How to Apply for this Job Background on Tearfund Tearfund is a Christian international relief and development agency working globally to end poverty and injustice, and to restore dignity and hope in some of the world s poorest communities. We have a vision to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches. We operate in more than fifty countries around the world. We deliver our strategy by: Envisioning churches to embrace their calling to address poverty and injustice Developing communities and building resilience, sustainably and holistically Changing unjust policies and practices to deliver justice for poor communities Enabling communities affected by disaster and conflict to recover quickly and be better equipped to face future hazards. We are committed to developing experts who are inspired, resourceful, courageous, compassionate and equipped. If you are interested in working with us, take time to look around our website and discover more about our unique organisation. Tearfund s Application Process Job Profile If you would like to apply for a job, please visit our website at www.tearfund.org/en/get_involved/jobs/. From there you can search for vacancies, choose the relevant area of work (e.g. Disaster Management / HR, Finance & IT) and then find the vacancy that interests you. All applications need to be completed online using our online registration form. As you progress through your application, please ensure that you save each section. If after reading though this Job Profile, you have any questions or want to find out more about our recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact recruitment@tearfund.org. In this Job Profile pack we ve included a full Job Description as well as a Person Specification. Please ensure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the requirements for this post.
Job Profile JOB TITLE GROUP TEAM LOCATION RESPONSIBLE TO Humanitarian Policy Officer International Group Humanitarian Support Team - UK Teddington Head of Humanitarian Support PART 1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. PURPOSE OF THE TEAM To support the delivery of Tearfund s operational and partner-led interventions to disasters and emergencies around the world, in line with Tearfund s corporate outcome about disaster response, in order to contribute towards Tearfund s corporate vision of releasing 50 million people from material and spiritual poverty by mobilising 100 000 local churches. 2. MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB In consultation with the relevant staff, to develop and coordinate the implementation of an advocacy strategy on humanitarian policy issues, including conflict and peace building, resilience and climate change. In addition, for two days per week, to undertake advocacy work relating to the complex political and humanitarian crisis in Syria in the context of the overall approved Syria Appeal Strategy. 3. GENERIC PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To take responsibility for a designated area of the team s overall task or specific projects. Share in responsibility for the overall team task and be responsible for carrying out work packages Liaise with internal and external contacts Responsible for reviewing own personal development, and overall team tasks The post-holder is expected to behave in accordance with Tearfund s Code of Conduct as referred to in the Personal Conduct Policy 4. PARTICIPATION IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF TEARFUND To attend corporate weekly Staff Prayers on Wednesdays, to hear of Tearfund s work and to spend time in prayer and worship together. To lead or participate in spiritual sessions of prayer and biblical reflection within the Team / Group To be committed to Tearfund s Missions, Values and Beliefs statement. To be committed to actively working and living in accordance with Tearfund s evangelical Christian beliefs. To maintain your own spiritual development. 5. POSITION IN ORGANISATION Reports to Head of Humanitarian Support, with a dotted line relationship to the Middle East Response Director. Works closely with relevant Humanitarian Support Team (HST) staff, Geographical Teams staff, and the Advocacy Group. Member of the Advocacy Matrix Team. Provides strategic direction, facilitation and support to partners and operational teams as required by the Humanitarian Support Team, and ELAC.
Liaises at the UK level within and outside the organisation in relation to humanitarian policy issues, and in-country in coordination with the appropriate Geographical Teams. Works closely with Media, Public Policy, Campaigns and Prayer Teams as required 6. SCOPE OF JOB Research and policy formulation on humanitarian policy issues, including conflict and peace building, resilience and climate change. Implementation of the advocacy component of the Middle East Strategy, especially in relation to the complex political and humanitarian crisis in Yemen & Iraq. Generating appropriate media and campaigning support and decision-making criteria for Tearfund s policy messages. Public representation of Tearfund on humanitarian policy issues, at a senior level where required, to policy makers and in relevant external forums. Provide strategic direction, facilitation and support to partners and operational teams as required by the Humanitarian Support Team, and ELAC. Provide humanitarian policy analysis and information to the wider organisation. Ensure internal policy consistency. Dimensions and Limits of Authority Develops and implements a humanitarian advocacy strategy in line with the requirements of the International Group. Develops and implements the advocacy component of the Middle East Strategy, together with the relevant staff. Supports the expenditure of the advocacy budget line of the Middle East Strategy budget. Responsible for ensuring that all work carried out complies with internationally accepted quality assurance standards. Collaborates with professionals and experts outside of Tearfund. Responsible for representing Tearfund to other NGOs and within advocacy, and humanitarian policy, networks in coordination with the relevant staff. With the Head of Humanitarian Support, the Deputy Head of ELAC and the Disaster Response Manager for Syria, ensure that the required level of agreement is obtained for any proposed participation in network activities, policy position statements or advocacy campaigns. 7. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Lead Research on humanitarian policy issues (20%) Represent Tearfund and proactively collaborate with other agencies on the Localisation of Aid agenda. This will include commissioning of research, development of policy positions, and representation on the issue at international conferences and policy forums. In collaboration with other external alliances, develop and promote a Tearfund position on the role of FBOs in humanitarian response, including identification of policy information gaps and advocacy for policy change through targeting decision makers and key audiences. Provide support to Geo Teams to develop appropriate policy positions on a variety of national level humanitarian issues. In light of the above 3 bullet points, and in collaboration with other relevant teams, develop facilitate and implement a 3 year humanitarian advocacy strategy. Research and write research, reports and policy position papers for internal and external audiences in line with the requirements of the Humanitarian Support Unit. Encourage key targets, e.g. the EU, UK and US Governments, and the UN, where appropriate, to adopt suitable policy positions on humanitarian issues. Undertake overseas research and coordination trips as required. 2. Lead Research on Middle East related issues (40%) Further develop the existing assessment of the key policy issues pertaining to the political and humanitarian challenges of the crisis In Syria, including a risk analysis focusing on the needs of the poorest in the region, building, reviewing and amending the advocacy objectives already identified as appropriate. Develop compelling, specific and unique policy positions on relevant issues identified in this assessment, together with the relevant staff.
