Senior Communications and Advocacy officer, Europe and Central Asia

Crisis Group seeks a senior communications and advocacy officer within our Europe & Central Asia Program, a pivotal role as we grapple with the far-ranging impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing an advocacy and communications strategy to maximise the impact of Crisis Group’s work to prevent and mitigate the effects of deadly conflict. They will work to ensure the reach and visibility of the expertise and policy recommendations of staff working across Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and beyond.

We seek a motivated teammate with a deep understanding of regional politics, excellent news judgement and a flair for storytelling, including via video, data-driven graphics and social media. The ability to work independently, proactively and in collaboration with others is essential to succeed in the position. The role will include outreach to media, international organisations and governments; As such, a desire and ability to travel is preferred. Working knowledge of Russian/ Ukrainian/ Turkish or other regional languages would be an asset.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a media and advocacy strategy for the Europe & Central Asia Program, working with the program leadership and others across the organisation
• Stay abreast of news, opinion and events related to conflicts in the region to identify key opportunities for raising the profile of staff and our advocacy goals
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and policymakers
• Work with the staff to produce op-eds, online content and multimedia materials as well as organise in person and online briefings and events
• In collaboration with the communications and advocacy teams, enhance and maintain systems and databases for tracking interactions with media and policymakers
• Support with recruitment and oversee consultant relationships as needed

Requirements include:

• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in journalism, communications or advocacy, including and especially in the region;
• Skilled at storytelling through print, social media and/or audio-visual materials;
• Excellent verbal and written fluency in English;
• Working proficiency in Russian/ Ukrainian/Turkish or another regional language would be an asset;
• Deep knowledge of conflict issues and politics in the Europe & Central Asia region;
• Excellent interpersonal relations, a collegial attitude and the ability and desire to travel.