Program Associate, Advocacy and Communications

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Advocacy and Communications Program Associate is responsible for supporting the implementation of both the advocacy and media/communications programs for the Nobel Women’s Initiative.  Reporting to Manager for Media and Communications, the candidate works in co-ordination with the Manager for Media and Communications and the Manager for Policy and Advocacy to implement strategic advocacy and communications/media plans that advance NWI’s core advocacy agendas—and also increases the profile of the organization and the work being carried out by NWI’s global partners.

The Program Associate is a motivated, creative individual, committed to advancing peace and the rights of women worldwide.  The successful candidate is independent, enjoys new challenges and can manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.  S/he will also relish the opportunity to learn new skills and be part of a small team in a growing organization where each person’s contribution is critically important.

BACKGROUND:
The Nobel Women’s Initiative (NWI) was founded in 2006 by six women Nobel Peace Laureates:  Jody Williams, USA; Shirin Ebadi, Iran; Wangari Maathai, Kenya; Betty Williams, Ireland; Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Ireland; and Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Guatemala.  Faced with an increasingly unstable world, marked by persistent violations to women’s rights, the women Laureates decided to unite for peace, with justice and equality.  The mission of the Initiative is to work together as Nobel Peace Prize Laureates to spotlight and amplify the work of women’s rights activists, researchers and organizations worldwide addressing the root causes of violence, in a way that strengthens and expands the global movement to advance nonviolence, peace, justice and equality.

Focal issues for NWI’s advocacy program are the ongoing crises in Darfur, Sudan and Burma; women’s rights in Iran; Iran-US tensions; climate change and justice; and disarmament.  

The Nobel Women’s Initiative is based in Ottawa, Ontario with another office at the University of Houston, Texas.  This position will be based in Ottawa.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Implement components of the advocacy and communications/media strategies for NWI’s core policy agenda and organizational profile, under the supervision of the Manager for Policy and Advocacy and the Manager for Media and Communications;
•    Draft advocacy communications for decision-makers in governments and multilateral institutions worldwide;
•    Conduct research on key issues and provide input to shape NWI’s policy and advocacy agenda;
•    Prepare background materials on focal issues for use by Laureates; 
•    Develop and oversee new content for the NWI web site, including the drafting of stories and statements;
•    Implement components of an ‘alternative media’ strategy which enhances NWI’s use of audio, video and internet-based communications tools such as blogs;
•    Maintain and update contact databases;
•    Produce weekly media scans on issues of core interest to the NWI
•    Implement media strategies, including pitching to major news outlets worldwide and developing relationships with individual journalists via phone and e-mail;
•    Write/edit media advisories, media releases, bios, fact sheets and background materials;

•    Develop methods to organize and systematize NWI media scheduling;

•    Co-ordinate timelines and production process for key NWI promotional materials and other publications;
•    Recruit, train and supervise NWI interns and volunteers;

•    Handle some administrative tasks.

REQUIREMENTS:
•    Bachelor’s degree; journalism, communications, political science, international relations or social work degree preferred
•    Minimum of 2-5 years work experience, with some demonstrated experience in either advocacy or communications/media relations
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Spanish and Farsi are assets
•    Strong writing and editing skills, and keen attention to detail; ability to produce clear, concise written materials on tight deadlines
•    Excellent phone presentation manner, and demonstrated maturity in working with people of different cultures
•    Strong interest in and knowledge of humanitarian/international issues and a keen appetite for following international news

Additional criteria:  All applicants must be eligible to work legally in Canada for an extended period of time.

COMPENSATION:  Commensurate with experience, including competitive benefit package.

TO APPLY:  Please send a cover letter, CV and short writing sample to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Only complete applications will be considered.

CLOSING DATE:  5 December 2008

We thank all those who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  No phone calls or e-mails please.