Advocacy Coordinator
MdM Germany – Ukraine, Kiev
MdM provides emergency medical aid in disaster and crisis situations, supports access to health care and, if possible, assists with reconstruction measures. The network is also active in risk reduction and preparedness as well as long-term development co-operations in neglected regions around the world that receive little public attention. MdM ensures that its health services are provided equally to the most vulnerable citizens, refugees, internally displaced people and host communities, regardless of their ethnic, social, religious or political background.
MdM has been operating in Eastern Ukraine since 2015, targeting the most vulnerable communities and people affected by the ongoing conflict by improving access and quality of health care services for the population in Luhansk Oblast. Currently a team, consisting of 3 international and 37 national employees is implementing the intervention in Luhansk Oblast. MdM maintains a coordination office in Kiev and a field office in Severodonetsk (Luhansk Oblast). Besides providing direct services, MdM is advocating towards national decision-makers and the international community on the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Ukraine. While on international level the need to find political solution for the crisis has been guided our work, MdM is paying attention on the integration of the needs of the conflict affected population into the Health Reform on national level.
To lead the advocacy efforts in Ukraine MdM is looking for an Advocacy Coordinator, based in Kiev (national or international). The Advocacy Coordinator leads the design of the advocacy strategy for the Ukraine mission as well as designs and implements the annual advocacy action plan. He/She is in charge of coaching and managing the Advocacy Officer. He/She is also playing a strong role in external communication, especially communication in media.
Advocacy in MDM is evidenced-based, meaning that we rely on our field work to build our advocacy messages. Therefore, the Advocacy Coordinator is in close relation with the field team, in particular regarding data collection and reporting.
Considering that different organizations (both national and international) are involved in advocacy in Ukraine, and that MdM is part of a Consortium with a strong advocacy component, coordination and a participatory approach is an essential component of the position.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the mission in cooperation with the coordination team and the Advocacy Officer.
- Propose a comprehensive advocacy action plan for the mission, including activities such as press releases, contacts with parliamentarians, events, reports etc. in coordination with HQ advocacy expert.
- Develop a communication strategy accompanying the advocacy actions in coordination with HQ communication department.
- Monitor closely and analyse the political environment as well as the latest developments in the field and react to events or adapt the advocacy strategy accordingly.
- Support the teams in collecting adequate and reliable information and feedback to be used in advocacy activities.
- Produce advocacy material, such as reports and factsheets, highlighting the different advocacy messages.
- Develop and maintain a strong network with representatives of the Ukrainian society, such as NGOs, governmental actors, press, universities, media etc.
- Represent MdM actively in coordination groups and relevant advocacy working groups.
- Strengthen current partnerships with local partners especially in advocacy.
- Train and manage the Advocacy Officer.
- Capacity Building of MdM staff in Advocacy.
Hierarchical & Functional links
The Advocacy Coordinator reports directly to the General Coordinator. She/he manages directly the Advocacy Officer in Kiev and implements the advocacy strategy in Kiev and in the Luhansk oblast (GCA) with the technical support of the country coordination team (medical coordinator, mental health coordinator, logistics coordinator, administrative coordinator).
Required Qualification
Your professional Profile
- Master degree in International Relations, Humanitarian Aid, Public Health, or equivalent,
- Minimum of 5 years experience in Advocacy work, preferably for an INGO, NGO or Governmental organisation. Engagement in a national health reform process and expierence in post-Soviet countries are strong assets,
- At least two years expierence at a senior management level with demonstrable ability to lead a team,
- Proven experience of engaging with and influencing decision-makers whilst utilising sound political judgment and sensitivity,
- Exceptional communication, representative and persuasive skills, both orally and visually,
- Experience documenting case studies from the field and lessons learned,
- Proficient management of MS-Office, emailing software and social networks. Skills in graphic design, video and photo editing and web development application are an asset,
Your personal profile
- Capacity of analysis and synthesis;
- Capacity of strategic thinking;
- Capacity to take initiatives and propose innovative solutions;
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, working with different groups, partners and nationalities.
You are committed to MdM’s values.
Conditions of employment
- Starting date: as soon as possible
- Length of the contract: 12 months
- Duty station: Kiev with regular visits to Severodonetsk and other field locations.
- Salary: according to qualification and experience and MdM Germany’s terms and conditions.
Contact
For questions regarding the post, please contact Julia Brunner
Julia.brunner@aerztederwelt.org
+49 (0)89 45 23 081 297
Please send your application to:
Brigitte Geißinger