Advocacy Advisor Multi Country (Nairobi Based)

About the role

The Advocacy Advisor plays a key role in shaping NRC's policy influence and public positioning in Somalia and Kenya, two of the most complex humanitarian contexts globally. Operating at a senior level, the role leads the design and implementation of advocacy and communications strategies, provides expert analysis and evidence-based advocacy products, and builds the capacity of staff and partners to amplify the voices of displaced communities. The position is based in Nairobi on a national contract.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and coordinate NRC's advocacy response to prioritised issues domestically and internationally
• Develop and implement an advocacy and communications strategy aligned with the country strategy
• Develop the media plan and lines, including risk analysis of public positions and adherence to sign-off procedures
• Line manage communications teams, including staff development, budget planning and execution, and administration
• Provide systematic training on advocacy and communication and ensure compliance with policies such as informed consent, data protection and social media standards
• Raise the issues and voices of displaced people in Somalia and Kenya before decision-makers, duty-bearers and the public
• Hold NRC accountable by regularly sharing information on the situation and the state of the response
• Contribute to problem, protection and programme analyses with a policy and public interest lens, and integrate advocacy and communications into responses
• Monitor implementation and impact of advocacy and media plans
• Prepare briefings, reports, press statements, letters and other communications materials, including visual, digital and social media content

Required profile

• Post-graduate degree with at least five years of relevant experience in the humanitarian field or international media/organisations
• Humanitarian advocacy experience and policy management from different contexts
• Experience in complex and insecure contexts, preferably in the Horn of Africa
• Experience producing high-level advocacy products and policy analysis, and documented results for the role
• Fluency in English with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Open to national candidates with the legal right to work in Kenya; NRC does not sponsor visas or residency permits

Required skills

• Experience in advocacy, communications, media or humanitarian policy
• Understanding of humanitarian coordination architecture and donor environments
• Experience engaging media and managing sensitive external communications
• Knowledge of international legal and policy processes on displacement, protection, peace and conflict, and humanitarian action

What we offer

• 24-month renewable contract (based on funding and performance)
• 70% of time at the Somalia country office, 10% at the Kenya country office and 20% travel to other East African countries
• Grade 9 salary on NRC's national scale