Contract: Communications Manager / Iraq

You will responsible for managing the C&EA department and playing a lead role in conceptualizing, planning and implementing the organizations’ internal and external communications, overseeing Basra stakeholder relations, and social investment. You will also be resposible for advising the leadership team on issues and developments related to community, political and reputational risks. Operating in Iraq presents a unique set of challenges and the C&EA manager is heavily involved in identifying, monitoring, mitigating and advising on risks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manages C&EA third party contracts and contractors.

• Identifies and mitigates external and community risks, maintains departmental risk register and builds organisational awareness to effectively manage social impacts and social responsibility issues.

• Manages the social welfare (community investment) fund. Works with community stakeholders to identify suitable strategic projects and liaises with government stakeholders to achieve approvals.

• Provides leadership and strategic direction on all social responsibility matters and supports operational planning by providing technical input.

• Oversees the community engagement strategy and lines of communication to facilitate effective, early and on-going communication and constructive dialogue.

• Represents with local government authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to manage and mitigate reputational and non-technical risks. Maintains stakeholder mapping.

• Prepares departmental annual budget and provides regular financial reporting.

• Prepares communications and external affairs (C&EA) annual operating plan identifying milestones and KPIs, subsequently providing periodic performance reports.

• Briefs and advises the country leadership on regional political developments and potential business impacts.

• Support country leadership during local and international events and strategic speaking opportunities to external audiences to promote and drive strategic priorities and brand reputation 
  
  

Experience / Qualifications Required:

• Relevant university degree, or equivalent work experience. An advanced degree (e.g. Masters) would be an advantage

• A highly skilled C&EA professional with extensive experience in the design and delivery of C&EA strategy and implementation.

• Demonstrable experience in identifying and mitigating external and non-technical risks.

• Significant experience in direct communities-related work for large-scale projects.

• Demonstrable understanding and deep experience of social, political and community issues in Iraq.

• Extensive experience working with multiple and diverse stakeholders, including governments, communities, third-party contractors/ NGOs and media.

• Experience identifying, documenting, developing and implementing community development programs/ strategies.

• Demonstrated experience of effectively leading, managing and energizing people and teams, as well as influencing change.

• Strong analytical skills in areas relevant to social and political risk along with strong negotiation skills.