Humanitarian Advocacy Officer

Description

JOB TITLE: Humanitarian Advocacy Officer

REPORTS TO: VP of Programs, dotted line reporting to Head of International Advocacy

LOCATION: New York with frequent travel to Washington D.C and overseas (20%). Potentially will consider DC based for right candidate. 

About Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to the relief, assistance and advancement of the poorest people in the least developed countries of the world. Founded in Ireland in 1968, Concern Worldwide has over 4,700 personnel working in 25 countries across the globe. Concern believes in a world where no one lives in fear; where all have access to a decent standard of living and the opportunities essential to a long, healthy and creative life. Our mission is to help people living in absolute poverty achieve major improvements in their lives, improvements that are sustainable without ongoing support from Concern.

Concern envisions a world where no one lives in poverty, fear, or oppression where everyone can exercise their rights to a decent standard of living with equal access to opportunities. We believe in creating a culture of inclusion where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to the workplace. Building a diverse and inclusive team is an absolute necessity to deliver the solutions needed to achieve our core mission, because without promoting justice and equality, we cannot eliminate extreme poverty.

Concern Worldwide US (CUS) is an independent affiliate of Concern Worldwide, with offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. CUS advances the Concern Worldwide mission through mobilizing financial and human resources, as well as influencing and activating networks in the US to elevate programs globally.

The Role: 

The Advocacy Officer will work with the VP of Programs and the Global Humanitarian Ambassador to develop and implement an advocacy strategy for Concern US, focusing primarily on Concern’s Humanitarian Response operations, while also covering the wider work of the organization. There will be particular emphasis placed on work with USAID and UN member states. 

This position will also work extensively with country programs and support Concern’s Global Humanitarian Ambassador to bring Concern’s unique programmatic experience into the policy arena, develop short sharp position papers and host events to highlight our programs. The successful candidate has direct experience working in an international context, and has a strong commitment to Concern’s mission and values.

Responsibilities: Including but not limited to

· In collaboration with the Head of International Advocacy, Humanitarian Advisor, the International Advocacy Team and relevant staff, update Concern US’s advocacy strategy and ensure alignment with global strategy.

· Actively contribute to Concern Worldwide and our team of experts being recognized as humanitarian thought leaders and go-to resources in priority program areas by securing speaking roles, publishing communications pieces and developing other content. 

Representation

· Represent Concern in advocacy coalitions, working groups and networks and engage in high level policy processes and events. 

· Cultivate relationships with Concern’s advocacy partners in the US and with relevant NGO Consortia and UN Networks

Public Engagement

· In collaboration with relevant departments, design and implement events which highlight Concern’s programming and advocacy positions 

Country Program Support

· Support selected country programs to develop and implement country advocacy strategies, 

· Providing bespoke support to selected country teams. 

· Working with country teams help develop Concern positions and messaging relating to key issues. 

Policy Analysis

· Provide specific policy analysis to Concern on USG budget and legislation as relevant to Concern

· Develop briefing notes and position papers (including policy asks) on humanitarian issues that affect Concern’s programs. 

· Contribute to organizational research plans

· Manage consultants and staff to deliver program and policy based research. Promote research findings through meetings, conferences and events.

· Develop strategic partnerships with DC based organizations that enhance our program and policy work.

· Support the Concern US Senior Management Team and CEO with key policy and operational issues

Requirements

• Minimum 3-4 years’ program experience working in a humanitarian or development context and/or organization; 
• Strong networking and relationship building skills;
• A robust understanding of current humanitarian contexts and operational issues;
• Sound knowledge of, and work experience in, development policy with particular knowledge experience and expertise in hunger issues and fragile contexts;
• Policy analysis, advocacy and influencing experience including: working in partnership on policy change objectives;
• Capacity to think strategically and respond effectively to opportunities; 
• Confident in all areas of advocacy influencing, including shaping and hosting events for advocacy purposes;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English – additional languages a plus; 
• Proven self-starter with the ability to work independently;
• Experience in building and managing effective relationships and partnerships;
• A successful track record in managing multiple responsibilities and meeting deadlines;
• Eligibility to work in the US.

Salary : $65,000 - $72,000