Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor

Transcription

1 Islamic Relief Worldwide Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor BASE LOCATION: REPORTING TO: LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Birmingham or London, UK with up to 30% of time in international travel Global Advocacy Manager. none PURPOSE OF DIVISION: The External Relations and Advocacy is responsible for public communications and external relations for Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) and for supporting and facilitating the communications work of partner and field offices around the world. The division s responsibilities include brand protection and reputation management; external relations; international media relations and advocacy; IRW s website, publications and social media platforms; internal communications; and staff training in key communications disciplines. IRW is an international relief and development charity, which envisages a caring world where people unite to respond to the suffering of others, empowering them to fulfil their potential. Islamic Relief is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in PURPOSE OF DEPARTMENT: The Global Advocacy Department strategically coordinates and shares the advocacy work carried out across the IR Family, providing leadership, critical humanitarian messaging and influence particularly at global level within the various institutions we work with. The advocacy team works with our programme teams and partners across the globe to identify and bring about policy change that will address highlighted needs and bring about positive change for the communities we serve. JOB PURPOSE: To work with our programme teams and partners to develop advocacy campaigns and activities that influence policy and decision-makers, institutions and stakeholders in order to reduce suffering within humanitarian settings and bring about sustainable solutions. IRW Global Advocacy Dept. June

2 Organisational Structure showing position of Humanitarian Department CEO InInterrnational Programmes External Relations and Advocacy Governance Finance and Services UK SBU Network and Resource Development Humanitarian Department Global Advocacy Department Structure of Department KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS External Relations Department for delivery of messages at a global level through our offices in New York, Geneva, London and Brussels. Humanitarian Department and regional programme teams for the development of advocacy priorities and strategies, particularly liaising with the Humanitarian Policy Advisor within the International Programmes. IRW Global Advocacy Dept. June

3 SCOPE AND AUTHORITY Reporting to the Global Advocacy Manager, the Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor will also work closely with the Humanitarian and Regional Departments. The post holder will play a leading role in strengthening the quality and impact of Islamic Relief s Humanitarian work through providing Islamic Relief positioning and influencing on key humanitarian issues and building the capacity of our programme teams to integrate effective advocacy within IR programming. The Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor will also undertake a range of policy-related activities, including policy analysis and research during an emergency, collection of data and development of policy papers, learning reviews and advocacy initiatives, as well as technical advice and policy support to operational team. The post holder will occasionally be deployed to the field during an emergency. Deployment The post-holder can expect to spend up to 30% of their time actively engaged in field based operations. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES During Emergency Response 1. Liaise with the Humanitarian Department and Regional Programme management Teams to explore and identify advocacy themes and key advocacy messaging designed to influence key stakeholders within our humanitarian operations. 2. Lead on designing effective advocacy strategies and plans around the critical priorities identified by humanitarian teams. 3. Represent IRW at public events, seminars and lobbying events to communicate advocacy messages to policymakers, politicians and peer organisations 4. Liaise with relevant networks such as Crisis Action, BOND and Interaction to collaborate collectively on joint influencing initiatives to save lives and improve International understanding of crises. 5. Design advocacy campaigns on humanitarian issues in coordination with our IR Family members around the World. 6. Build the capacity within our programme teams to understand the importance of advocacy activities in ensuring an effective response. 7. Where necessary conduct research and data collection in collaboration with our field teams on humanitarian need, ensuring we benefit policy makers and agencies with our unique access to the realities at field level. 8. Help develop appropriate media where relevant to ensure advocacy messaging is powerful and meaningful. 9. Uphold the fundamental principles of Islamic Relief around the world. IRW Global Advocacy Dept. June

4 10. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with this post as requested by the Global Advocacy Manager. 11. Participate in cross unit and organisational meetings and working groups. 12. Prepare an annual progress report on all Humanitarian advocacy operations in conjunction with other team members. 13. Strengthen IR s visibility by building and sustaining new and improved relations and appropriate partnerships with institutional donor agencies, umbrella organisations, networks, governments and other key stakeholders globally. Policies & Procedure 1. Support the development and implementation of policy and advocacy strategies and plans 2. Contribute to current humanitarian and development policy discourse. 3. Develop procedures to ensure IR s humanitarian work is suitably grounded in policy analysis and appropriate advocacy. 4. Contribute to wider Islamic Relief initiatives, such as policy development and organisational development. PERSON SPECIFICATION It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide s vision and mission. Essential Qualifications Degree level Qualification in Disaster Management, Development Studies, International Relations or other relevant subject or related field Experience Experience of policy analysis on humanitarian issues Experience of influencing activities either through lobbying, journalism or campaigning Experience of working with the media to ensure appropriate coverage Ability to plan and conduct research during humanitarian operations Ability to plan, prioritise, implement and meet targets in a pressurised environment whilst producing efficient work with minimum support Experience of working independently and on own initiative Knowledge, skills and abilities Excellent writing and speaking skills in English Excellent inter-personal and communication skills including the ability to create relationships with key figures and contribute effectively to networks IRW Global Advocacy Dept. June

5 Good knowledge of current humanitarian policy issues and the international humanitarian context Proven research, data collection, collating, writing and presentation skills Excellent analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative The ability to work under pressure and balance operational and strategic objectives and priorities Managing conflicting demands from different staff groups within a highly complex organisation Good knowledge of best practices Well-developed IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Ability to supervise junior and senior staff Ability to work autonomously with minimum supervision Attributes & Aptitudes Excellent presentation and facilitation skills Able to work flexibly and on own initiative Able to analyse and solve problems from complex information and make an informed decision Good organisational skills Understand the importance of and ensure confidentiality at all times Able to work under challenging deadlines and priorities work accordingly Willingness to work out of office hours when necessary Able to travel/flexible regarding working conditions Good team worker with having leadership ability to build effective working relationships and establish credibility with colleagues and outside agencies Desirable Post graduate degree is preferable Experience of working within the charity sector Proven understanding of current Humanitarian issues and developments Signed by: (Direct Line Manager) Signed by: (al Director) IRW Global Advocacy Dept. June