Communications Officer to Diakonia IHL Centre

Diakonia is looking for an experienced communications professional to develop, coordinate and support the communication platforms and strategies for the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre.
Diakonia is a politically independent Swedish non-profit organization for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Diakonia supports over 400 partner organisations in 24 countries – in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Diakonia operates on feminist principles and a human rights-based approach. The basis for our work is people’s right and desire to improve and change the world. Our focus areas are human rights, democracy and gender equity. Since the beginning of 2021 Diakonia is working with a new strategy resulting in an exciting journey for the organization.
Diakonia established its new Global International Humanitarian Law Resource Desk Program in 2017, comprising of three contexts desks, working in Lebanon, Mali, and Israel/Palestine. The program, recently rebranded as the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre, is a specialist legal centre of excellence, engaging in high level research, advocacy and capacity building, centred around the promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL). The program engages with a wide range of actors, politicians, humanitarian workers, human rights organisation, and governmental bodies


Role and responsibilities
As Communications Officer, you develop and oversee the implementation of the communications strategy and approach of the Centre. You also support all Desks of the Centre (the new Global Desk as well as the Desks based in Lebanon, Mali and Israel/Palestine) in regard to their communication products and activities. The Communication Officer is a central role within the Centre’s Secretariat, forming part of the Secretariat team which leads the strategic development and quality assurance of the Centre. The role is part of Diakonia’s communications department. Your responsibilities include:
Implement the Centre wide communication strategy.
Work with all Desk Managers and Centre Manager in developing innovative and highly accessible communication products
Develop a strategy and policy for branding, that will strengthen the IHL Centre as one entity.
Provide direct oversight, support and input on communication products across the Centre.
Coordinate the ongoing development of the website.
Support fundraising efforts.
Develop specific communication templates, including the development of graphic support, in coordination with Diakonia’s Branding Officer.
Contribute to the strategic direction of the Centre.



Experience and qualifications
We are looking for an experienced communications professional with the following qualifications:
University degree or equivalent in relevant area.
Five to ten years of experience working in the communications field.
Excellent communications skills including excellent writing and editing skills.
Excellent and proven skills to transform complicated material into short and engaging key messages.
Strong understanding and experience of utilizing graphics to strengthen relevant communication.
Outstanding level of English and professional level French proficiency.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility and a collaborative mindset.



This is a plus
Experience working within the humanitarian/development sector.
Command of Arabic.
Experience working in one or multiple conflict affected environments.



We offer
We offer you an exciting job in an international environment, where you become part of a culture that characterized by our core values: solidarity, justice, courage, commitment and accountability.
Diakonia promotes a good balance between work and private life and applies reduced working hours, a favorable holiday agreement and flexibility around the location of work. Our work environment is characterized by commitment, community and openness
Location: Stockholm, Sweden. Subject to COVID related travel restrictions, some international travel is expected.
Start date: 1st April 2022 or per agreement
Employment type: One-year contract with possible extension.
Diakonia is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on quality, accountability and transparency.
Send us your application by January 9, 2022
We ask you to send us your CV and cover letter in English, marked “Communications Officer – Diakonia IHL centre” to rekrytering.diakonia@diakonia.se.
Interviews may start before the end of the application period.
We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion and strive to recruit staff with different perspectives, experiences and competences.
Diakonia is committed to provide a safe environment for all employees and the rights holders that we work with and support, with zero tolerance against breaches of this commitment
Contact information
If you have questions about the position or the recruitment process, please contact: Stephen Wilkinson, stephen.wilkinson@diakonia.se, IHL Centre Manager (NB not available between 22 December and 3 January due to holidays).
Union representatives:
Akademikerföreningen: Julle Bergenholtz Foglander, +46 (0)76 501 17 44
Unionen: Magnus Walan, +46-(0)8 453 69 16
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