Islamic Relief Worldwide Policy Advisor BASE LOCATION: REPORTING TO: LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Birmingham, UK with up to 40% of time in the field Head of. none PURPOSE OF DIVISION: Through capacity building and through technical and programme support, the International Programme manages and coordinates Islamic Relief s global humanitarian and development operations. The division increases the organisation s ability to tackle poverty by developing and fostering partnerships and institutional relationships effectively and proactively, and by ensuring transparent and timely reporting to the organisation s partners and donors. The division also manages its contribution to developing and achieving IR s Global strategy and ensuring robust input into policy and advocacy activities that will provide leadership in the sector. PURPOSE OF DEPARTMENT: The manages IR s disaster preparedness strategy, and timely and effective response to disasters and emergencies to reduce suffering and loss of life. The supports Islamic Relief s capacity to respond to anticipated humanitarian crises by coordinating the deployment of emergency personnel to the site of the crisis within 72 hours and by ensuring staff are recruited and retained for emergency programmes. JOB PURPOSE: Strengthen the quality and impact of Islamic Relief s humanitarian work through ensuring programming and advocacy activities are based on robust and accurate analysis of the crises being addressed. IRW HD Dept June 2017 1
Organisational Structure showing position of CEO International Programmes Communication Governance Finance and Services UK SBU Network and Resource Development Advocacy Structure of Head of Admin Support Policy Advisor Manager Disaster Prepardness and Capacity Building Specialist Security Coordinator Disaster Reponse Support Officer Support Volunteer Team Leader Disaster Response Personnel Personnel (Trainee) KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The Postholder will support the development of sound policy analysis within our regional programme teams and humanitarian department The postholder will support the Global Advocacy with a thorough analysis of policy options and messaging during humanitarian operations. IRW HD Dept June 2017 2
The Postholder will liaise with our IR family members around the World, providing advice and information as requested SCOPE AND AUTHORITY Reporting to the Head of the, the Policy Advisor will also work closely with Global Advocacy. The post holder will play a leading role in strengthening the quality and impact of Islamic Relief s work through informed policy and programmatic analysis, and supporting Islamic Relief positioning and influencing on key humanitarian policy issues. The Policy 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 be deployed to the field during an emergency. Deployment The post-holder can expect to spend up to 40% of their time actively engaged in field based operations. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES During Emergency Response 1. Collect and analyse data from the field to ensure Islamic Relief s humanitarian response activities are informed by context analysis, current thinking and practice within the sector, and that in turn, our policy and advocacy positions are informed by evidence from our programmes in the field. 2. Present collected information in order to support proposal writing activities, and related advocacy campaigns in the form of research, assessment reports and technical data during the humanitarian response. 3. Provide proactive and reactive technical advice on humanitarian policy support during major emergencies. 4. Provide representation within humanitarian networks and advocacy groups as required. 5. Lead the regular review and updating of Islamic Relief s policies on issues. 6. Undertake evaluations, programme reviews and strategy support so as to inform programme or managerial decision-making. 7. Uphold the fundamental principles of Islamic Relief around the world. 8. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with this post as requested by the Head of the. 9. Participate in cross unit and organisational meetings and working groups. 10. Prepare an annual progress report on all disaster response operations in conjunction with other team members. IRW HD Dept June 2017 3
11. 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 designed to influence key stakeholder during humanitarian response 2. Contribute to current humanitarian and development policy discourse. 3. Organise appropriate research into humanitarian operations to enable original and influential policy positions to be adopted for both programming and advocacy. 4. Review existing emergency response policies and procedures on an annual basis, updating where necessary. 5. Develop disaster response systems as and when necessary to ensure good practice is upheld throughout the humanitarian department and offices which are under the humanitarian department s management. 6. 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 the 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 Strong experience of policy analysis on humanitarian issues Experience of working in emergency response operations in difficult, challenging environments. 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 humanitarian advocacy, representation and communications with evidence of impact or influencing policy makers Experience of coordinating and analysing evaluations, research and policy analysis Experience of working independently and on own initiative Knowledge, skills and abilities IRW HD Dept June 2017 4
Excellent writing and speaking skills in English 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 Extremely high standard of communication and interpersonal skills Ability to communicate effectively both oral and in writing with all employees and representatives outside of the organization 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 issues and developments Signed by: (Direct Line Manager) Signed by: (al Director) IRW HD Dept June 2017 5