Danish Refugee Council | Regional Humanitarian Policy Coordinator | Nairobi Kenya

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), founded in Denmark in 1956, is Denmark’s largest and the world’s leading non-profit, independent, rights-based refugee organisation. Our vision is to assist communities affected by displacement, protecting them from harm, safeguarding their legal rights, and empowering them towards a better future.
DRC East Africa & Great Lakes (EAGL) operates in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda in order to prevent displacement, support communities on the move and help people achieve durable solutions. In addition to its programmatic response, DRC supports initiatives focusing on mixed migration, durable solutions and borderlands, as well as advocacy and policy initiatives related to the displacement agenda at national, regional and global levels.

Overall purpose of the role:
Reporting directly to the Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager, the Regional Humanitarian Policy Coordinator will play a key role in the Regional Advocacy and Communications Unit and will be responsible for pushing forward the implementation of DRC EAGL’s advocacy strategy and further develop DRC’s advocacy work.
The Regional Humanitarian Policy Coordinator will be responsible for engaging key stakeholders to work on a diverse range of policy issues that impact the effectiveness of humanitarian programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations in EAGL. Accordingly, the Regional Humanitarian Policy Coordinator will influence DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development and implementation of advocacy work in the region.
The Regional Humanitarian Policy Coordinator will also be responsible for the production of background papers, briefing materials, and providing policy analysis to influence and inform displacement actors in the region and beyond.

The position is based in Nairobi (Kenya) and opened to national applicants.

The role will have the following key responsibilities :
Strategy and positioning
• Coordinate the implementation of DRC’s Regional Advocacy Strategy;
• Develop policy and advocacy materials including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports;
• Develop advocacy products and policy briefs including analysis of information produced through DRC’s programmes and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions;
• Liaise with key DRC partners, line ministries, UN, NGO and other interlocutors to ensure that DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region;
• Participate in regional advocacy working groups, including by supporting the planning and drafting of relevant products such as joint statements and briefings;
• Alert the Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager to relevant policy developments and provide analysis for senior management;
• Suggest actions to national policy responses and policy frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and access, and current and future challenges that have an impact on humanitarian assistance and related services;
• Support the preparation of high-level field visits.

Technical Support
• Support country-level Advocacy Officers in the development and implementation of country-level advocacy strategies;
• Support the Head of Programmes and technical coordinators in articulating priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies;
• Review materials produced by DRC country offices and headquarters teams to ensure consistency with DRC EAGL policy positions.

About you:
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:
• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and Technical competencies (included years of experience)
• At least 3 years of professional experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations and at least 5 years of applicable professional experience in total;
• Strong understanding of the political and humanitarian context in East Africa and Great Lakes;
• Master’s degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline;
• Full proficiency in spoken and written English. French is an added advantage;
• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
• Understanding of the UN and international donor landscape, including challenges and constraints in East Africa and Great Lakes.
• Experience in negotiation with UN, INGO, donors and coordination forums.
• Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law.

Behavioural competencies:
• A passion for advocacy and humanitarian outcomes;
• Good attention to details;
• High level analytical and strategic thinking skills;
• Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people;
• Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure;
• Excellent planning, management, and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities;
• Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams;
• Commitment to Danish Refugee Council values.

What we offer:
Contract: 1 Year of Contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.
Salary: in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment, Non-Management Band/ F.
Availability: 1st March 2024.
Duty station: Nairobi (Kenya)
Reporting Line: Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager

Providing equal opportunities: We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. As such, we strongly encourage national and diaspora candidates to apply for this position.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.