Ukraine Project - Strategic Communications Advisor

SOS Children's Villages, founded in 1949 by Hermann Gmeiner, is the world's largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it.

Child neglect, abuse and abandonment is everywhere. Families are at risk of separation. Locally led, we work in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families who are under pressure so they can stay together. When this is not in a child or young person's best interests, we provide quality care according to their unique needs.

Together with partners, donors, communities, children, young people and families, we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We speak up for each child's rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.

Location: Innsbruck, Vienna, Skopje or Tallin

Duration: Limited full time position:  31/12/2023

Mission

The Global Communications team's objective is to inspire engagement for global action for children growing up alone or at risk of growing up alone. Our editorial content and guidance support the federation's purpose and strategic goals. We position SOS Children's Villages as the champion for children without parental care or at risk of losing it.

Tasks & Responsibilities

This position iplays a key role in positioning SOS Children’s VIllages to inspire engagement for global action for children and young people without or at risk of losing parental care impacted by the war in Ukraine. The incumbent will provide strategic advice on how the organization best can champion the plights of children without parental care in Ukraine, or among the Ukrainian diaspora, while showcasing the impact of our work on the ground.

The incumbent will be a part of the Global Communications team, with a dotted reporting line toe Ukraine Emergency team, and a close collaboration with the regional communications team. The incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Analyse the context of our target group. In Ukraine, in countries hosting refugees, and countries impacted by the food crisis. Propose new proactive communications initiatives to highlight the situation of our target group. Draft papers, articles and op-eds accordingly.

• Proactively seek and gather data reporting the impact of SOS Children’s Villages programmes in Ukraine and with Ukrainian diaspora. Maintain reporting overview based on impact measurements showcasing how donations are spent (to Partnership and supporting Associations primarily and International Office).

• Optimize use of data and research to ensure that communications materials (produced by the incumbent and also other team members) are evidence-based and the impact of our interventions is highlighted and substantiated.

• Lead the development and continuous update of narrative and key messages related to the war in Ukraine, working closely with the communications colleagues in the region, fund development, advocacy and other teams

• Engage with, clarify and pre-brief incoming media requests (re-active) and propose pro-active initiatives to leverage international media.

• Monitor external trends and propose messaging that highlights the relevance of our work in and around Ukraine to global developments.

• Support fundraisers by:

• providing communication toolkits, including messaging and Q&A (content provided by the project team)

• facts & figures

• plug and play impact overviews for external use

• Organize and host regular internal videoconferences for fundraisers and communicators providing updates on the situation.

• Independently draft press releases, op-eds, talking points, slide decks and other communication materials.

• Work with the organization's communications specialists to manage the compilation of compelling stories and images that contribute to evidence-based communications. Suggest content for the international website and social media channels

• Maintain and update the UA ER workspace on the collaboration platform.

• Manage relevant contracts on behalf of the International Office, liaise with and supervise the work of external contractors for communication purposes.

• Support effective liaison and cooperation between Global Communications & Brand, the regional office, Advocacy, and other departments, in particular Global Emergency Response.

• Support the UA ER team with editing of key documents, namely the (revised) humanitarian appeal and related reports.

• Develop external stakeholder materials based on reports, included but not limited to, presentations, messaging, and fact sheets.

Requirements

Essential:

• Master's degree in journalism, communications, international development or similar, or an undergraduate degree with comparable experience.

• Minimum of five years working experience in journalism or communications in the area of campaigning combined with experience in public affairs, media relations or marketing communications preferably in a humanitarian context.

• Preferably experience in politically sensitive (conflict or post-conflict) environments.

• Excellent English writing and editing skills combined with the ability to convey and adapt complex information to the needs of the intended audiences.

• Ability to provide strategic counsel and manage stakeholder relationships.

• Experience working within governmental and multilateral settings (such as the UN, EU, civil society).

• Strong academic research skills

• Experience working at the international level

• Professional Fluency in written and oral English. Knowledge of Ukrainian, Russian or other Slavic languages is an added advantage

Desirable

• Experience in politically sensitive (conflict or post-conflict) environments
• Experience working in the field of child rights is an asset.
• Experience working directly with children

We offer

• A diverse range of interesting tasks in a leading INGO multicultural working environment

• As a responsible employer we provide a range of training schemes and encourage educational enhancement

• A salary that will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

• As a responsible employer we provide a range of training schemes and encourage educational enhancement

• Flexible working hours (core times 9-12am)

• Overtime – does not get lost and can be taken as hours off

• Home-office possibility

• Possibility to work from abroad max 25% of your working time

• Training possibilities

If you are interested in this position, please submit your detailed application in English by September 2022 at https://careers-sos-kd.icims.com