SMEX Seeks Advocacy Officer

Advocacy

• Identify digital rights issues in the Arabic speaking countries and work on priorities in the coming 2-3 years. 
• Maintain oversight and lead on the development and implementation of SMEX’s advocacy strategy and plan.
• Alert the team about relevant policy developments and provide high quality analysis, in coordination with our tech and legal units on key trends, preparing evidenced-based policy briefing papers, policy position statements, talking points and other public-facing advocacy products
• Ensure advocacy coherence and reinforce effective synergies between programs and advocacy by working closely with team members to strengthen advocacy into work planning and implementation.
• Liaise with key regional partners, and other stakeholders to ensure SMEX input is included in digital rights laws and policies in the region. 
• Participate in and support the relevant working groups of the Arab Alliance for Digital Rights network, including supporting the planning and drafting of relevant key messaging and briefings.
• Support the key team members to identify priority advocacy objectives.
• Suggest actions to national and regional policy responses and policy frameworks.
• Organize regular private and public advocacy events to ensure SMEX’s advocacy messages are shared with relevant stakeholders. 
• Support team in incorporating and integrating advocacy into all aspects of SMEX’s programme activities
• Ensure systematic training on advocacy and communication – building capacity of key technical staff

Communications & Media

• Advise on media lines and media/communications strategy, ensuring potential risks associated with SMEX’s positions are assessed.
• Support the Communication and Campaign Officer in the development of a communications strategy, ensuring communication materials/content is aligned with SMEX’s advocacy strategy.
• Support the Communication and Campaign Officer in the production of communication material as well as digital content/materials (e.g. fact sheets, stories, photos, blogs, social media posts).
• Experience and technical competencies:
• At least 3 years of experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work related to digital rights.
• Strong understanding of the political context of the Arabic speaking countries.
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Solid understanding of policy processes and legal frameworks.
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities, particularly in analysis and drafting of messages.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is preferred. Advanced degree such as a Masters or a combination of disciplines is advantageous.
• Full proficiency in spoken and written Arabic
• Full proficiency in spoken and written English