Communications Officer

We are looking for a highly qualified Communications Officer for our program in Antakya- Hatay, Turkey.

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC has been operating in Turkey since early 2013, working with by and large with non-camp Syrian refugees and affected host communities. DRC is committed to basic humanitarian principles; including impartiality and neutrality, and offers the highest standards of accountability to the people it serves. The overall objective for DRC in Turkey is the protection and promotion of durable solutions to displacement affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights with more immediate objectives focusing both on the immediate subsistence needs, protection and self-reliance support as well as a more long term focus on capacity building. In Turkey, DRC works partially through partners, also providing intensive capacity building support, while also conducting direct implementation.

About the job

The Communications Officer will be responsible for leading on and supporting the delivery of content for DRC Turkey and global digital channels, including social media and creating copies for use in traditional media, manage social media channels and support the different area offices in Turkey with training in writing as needed, under the supervision of the DRC Turkey Country Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communications Officer will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Overall Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of in-house creative campaigns and content in various formats, including writing copies and brain storming ideas for videos, photos, podcasts, infographics, film, animation and social media.
• Write press releases, feature stories, factsheets and opinion pieces in both Arabic and English for use in DRC channels and in traditional and online media, including newspapers, magazines and media outlets.
• In collaboration with the Country Officers and HQ teams, establish and maintain DRC MENA’s social media presence.
• Support Multimedia officer in writing copy for film and graphics
• Coordinate with writers and editors as needed.
• Testing products for errors and making amendments.
• Work on a communications plan for DRC social media platforms in cooperation with the Multimedia Officer and Regional Advocacy and Communications Coordinator.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have University degree in graphic design, filmmaking, arts or equivalent experience

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Essential Experiences:

• Experience in writing for news media and magazines
• Experience in editing and copy editing
• Experience in training non-journalists on writing and journalism
• Experience in managing and writing for social media and web portals

  Preferred Qualification:

• Above average computer literacy

  Preferred Experience:

• Three years of experience in a communications officer or journalist position, preferably in an NGO or media settings
• Proficiency in digital tools and CMS preferred
• Previous experience with publications preferred
• Previous experience in HTML editing or Adobe Creative Suite preferred

  Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong communications skills
• Capacity to work independently
• Ability to engage with a wide range of actors operating in different sectors and environments
• Ability to create linkages between different departments including between programmes and support functions
• Capacity to create linkages and positive exchanges between different geographic areas
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, with a commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from others
• Ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation and the political environment
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skill, with proven ability to create and utilize qualitative and quantitative analyses in organizational planning;
• Strong report writing skills;
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills;
• Ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment;
• Capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs;
• Ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy;
• Ability to manage ambiguity, frustration and stress in self and others;
• Confident and decisive leadership;
• Desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally;
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;
• Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend DRC’s interests with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations and other groups.

  Language Skills:

• Fluency in the English language, both written and verbal and knowledge of Turkish or Arabic

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a 4 months’ contract, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work ASAP and be willing and able to work in Antakya-Hatay.

We offer a fair compensation package depending on your qualification and experiences as well as additional allowances such as relocation allowance and living allowances, if applicable. DRC Turkey is income tax exempted.

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button. 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact recruitment@drc-turkey.org  

Applications close 28 August 2017. The interviews are expected to take place within 2 weeks after the application close date.

Need further information?

For more details on this position please contact HR Team at recruitment@drc-turkey.org.

Please note that applications sent directly to HR Team will not be considered.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.ngo