Advocacy and Campaigns Manager/MENA

Key role managing and delivering high-profile international campaigns to protect civilians from conflict

You won’t have heard of us, as we work behind-the-scenes, but Crisis Action is at the forefront of global advocacy. We are now looking for a creative, effective and dynamic campaigner to join our MENA office.

Our job is to coordinate and drive joint international campaigns to tackle the causes and human consequences of conflict head on. We work to create and support strategic coalitions to protect civilians during war and to mobilize international action to end or prevent conflicts.

Whether it be Syria, OPTI or Sudan, as Campaigns and Advocacy Manager, you will be on the front line of global advocacy - whether in rapid response to fast-unfolding events or tackling entrenched, long-term conflicts. In collaboration with key Crisis Action MENA partners like Oxfam, International Crisis Group, Human Rights Watch, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies and the Arab Coalition for Darfur you will be responsible for forging high-profile international campaigns and delivering effective high-level advocacy with the key MENA international bodies such as the Arab League. Though focusing on the MENA region you will work closely with colleagues in our dynamic and growing network of offices from New York to Brussels, London to Nairobi.

We are looking for someone with a strategic approach and a track record of delivering results. You could have a range of professional backgrounds, but you should have: astute foreign policy and political insight and in particular an ability to analyze MENA foreign policy in order develop advocacy strategies; a good knowledge of the workings of key MENA bodies such Arab League, GCC, OIC and as of influential Arab politicians and Arab Ministries of Foreign Affairs; strong hands-on experience of campaigning, lobbying and media work; and the drive and judgment to coordinate groups of diverse partner organizations.

If you like routine, relish bureaucracy or are looking to put your feet up, this job isn’t for you. If you’re hungry for a challenge, have limitless energy in a fast-moving environment and think you can help us and our partners influence some of the world’s most powerful people, then go to http://crisisaction.org/en/news for an application pack.

The following are essential:

• Proven ability to analyse complex political issues and to define strategies for achieving policy change in the Middle East and North Africa.
• A proven track record in campaigning and/or advocacy in the Arab world.
• Excellent political judgement and instincts, especially with regard to foreign affairs in the Arab world.
• Expertise in working with the Arab media including ability to write articles, prepare press releases, contact journalists and promote campaigns.
• First-class interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to cultivate high-level contacts within different Arab governments, Arab League, the media and the civil society sector.
• Excellent writing skills with fluency in Arabic and English.
• Ability to identify campaign opportunities and suggest new and innovative activities.
• First rate organisational skills and the drive and initiative necessary to take ideas forward to fruition in a coalition setting.
• High level of energy and enthusiasm; a can-do attitude and drive to see commitments and projects through.
• Resilience and an ability to cope with multiple internal and external demands.
• Ability to work well under pressure, and changing demands and priorities when required by external events or strategic opportunities.
• Commitment to Crisis Action’s aims.
• Willingness to share the administrative tasks associated with running a small organisation.

The following are desirable:

• Knowledge of conflict issues, especially with regard to the role of the international community.
• Knowledge of international law and the UN system, especially as it relates to conflict.
• A university qualification in a relevant subject area (e.g. Politics, Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution, International Relations etc.).
• Relevant contacts in politics, the media and the NGO sector.

• Understanding of the challenges involved in organising NGO coalition campaigns.
• Knowledge of effective digital campaigning techniques.
• Experience of evaluating campaigns.

The following would be an added advantage:

• Additional languages.

Go to http://crisisaction.org/en/news for an application pack.