Global Director of Influencing & Advocacy

Organization – Adeso: adesoafrica.org

Position Title – Global Director of Influencing & Advocacy

Reporting To – Chief Development and Partnerships Officer

Working Closely With – All levels of the organization

Duty Station – Remote, with frequent in-person meetings. Adeso’s preference is a candidate already located in Washington, DC, USA or New York City, NY, USA

Starting Date – Immediately

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso is a vibrant African-based development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities that are on the path toward realizing their full potential by working alongside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy. For the past 30 years, we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer, and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. After working across the Horn of Africa for the last 30 years, Adeso currently has community based programs in Somalia.

In addition to working directly with communities, Adeso has proven itself to be one of the foremost leaders in the ongoing global effort to decolonize the humanitarian and development aid system. Adeso currently leads coalitions working with civil society leaders, funders, INGOs and aid agencies to re-imagine aid to shift power, resources, and decision making toward communities where they will ultimately be the most effective, enduring and transformative. Adeso is a great place to work that is currently experiencing managed rapid growth. We have great benefits, a great team, and we pride ourselves on our opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Development and Partnerships Officer, the Global Director of Influencing & Advocacy will be responsible for taking Adeso’s work to the next level in our efforts to decolonize the humanitarian aid and development system. Equally comfortable working with funders, INGOs, and bilateral donors the Global Director will be responsible for working with the Adeso senior team to develop Adeso’s outreach to influential stakeholders in the decolonizing aid and localization spaces. Strong advocacy acumen and writing skills, outstanding relationship-building skills, and strong existing network are necessary to succeed in this position. Furthermore, the person in this role is expected to be knowledgeable of, and wholeheartedly dedicated to, the aims of decolonization and rethinking the global aid system.

POSITION ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The position includes the following responsibilities:

Influencing and Policy Advocacy

• In collaboration with Senior Leadership and building on previous actions, develop Adeso’s influencing and policy advocacy framework and workplan.
• Develop Adeso’s outreach to influential stakeholders (government, policy makers, civil society organizations, networks, media and more) and oversee the planning and implementation of influencing events.
• Support the process of identifying, cultivating, and managing new and on-going partnerships with individuals, organizations, foundations, government agencies, and bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors across the humanitarian and development sector which advance Adeso’s decolonization aims.
• Work with the Communications Manager to write/create and publish key advocacy materials such as policy briefs, case studies, news articles, OpEds and blogs in support of Adeso’s strategic goals on various platforms.
• Lead thoughtful responses to key policy changes, such as USAID’s pledge to grant 25% of funds directly to local organizations, that advance Adeso’s goals for decolonization and its role as an influencer towards bi-lateral donors in collaboration with Adeso’s Senior Leadership and partners.
• Analyze and report on relevant global policy trends, humanitarian dimensions and key developments within multilateral agencies (UN, World Bank, etc.); identify opportunities and develop clear recommendations for policymakers.
• Coordinate and partner with networks such as NEAR, CIVICUS and others on common positioning and joint-advocacy opportunities.
• Support the Chief Development and Partnerships Officer (CDPO) to lead Adeso’s influencing and systems change work to decolonize philanthropy.
• Provide economic and political analysis as needed to ensure Adeso’s strategic position and growing role as a key player in the global aid and funding spaces.

Campaign Management

• With Senior Leadership, lead the next phases of Adeso’s Pledge for Change Coalition of INGOs, by creating advocacy materials and organizing key opportunities to publicize and advocate for the coalition’s goals.
• Manage key relationships with the original Pledge for Change members and support their continued leadership for decolonizing aid.
• Liaise with policy, advocacy and communications colleagues from each participating INGO to ensure a cohesive strategy.
• Establish and foster key relationships with other INGOs to influence their joining the Pledge for Change and furthering Adeso’s decolonization goals.
• As part of the broader strategy, develop and oversee additional advocacy campaigns.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Adeso and be driven by the mission. The candidate should demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground to lead change
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working in the field of aid and development and developing critical analysis of the system.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field required. Graduate degree highly desired.
• Exceptional writing skills, including proven experience producing influential advocacy materials.
• Proven track record of leading successful advocacy campaigns.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends.
• Evidence of good decision making, setting priorities, critical thinking skills, high level of business acumen and the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the reality of the budget.
• Exceptional capacity for working well within teams and building strong relationships with all levels of employees.
• High degree of self-confidence and ability to communicate well with both internal and external partners.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the vision and mission of Adeso.
• A self-starter team player, with the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.

This is a remote position, but with a necessity for in-person meetings in the Washington, DC area. The successful candidate can be based anywhere but preference is given to candidates currently living in Washington, DC, US or New York City, NY, USA.