Communications Adviser - AFS Programme

Job type

Fixed-Term Consultant Contract

Location(s)

Damascus, Syria

Reports to

Programme Manager

Duration

September 2026 – August 2027 (with possibility of extension)

ABOUT ASI

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organizations, companies, and foundations. For three decades in almost one hundred countries, they have come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world.

As a development consultancy, our work centres on international development management. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of experts, who contribute their experience and knowledge, where and when it is needed. Our core service lines include education, infrastructure and climate change, inclusive markets, governance, justice, security and peacebuilding, public financial management and revenue reform, mining, oil and gas as well as cross cutting services, such as monitoring and evaluation.

We are a certified B-Corp with a triple bottom line of financial, social and environmental accountability. In 2021, B-Corp selected us as one of the Best for the World™ B-Corps for “Workers” and “Customers”. We have also set a strategic objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and a net positive contributor to the environment by 2030. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we help to improve learning in our industry, as well as the positive impact we can have on people’s lives.

JOB CONTEXT AND PURPOSE

ASI serves as the Fund Management Agent for the Aid Fund for Syria (AFS), formerly the Aid Fund for Northern Syria (AFNS), a multi-donor pooled fund established in October 2022 to address critical needs in Syria. Originally focused on supporting the cross-border response in northern Syria, AFS has since evolved into a countrywide, flexible funding mechanism that prioritises locally led, integrated, multisectoral programming capable of responding to sudden crises while supporting longer-term recovery. The Fund works closely with communities, civil society organisations, the sector coordination structures, the United Nations, and donors to identify where needs and opportunities are greatest and where it can add the most value.

The AFS Communications Adviser is responsible for developing and implementing the Fund's communications activities, positioning AFS as a transparent, accountable and impactful humanitarian financing mechanism. Working closely with AFS partners, the Adviser will lead efforts to showcase the Fund’s impact and value, amplify the voices of affected communities and local partners, and support strategic engagement with stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and locally-led humanitarian action.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.          Content development 

·       Identify, develop and produce communications content in both English and Arabic that demonstrates the impact, added value and results of AFS funding.

·       Work with AFS teams and implementing partners to source stories, case studies, photos, videos and other content from AFS-funded programmes.

·       Draft, edit and quality assure high-quality communications products, including newsletters, impact stories, website articles, and social media content, tailoring content to different audiences, including donors, partners, affected communities and the wider humanitarian sector, as needed.

·       Design and produce communications materials using Canva, primarily brochures and social media content.

·        Identify and maintain an editorial content calendar aligned with key Fund developments, priorities, milestones and international days.

·       Ensure all content meets AFS quality, safeguarding and ethical communications standards.

·       Ensure all communications materials received from partners and produced by AFS (including final products, photos, videos, raw materials, consent forms and other documentation), are systematically updated and maintained within the SharePoint.

2.          Support Partner communications

·       Serve as the primary focal point for communications with AFS implementing partners.

·       Support partners to meet AFS visibility and communications requirements.

·       Advise partners on content development, storytelling approaches and communications planning.

·       Coordinate the collection of communications materials, success stories, photos, videos and beneficiary testimonies from partners.

·       Support the planning and delivery of events, visits, launches and other external engagement activities as required.

3.          Manage and monitor digital platforms

·       Manage and maintain the AFS website, ensuring content is accurate, up to date and available in English and Arabic.

·       Design and distribute newsletters and other stakeholder communications through Mailchimp, including maintaining subscriber lists.

·       Manage AFS social media channels, including content scheduling, publishing and audience engagement.

·       Respond to routine enquiries and messages received through social media channels in accordance with agreed protocols.

·       Escalate enquiries, complaints, safeguarding concerns, misinformation, reputational issues and other sensitive matters to the appropriate AFS focal point in a timely manner.

·       Coordinate social media activity with implementing partners, donors and other stakeholders where appropriate.

·       Monitor and report on the performance of digital content using engagement and reach metrics.

·       Analyse audience engagement and content performance and recommend improvements to communications approaches.

·       Monitor English and Arabic media and social media for references to AFS and issues relevant to the Fund.

The role requires to be available to serve on the programme between September 2026 and August 2027 for a total of 220 working days, averaging 18.33 working days per month. The level of effort may vary monthly, but the total number of days for the role across the contract will remain fixed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

·       Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, international development, public relations or a related field.

·       At least two years' professional experience in communications or a related role within the humanitarian, development or non-profit sector.

·       Demonstrated ability to write and edit high-quality communications products (including articles, newsletters, social media content, brochures) in English and Arabic.

·       Familiarity with the Syrian humanitarian response and the broader Syria context.

·       Experience managing websites, social media platforms, email marketing tools (e.g. Mailchimp) and other digital communications channels.

·       Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.

·       Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with multiple stakeholders, including partners, donors and programme teams.

·       Ability to work independently, identify opportunities, and proactively develop ideas and solutions.

·       Sound understanding of ethical communications principles, including safeguarding, informed consent, data protection and responsible storytelling.

Highly desirable:

·       Experience working with Syrian civil society organisations, humanitarian actors or pooled funding mechanisms.

·       Graphic design, photography, videography or multimedia content production skills.

·       Experience using design and content creation software such as Canva.

·       Experience monitoring media and social media trends and analysing communications performance.

·       Knowledge of Arabic-language media and digital landscapes relevant to Syria.

We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our staff. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age. 

Application Deadline - 8 September, 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates may be contacted prior to the closing date as suitable profiles are identified. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.