About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent, nonpartisan, national organization in Iraq whose history goes back to 2014 with the beginning of ISIL’s occupation in Iraq. At that time and throughout the mass conflicts occurring from 2014 onwards, ISIL groups took control of large swathes of the country, including Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Anbar, and parts of Diyala. This period witnessed an unprecedented wave of displacement for people who lived in these areas in addition to extreme human rights violations. With the Iraqi government, unable to provide much-needed, widespread assistance, many international organizations entered the country to facilitate a response. In doing so, local community members were actively recruited to assist in the movement and return of displaced peoples, while providing them with emergency life-saving assistance to meet their basic needs. Since 2014, AGO has been working untiringly to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities for the implementation of whole-of-community resilience-building measures in Iraq. Today AGO is functional in Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and the Nineveh governorates, with 50–150 employees, depending on the situation in the region. We are currently working on expanding our operations into the Anbar governorate as well as southern Iraq through proven programs to rebuild the lives of men, women, children, and refugees IDPs, minorities, ethnic groups and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Media and Communication Officer will be responsible for managing AGO’s external communications, enhancing its public image, and developing effective communication strategies. This role includes producing and managing content, engaging with media and stakeholders, and supporting AGO’s advocacy and outreach initiatives. The Media and Communication Officer will work closely with various teams to amplify AGO’s impact and build stronger connections with local and international audiences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Media Relations
– Build and maintain relationships with media professionals, including journalists, reporters, and influencers.
– Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and public statements about AGO’s programs and achievements.
– Coordinate media coverage for AGO events and project activities, including press conferences and field visits.
– Act as the primary contact for media inquiries, arranging interviews, and ensuring accurate and positive media representation of AGO.
2. Content Creation and Digital Media Management
– Develop and curate engaging content for AGO’s website, newsletters, social media, and other digital platforms.
– Create visually appealing and informative multimedia materials, including photos, videos, infographics, and graphics.
– Manage AGO’s social media presence by maintaining an active and engaging presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
– Develop a content calendar to ensure timely and consistent communication, in alignment with AGO’s communication strategy.

3. Branding and Messaging
– Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication materials.
– Collaborate with program teams to gather information, stories, and updates from project sites for storytelling purposes.
– Prepare talking points, speeches, and presentations for senior management for events, conferences, and media engagements.
4. Advocacy and Campaigns
– Support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns aligned with AGO’s mission and goals.
– Develop and distribute targeted messaging to promote AGO’s advocacy objectives and impact.
– Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and report on results, adjusting strategies as needed to enhance reach and impact.
5. Internal Communications and Capacity Building
– Provide training and support to AGO staff on effective communication practices, media engagement, and brand consistency.
– Work closely with program teams to ensure communication strategies reflect field realities and promote project success stories.

Key Qualifications

– Education Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, or related field.
– Experience Minimum 3 years of experience in media relations, communications, or public relations, ideally in the non-profit or development sector.
– Language Skills Proficiency in English and (written and spoken) Arabic is preferred

Technical Skills

– Excellent writing and editing skills with a portfolio of published articles, press releases, or social media posts.
– Strong knowledge of social media management and digital marketing.
– Proficiency in graphic design, photography, and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

Key Competencies

– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to create engaging, compelling content.
– Ability to develop and implement communication strategies that align with AGO’s mission and objectives.

– Strong ability to convey messages in innovative and creative ways, adapting to different media formats.
– High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all communications.
– Sensitivity and understanding of cultural dynamics in Iraq and the humanitarian sector.