Communications and advocacy officer – international (humanitarian) law

Diakonia is looking for an experienced communications and advocacy professional with experience in international law to develop, coordinate and support the communication platforms and strategies for the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre.

Diakonia is a Swedish non-profit organization for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Diakonia supports over 400 partner organisations in 25 countries – in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Diakonia works for a just, equal and sustainable future. We operate on feminist principles and a human rights-based approach, and our focus areas are human rights, democracy and gender equity.

Since the beginning of 2021, Diakonia has a new global strategy which entails an exciting development for operations, working methods and organization.

Diakonia established its new Global International Humanitarian Law Resource Desk Program in 2017, comprising of three contexts desks, working in Lebanon, Mali, and Israel/Palestine. The program, recently rebranded as the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre, is a specialist legal centre of excellence, engaging in high level research, advocacy and capacity building, centred around the promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL). The program engages with a wide range of actors, politicians, humanitarian workers, human rights organisation, and governmental bodies.

Role and responsibilities:

As Communications and Advocacy Officer, you play a critical role in promoting international humanitarian law at the global level and in the regions we work: you develop and oversee the implementation of the communications strategy and approach of the Centre. You also support all Desks of the Centre (the new Global Desk as well as the Desks based in Lebanon, Mali and Israel/Palestine) in regard to their communication products and activities. You develop ideas with the teams for outreach, handle requests from leading international media outlets, advise senior management on strategic communications, and coordinate initiatives to influence policies and practices of governments, militaries, and humanitarian actors. The Communications and Advocacy Officer is a central role within the Centre’s Secretariat, forming part of the Secretariat team which leads the strategic development and quality assurance of the Centre. The role is part of Diakonia’s communications department. Your responsibilities include:

• Develop advocacy strategies and implement the Centre wide communication strategy to take the Centre’s communication and advocacy activities to the next level
• Work with all Desk Managers and Centre Manager in developing innovative and highly accessible communication products
• Provide advice on and help to strengthen the IHL Centre’s brand and identity as one entity
• Provide direct oversight, support and input on communication products across the Centre
• Lead on the further development of the website and create content for social media and other communications channels
• Coordinate media requests and develop networks with journalists
• Support fundraising efforts
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Centre
• Facilitate internal communications within the Centre and within Diakonia

Experience and qualifications:

We are looking for an experienced communications and advocacy professional with the following qualifications:

• University degree or equivalent in relevant area.
• Five to ten years of experience working in the communications and advocacy field.
• Experience in or knowledge of either international law or the humanitarian sector.
• Excellent communications skills including excellent writing and editing skills.
• Excellent and proven skills to transform complicated material into short and engaging key messages.
• Strong understanding and experience of utilizing graphics to strengthen relevant communication.
• Strong understanding of the dynamics in politics and the media, and proven ability to identify opportunities for advocacy and media outreach.
• Outstanding level of English and professional level French proficiency.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility and a collaborative mindset.
• Network in the media or ability to build networks quickly.

This is a plus:

• Experience working on humanitarian advocacy, international humanitarian/criminal law.
• Command of other languages, particularly Arabic.
• Experience working in one or multiple conflict affected environments and/or international organisations.

We offer:

We offer you an exciting job in an international environment, where you become part of a culture that characterized by our core values: solidarity, justice, courage, commitment and accountability.

Location: Stockholm, Sweden, or European Mobility Employment. Some international travel is expected.

Start date: 1^st June 2022 or per agreement

Employment type: One-year contract with possible extension.