At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Employer Description

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across more than 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.

Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks.

NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality and physical ability.

Job Description

To better communicate on the mandate, the work and added value of MONUSCO, and to counter mis- and disinformation. The Goma Field Office is at the centre of a difficult security and humanitarian situation and requires a dedicated Strategic Communication Officer that will work on these issues.

This position is based in the Field office in Goma RDC for MONUSCO and has a duration of 12 months. The Strategic Communication Officer will report to the Head of Office Goma Field Office.

Responsibilities

In line with the new MONUSCO Communication Action Plan complemented with the dedicated MONUSCO Force campaign plan, the Strategic Communication Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Translate the plans into concrete, strategic, targeted, and contextualised FO Goma actions and products with clear benchmarks and timelines for implementation in close coordination with all relevant Field Office sections & components i.e. civilian, police and force.
• Develop and rationalise strategic partnerships with key influential constituencies in the Petit Nord to elicit support for and maximise impact of the Mission and Field Office objectives based on the communication and action plan, including civil society groups, women’s groups, and youth group organisations, etc.
• Conceptualise, design, and implement information campaigns and outreach activities for and based on FO Goma workplan – including those aiming at reducing tensions, correcting mis-dis-information, hateful speech, and incitement to violence.
• Monitor social media and local groups messaging and propose ways and actions to address & counter mis-dis-information, including by involving local and influential stakeholders.
• Ensure close coordination with the Director of SCPID and the Communication Cell and drafts tailored material and products for the FO Goma and the Head of Office (HoO) and evaluates results and impact of communications activities.
• Prepare for the HoO tailored and contextualised speaking engagements and outreach engagements aligned with the strategic direction set by the Mission leadership and the communication cell.
• Develop and give presentations on the Mission mandate, FO activities and issues of concern to different groups, including media, civil society organisations, pressure groups, women groups, youth groups, business community, etc.
• Ensure close coordination and workstream with the Central Sector Commander and Force Headquarters to organise media coverage, briefings, and interviews showcasing the work done by the Force in POC.
• Plans and develops strategic outreach activities, including seminars, conferences, film screenings and public events which would address misconceptions/mis-dis-information, hateful speech, and social division.
• Provides advice and expertise to the Head of Field Office as well as Section Team Leaders on issues, methods and approaches relating to better showcasing Field Office activities and in addressing mis-dis information.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication – especially in conflict zone areas/Africa.
• Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes, and local conditions.
• Ability to conceptualise, design and implement strategic and contextualised information campaigns and outreach activities – including those aiming at reducing tensions, correcting mis-dis-information, hateful speech, and incitement to violence.
• Ability to analyse and integrate rapidly diverse information from varied sources and conceptualise a FO plan of action with all sections – directing them and supporting the HoO.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations diplomatically with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
• Act as lynchpin with the three components within the FO – civilian, police and force – and ensure a coherent and strategic engagement that portray the role and added value of the various components and propose innovative ways at countering the dis/misinformation circulating through social media but also capitalising on key influencers and stakeholders who have influence.

To be considered for this role, you need to have:

• An advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Political Science, International Relations, Media and Communications or related field.
• A first-level University degree in the above specialisations or related fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in programme planning, administration of projects, or similar.
• Experience in designing and implementing communications/information campaigns, products and or events, is required.
• Experience in civil-military coordination is required/desired.
• Fluency in French and English is required, knowledge of Swahili is desired/an advantage.

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit