External Relations and PR Manager/Менеджер(ка) із зовнішніх зв’язків та зв’язків з громадськістю

Location: Kyiv, with travels to partner offices and project locations in Ukraine
Period:24 months

ABOUT DKH

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) is a German non-government organization that renders humanitarian aid in 31 countries across the world. DKH supports people who are affected by natural disasters, war, and displacement and who are not able to cope on their own in the emergency situation they find themselves in. The work is guided by the Humanitarian Principles and the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). DKH focuses on locally-led responses by working through a global network of partner organizations. Fostering localized humanitarian action and an equal partnership approach lies at the very core of our work.

As DKH is not directly implementing humanitarian projects in Ukraine, it is committed to equitable and long-term partnerships, which strengthen local partner organizations’ administrative and technical capacities. DKH constantly seeks to facilitate mutual learning and capacity exchange, identify innovative and tailored models of cooperation, and shift power to partners and communities through the transfer of decision-making opportunities. 

DKH is part of the Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung e.V. (EWDE), an umbrella organization with a nationwide established Social Service Agency, one of the biggest welfare institutions in Germany.

WORK CONTEXT

DKH is opening its representation in Ukraine to work with government agencies, national partner organizations, and the wider humanitarian community to provide emergency response and resilience-building initiatives nationwide.

DKH is already implementing humanitarian projects with selected civil society organizations in Ukraine. Currently, large-scale programming is ongoing and more projects are in the preparation stage. The DKH Representation will be operating from its office in Kyiv.

Taking into account the elevated risks resulting from hostilities in certain regions of Ukraine and the volatile security situation in the whole of the country staff must comply with all DKH safety/security and safeguarding policies and procedures. 

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

External Relations and PR manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and campaigns to enhance the visibility and government relations efforts of the DKH Representation in Ukraine. The role involves managing communication activities and fostering relationships with government entities, civil society organizations, and local partners.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting: External Relations and PR manager will report directly to the Head of Mission.
Responsibilities: The following tasks shall be fulfilled:

Communications:

• Develop and implement communication strategies and campaigns aligned with DKH guidelines, standards and strategy.
• Enhance DKH´s public image, raise awareness about its mission, and promote its programs, partners and initiatives.
• Coordinate the writing, editing, and production of information materials about the work of DKH in Ukraine, and the implementation of projects by partner organizations, including press releases, articles, interviews, reports, fact sheets, one-pagers, presentations, and success stories.
• Contribute to the content about activities in Ukraine for the DKH website and social media accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and international journalists, editors, and media outlets.
• Arrange content translations and obtain necessary clearances and approvals prior to publicizing content.
• Coordinate and support the facilitation of media, donor, and partner visits to project locations.
• Regular exchange with press officer and project communication in the DKH Berlin office.
• Oversee the implementation of communication guidelines by DKHlocal partners concerning DKH-supported projects in Ukraine.

Government Relations:

• Develop and implement government relations strategies and campaigns in accordance with DKH guidelines, standards and strategy.
• Organize public events of different formats, both online and offline, including media invites and accreditation, and liaise with press services of governmental officials and institutions.
• Nurturing effective cooperation and coordination with state and local authorities and other relief agencies operating in Ukraine.
• Raising awareness of DKH’s activities at the local level among local authorities in order to achieve a better understanding of the programmatic objectives on the ground and to gain the support of local authorities for better outreach.
• Participate in working groups and other advisory bodies of state, local authorities or networks (like ACT Alliance) coordinating the implementation of social and humanitarian projects in Ukraine.

Representation and Other Tasks:

• Support the development of communication, resource mobilization, and government relations capabilities within local partner organizations.
• Ensure timely submission of annual reports and compliance with relevant authorities and regulations. 

QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE, AND SKILLS

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Advertising, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Management, or related field required.
• At least five years of communications and government relations management, preferably in the NGO sector.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to create compelling content for various mediums and audiences.
• Experience coordinating media and donor visits and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with government structures and protocols in Ukraine and demonstrated ability to establish effective government relations.
• Experience organizing public events and engaging with media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to work with private and public sector organizations to secure support for humanitarian projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in English and Ukrainian (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of compliance requirements and regulations related to communication and resource mobilization activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills

The remuneration follows nationally accepted standards. 

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

DKH team members are expected to support all efforts for increased accountability towards the beneficiaries while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.

APPLICATION

Kindly apply by sending your motivation letter and CV without any further attachments by email to the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe Ukraine Office [email protected], using the reference “Position / title Name_Surname”, in the subject of your e-mail. Further questions regarding the role kindly address to [email protected]

Closing date: 15.12.2023. Only candidates residing in the country will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Diversity is important to us. We welcome applications from people regardless of their ethnic, national or social background, gender, disability, age or sexual identity