Develop and implement the advocacy component within the wider Syria Appeal strategy (including policy research, campaigning, media and prayer, as appropriate), focused on tackling the underlying causes and effects of insecurity, poverty and the abuse of human rights, and promoting policies which will result in a better political-socio-economic environment countries in the region e.g. Iraq and / or Yemen. Research and write reports and position papers for internal and external use. May be required to undertake overseas research and coordination trips. Encourage key targets where appropriate, e.g. the EU, UK and US Governments, UN and Arab League, to adopt suitable policy positions with respect to sustainable peace. 3. Networking & Public Representation of Tearfund (20%) Build and maintain relationships with others outside the organisation, including partners, NGOs, governments and businesses, relating to humanitarian policy issues. Represent Tearfund, with senior counterparts where required, at external events in the UK such as government policy forums, interagency meetings and NGO network meetings relating humanitarian policy issues. Work with other agencies and networks to engage in joint advocacy activities. Help to generate widespread prayer support for the work of the Humanitarian Support Team and the Middle East response. 4. Provide Humanitarian Support and Advice (10%) To provide humanitarian advocacy support and advice to Tearfund staff. To build the capacity of partners and operational teams as directed by the Humanitarian Support Unit and ELAC to carry out advocacy at all levels, coordinating with appropriate Tearfund staff, providing technical assistance where needed and, if necessary, through the use of consultants. In conjunction with national partners in appropriate countries, including in Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan to strengthen the role of the church as a civil society representative providing a voice for poor and marginalised people groups. To provide policy advice and support to partners including information and analysis with particular emphasis on the underlying causes and effects of the crisis international, regional, national & local. To support partners and churches in strengthening and developing national and regional advocacy networks and alliances that are strategic and tactical. In conjunction with relevant staff and partners, to undertake humanitarian focused advocacy to influence the international and national legislative frameworks to address structural issues of vulnerability. Make sure that media and supporter messaging relating to disasters and emergencies is robust and fairly reflects Tearfund s policy positions. Advise media spokespeople on humanitarian policy context and developments in foreign policy debates. Provide policy support on the Middle East crisis to Tearfund's external communications and supporter-facing teams, making sure that media messaging and responses to supporter enquiries are current and adequately reflect the humanitarian needs presented by the crisis. 5. Provide Humanitarian Policy Analysis and Information (10%) Remain informed of relevant humanitarian contextual issues from government, media and academic sources. Coordinate responses to external humanitarian policy processes. Alert Tearfund staff to the existence of relevant humanitarian policy information via verbal presentations, briefings etc. Produce material for other teams to use / adapt for their publications. Provide policy screening for Tearfund material related to humanitarian issues. Participate in internal Tearfund processes to ensure good linkages are made between humanitarian policy issues and global policy issues, by coordinating with the relevant staff Help to develop Tearfund s global policy response to conflict and other humanitarian issues at the international level. Document and record lessons learnt as appropriate to humanitarian policy.
PART 2 PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE: Humanitarian Policy Officer ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Degree (or equivalent level of knowledge) which has an emphasis on development issues and international relations EXPERIENCE Proven experience of research, policy influence and/or campaigning Evidence of having scoped and developed a humanitarian advocacy strategy. Substantive relevant experience of humanitarian policy issues, particularly conflict resolution, peace building and work in fragile states. Experience of working in multi-agency consortia. Experience of writing reports and policy briefings Demonstration of supporting or initiating public policy-orientated research DESIRABLE Qualification relating to public policy in development Qualification relating to conflict and development at the international level Experience of humanitarian disaster risk reduction, resilience and climate change adaptation. Substantive relevant experience amongst poor communities, including in the Middle East Experience of formulating plans and strategies Public speaking and/or media experience Familiarity with NGO sector Awareness of international policy-making organisations Experience living amongst poor communities SKILLS/ ABILITIES Ability to research and analyse information Ability to work on own initiative Ability to think and plan strategically Facilitation skills Ability to negotiate within and outside the organisation Networking and collaboration skills Ability to influence others through articulate written and verbal communication Ability to write reports and policy briefs Organisational ability Ability to be largely self-supporting in administrative tasks Computer literate Proficient in written and spoken English PERSONAL Committed Christian QUALITIES Concern for the poor and commitment to social justice Tact and assertiveness Cultural sensitivity Team player with initiative and ability to work in isolation when necessary OTHER COMMENTS: UK based, but may be required to travel for up to six weeks per year.
TEARFUND INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS JOB TITLE: Humanitarian Policy Officer OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm with one hour for lunch. 35 hour working week ANNUAL LEAVE - FULL YEAR: 25 days pro-rata + statutory bank hols + additional day at Christmas SICK LEAVE SCHEME: Based on length of service NON-CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME: Tearfund will contribute 10% of your salary to your pension. All staff are contractually enrolled onto the Tearfund group pension scheme NEW STAFF SERVICE: 6 months probationary period with a 3 month review Grade: 3 SALARY: 37,547 per annum