Deadline: 4 November 2024

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assists refugees and displaced people worldwide: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights and strengthen their opportunities for a better future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive to achieve responsible and sustainable solutions. We work for the successful integration of vulnerable communities and, where possible, their wish to return home.  

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown into an international humanitarian organisation with over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Headquartered in Copenhagen and present in 40 countries, the DRC is a non-governmental, non-profit, politically neutral and independent non-denominational aid organisation. 

Our vision is a life with dignity for all displaced people in the world. All our efforts are based on our moral compass: humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty and transparency. 

1. Background 

Led by the regional office in Dakar and closely linked to interventions in neighboring Central African Republic (CAR), DRC began operations in Cameroon in 2018, responding to the humanitarian needs of CAR refugees and vulnerable Cameroonians in the Adamawa region. Currently, DRC operates a main office in Meiganga and two sub-offices in Djohong (Adamaoua region) and Garoua-Boulai (East region). In early 2019, DRC also initiated operations in the South-West region to provide assistance that meets the basic needs of populations in terms of food, shelter and protection in rural and hard-to-reach areas. In 2023, DRC is initiating an intervention in the Logone-et-Chari department in the Far North with the priority of seeking solutions to the root causes of inter-community conflicts through programming on peacebuilding and resilience. DRC works with various local partners in Cameroon and is gradually increasing its financial support to Cameroonian civil society organizations.  

2. Purpose 

The Advocacy & Communication Specialist will be responsible for implementing advocacy and communication strategies, advocacy and communication actions and capacity building with key partners, in support of the Program Manager. He/she will directly contribute to reducing the protection risks of the program’s target populations by increasing knowledge and stakeholder engagement in favor of respecting their rights. 

3. Responsibilities 

Main responsibilities 

A. PLEA 

He/she is responsible for the following tasks/activities: 

• Animation of / Participation in the development of the DRC advocacy strategy at the CMR; 

• Media monitoring and documentaries on priority subjects; 

• Organization of regular meetings of the Advocacy Working Groups when necessary; 

• Support for the mobilization of the partners concerned when necessary, particularly for the signing of notes (making presentations if and when necessary); 

• Proposal of advocacy actions linked to the national and international agenda; 

• Development of a national dissemination plan in Cameroon; 

• Coordination of / Participation in or even support for the development of advocacy notes (depending on the subjects and priorities); 

• Coordination of advocacy actions, dissemination of advocacy notes, organization of meetings or events.  

• Coordination, if and when necessary, with structures that can disseminate advocacy at the international level (platforms or NGOs); 

• Conducting advocacy and lobbying actions when necessary, at the request of partners and/or DRC to defend their common interests; 

• Maintaining a list of key contacts on the identified advocacy themes both for the preparation of the notes (in order to invite specialists for discussions with partners, for example) and for the dissemination of the notes to the authorities, within civil society, partners and donors or others; 

B. COMMUNICATION  

The Advocacy/Communication Specialist will be responsible for proposing quality communication tools and taking into account the opinions/proposals of partners when necessary: 

• Support for internal initiatives aimed at developing a sense of community within DRC and a feeling of belonging; 

• Offer training/refreshers with the base teams (photoshoots, DRC branding, involvement of partners in our communication, etc.); 

• Support for the organization of internal and/or external events during world days celebrated by DRC CMR, with local and/or international partners; 

• Support for the creation and animation of tools or media facilitating internal communication; 

• Support for the development, updating and animation of the internal sharepoint; 

• Support for the writing and distribution of a quarterly newsletter; 

• Support for the development of dissemination tools according to available media – posters, comics, press articles, radio broadcasts/spots, etc. – with a view to participating in improving the perception of NGOs and humanitarian actors in Cameroon; 

• Ensure coordination with NGO communications officers to define a common vocabulary and complementary approaches; 

• Participation in meetings of the existing GTP or Communication and Advocacy WG; 

• Coordination, facilitation of the organization of external events in possible coordination with other actors; 

• Supervision of a communications and graphic design intern. 

C. AWARENESS RAISING / TRAINING ON “HUMANITARIAN PRINCIPLES AND ACCOUNTABILITY” 

He/She will provide training and promotion of humanitarian principles. 

• Development of communication tools for public broadcasting; 

• Development of an awareness/training course on the principles intended for 3 types of actors (NGO & INGO personnel, authorities, agents of State technical services and traditional/influential leaders). 

This job description is not restrictive and may be subject to change depending on the objectives of the program and the priorities of the DRC Cameroon mission. 

4. Required qualifications  

• Minimum 2 years of experience in local and/or international civil society on issues relating to human rights, refugee rights; 

• Demonstrated experience in representing and participating in meetings with national authorities and other key stakeholders; 

• Experience in project management, development and activity monitoring; 

• Knowledge of communication techniques; 

• Proven knowledge of humanitarian principles; 

• Excellent command and writing skills in French and English. Mastery of one or more local Cameroonian languages ​​is a plus; 

• Knowledge of the legal context in force in Cameroon and the CAR and of regional and international standards considered an asset; 

• Computer skills in Microsoft Pack (Office, Outlook, etc.) and communication software (Photoshop for example); 

• Good understanding and commitment to DRC values; 

• Ability to research, verify, make accessible and disseminate reliable information; 

• Adaptation, diplomacy and clarity of expression. 

5. General regulations  

• The employee must follow DRC’s instructions regarding security, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Responsibility Framework  

• The employee must not carry out any other paid activity during the duration of the DRC contract without prior authorization.  

• The Employee shall not engage in any activity that may be detrimental to DRC or the implementation of any project during the term of the DRC contract.  

• The employee must not give interviews to the media or publish photos related to DRC programs or share other materials without receiving prior authorization.  

• The employee must return all equipment loaned by DRC to perform the work after the end of the contract period or upon request by DRC.  

6. Skills and qualities required 

• In this role, you must demonstrate the five essential DRC skills, namely: 

• Striving for Excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. You strive to produce accurate, thorough and professional work with optimal use of time and effort. 

• Collaborate: You cooperate with and engage stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information with them. You support and trust others, while encouraging feedback. 

• Taking the Lead: You take responsibility and prioritize your work based on DRC’s overall vision and goals. You take the initiative when faced with a challenge or opportunity and seek innovative solutions. 

• Communicate: You write and speak effectively and honestly while adapting your style and tone to the situation. You actively listen to others and involve them in dialogue. 

• Demonstrate Integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 

• Ability to work in a multicultural and cosmopolitan environment 

• Proactivity, with a cooperative and collaborative approach 

• Excellent communication skills (including attention and patience) are required  

• Good organizational skills are required 

• Exemplary sense of ethics 

• Ability to work in a team and good sense of humor 

7. Application process

If you are interested, then apply online via the link:  Vacancies | DRC Danish Refugee Council

Applications can only be made online, on the website indicated above. You must upload your CV (3 pages maximum) and a cover letter online. The CV and cover letter can be in French or English.  

Applications submitted by post, email or physical file will not be considered. 

DRC provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits any practice of discrimination based on race, sex, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, age, marital status or any situation of disability. DRC does not practice any discrimination in its recruitment processes.  

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit the organisation’s website: drc.ngo. 

 Applications will close on November 4, 2024 at 23:59 Cameroon time . However, it is possible for the DRC to begin the recruitment process before the end of the publication of the offer if an application meets the expectations and requirements of the position.