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SWA Vacancy: Chief Advocacy, Influencing and Communications

Applications before 11 May 2024

Published on: 24/04/2024

IRC is currently recruiting, on behalf of Sanitation and Water for All, for a Communications position that will be supporting the achievement of the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) global partnership's Vision and Mission: Chief of Advocacy, Influencing and Communications.

Context

IRC is selected by the Sanitation and Water for All partnership to host the above mentioned position to contribute to the work of the SWA Secretariat. Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership of over 400 partners, almost 90 of which are UN Member States. Other partners include donors, civil society organizations, private sector, research and learning organizations, utilities and regulators, UN agencies and other development partners working together to catalyze political leadership and action, improve accountability and use scarce resources more effectively.   

The ultimate goal of the partnership is to achieve universal access to water supply and sanitation for all, always and everywhere. 

Terms of Reference 

The post incumbent will lead and manage a team to design and coordinate effective, integrated advocacy, influencing and communication strategies.  

This will include, while not being limited to, the following: 

  1. Advise and assist the CEO and Steering Committee on the global positioning and strengthening of political will at the highest levels in support of SDG6 and SWA’s vision and objectives, and enhance the partnership’s credibility and positioning, through effective communications, influencing, advocacy and brand management. 
  2. Lead the development and implementation of an advocacy, influencing and communication strategy with clear priorities to promote water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as SWA globally.  
  3. Advise SWA leadership on strategic advocacy targets for delivering on SWA’s mission, with the United Nations, in key political processes (G20, G7), and within specific countries.  
  4. Support the Secretariat and SWA partners in ensuring consistent messaging across the partnership. 
  5. Ensure the effective communication and visibility of SWA mandate through the use of integrated communication strategies (media relations, Global Leadership Council, publications, digital and social media), and innovative communication platforms.  
  6. Ensure a systematic approach to anticipate and manage reputational risks to the organisation and its leadership, as well as act as SWA’s spokesperson when needed. 
  7. Identify key events for advancing SWA’s mission, and represent the partnership in external events as relevant. 
  8. Create communication and media partnerships with international media educational institutions and development foundations and others to advocate for and enhance international understanding of development issues and in particular water, sanitation and hygiene issues. 
  9. Work closely with counterparts within partner organisations and key stakeholders, including UN agencies and identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives.  

Requirements

  • A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, international relations, or related area; 
  • At least 6 years leading and managing teams in fast-paced environments; 
  • Strong background and experience dealing with strategic communications, advocacy and influencing, as well as organizational positioning; 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively; 
  • Ability to work under very tight deadlines; 
  • Languages: excellent command of the English language.  

Desirable

  • Experience in leading and designing strategic communication programmes, initiatives and campaigns at global level; 
  • In-depth understanding of international development and advocacy trends; 
  • Knowledges of French and/or Spanish is considered a strong asset.   

Details of the position

You will initially be offered a one year contract, hosted by IRC,  with a competitive market rate salary depending on qualifications, in line with the scales of the contracting IRC office. IRC has a 40-hour work week; and all IRC offices provide a solid package of secondary benefits; providing leave days; compensation for commuting and communications costs; contribution towards pension etc. 

Based on the physical location of the candidate, an employment contract will be provided either one of the IRC offices or an Employer of Record (if physically location of the candidate is in a country where IRC has no registered office). 

The start date depends on the signing of the hosting agreement between IRC and SWA, but is aimed to be no later than 1st July 2024.   

Candidates are kindly requested to respond with a motivation letter explaining their interest in the position and a concise curriculum vitae (the letter is a critical part of the application – unsupported CVs will be rejected) before 11 May 2024 to IRC, attn. Marion Giese at recruitment@ircwash.org.  

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a writing assignment mid-May 2024; followed by an interview for selected candidates in the week of 20th May
 
For additional information please visit our website at www.ircwash.org or the SWA website at www.sanitationandwaterforall.org.
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