos for project documentation and promotion.
4. Design graphics for digital marketing of IRW work in various social media platforms.
5. Support media relations and brand reputation and management of IRW in the Philippines.

EXPECTED RESULTS:

Contributes to Islamic Relief Philippines visibility, brand promotion and advocacies through the development of creative and appropriate media materials for dissemination in various platforms (print, broadcast or digital). Supports promotion of IRW advocacies and establishing Islamic Relief brand and reputation through building and maintaining interpersonal relations with community stakeholders, the media, other INGOs and government agencies.

COORDINATION:

The Communications Assistant coordinates with the Islamic Relief Philippines Communications Officer as well as with other project team members in the Programme Unit and Support units in the development, editing and delivery of communication materials for IRW visibility and promotion.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Work independently on tasks related to development and implementation of communications deliverables with periodic reporting and direction from supervisor/manager.
2. Make decisions on communication tasks and its daily management responsibly based on available resources.
3. Ensure that communication or advocacy plan is implemented properly and mindful of sensitivities.
4. Proper management of financial resources, equipment, and organizational resources.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications

• A graduate of a communications or social science related course.
• Knowledge of community-based approaches in humanitarian and development settings is desirable.
• Competency with the analysis of contextual information, and developing clear, informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of international standards such as Sphere, CHS, etc. is desirable.
• Experience in emergency response operations is desirable but not essential.

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 1-3 years of experience in communications-related roles vis-à-vis community development.

Skills

• Experience in graphic design, layout of IEC materials, and video editing used in campaigns and product marketing
• Knowledgeable in using various social media platforms for marketing and advocacy campaigns
• Excellent communication skills – able to communicate and report on technical points, both oral and in writing.
• Willing to be accountable for work conducted.
• Communicates honestly, openly, and consistently.
• Shares information appropriately and ensures that views of all members of the team are freely expressed.
• Encourages positive viewpoint.
• Able to build productive working relationships with local authorities, colleagues, and members of other organisations.
• Problem-solving skills and self-management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work sensitively with people from various cultural and social backgrounds.
• Open to adapt to Islamic Relief’s norms and values without compromising personal beliefs and principles.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Tagalog (written and spoken is desirable).
• Fluent in Maguindanaon, Iranon, Maranao, Bisaya or any other dialect in Mindanao is an advantage

IT Skills

• Good IT skills
• Knowledge in design, lay-outing, editing and/or graphics software
• Microsoft Office Word and Excel, Outlook

DESIRABLE

Disposition/Approach

• Able to work flexible hours when necessary to carry out task completion.
• Flexible & patient
• Ability to work on his/her initiative and with the team.
• Applicants should be able to show a good understanding of humanitarian principles and sympathy with Islamic Relief’s values, as well as a commitment to Islamic Relief’s vision and mission.
• Strong understanding of the BARMM development and humanitarian contexts and has experience working in BARMM.

Physical

• Energetic and able to operate in situations that may be challenging.
• Able to travel to project sites and do fieldwork during emergencies.

Interests

• Humanitarian relief, community development, resiliency, peacebuilding, climate change, disaster risk reduction, governance, etc.