Policy Advisor

Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)

Position: NEAR Policy Advisor

Reporting To: Director of Policy

Working With: NEAR Influencing Team; NEAR Secretariat; NEAR members and partners; other stakeholders

Duty Station: Remote

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Starting Date: As soon as possible

ABOUT NEAR

NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) is a movement of Global South civil society organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships. NEAR’s vision is a world where local communities have the resources and agency to address the challenges that impact them. NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an African based international development and humanitarian organization. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions led by local and national actors.

POSTION PURPOSE

The Policy Advisor will work with the NEAR to lead and inform research, analysis of trends and contribute to developing NEARs policy positions on aid and localisation issues.

Under the direction of the Director of Policy, the Policy Advisor will prepare policy and advocacy products on a range of prioritized issues for NEAR.

The post-holder is expected to work closely with the relevant members of the network towards common objectives and to contribute to international advocacy and influencing work.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITES

Policy

• Develop NEAR’s policy work through the delivery of analysis and high-quality written advocacy products such as briefs, reports, sign on letters, network statements, and policy papers
  • Conducts background policy research to support existing advocacy/influencing work, as well as proposals for new work; synthesizes research findings to identify and recommend best practices
  • Develops policy analysis for diverse audiences, including summary analysis and presentations for both internal and external audiences
  • Develops, with NEAR Secretariat staff and members, advocacy products to support the team’s work
  • Ensure a consultative approach that informs NEARs coherent positioning and messaging across the network
  • Ensure, as needed, proper sign off processes in adocacy products
• Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the evolving localisation debates and provide strategic advice and analysis to NEAR Secretariat and members on policy developments
• Assist in the drafting of public statements for senior leaders of NEAR
• Provide information to the NEAR Media and Communications Manager to develop press releases, media material and briefings to amplify advocacy initiatives
• Working with the NEAR Media and Communications Manager, support NEAR to share relevant data and policy issues pertinent on social media
• Provide strategic support as required to NEAR Secretariat staff and members, to advance localisation outcomes, helping them navigate and adapt policy and advocacy to changes in the debate.
• Contributes professional expertise and experience concerning aid policy, localisation and other policy areas relevant to NEAR

Advocacy/Influencing

• Work with colleagues and members to ensure the delivery of an appropriate range of policy and advocacy activities and products to convey NEARs positions and messages to prioritised advocacy targets, particularly USAID, on key issues
• In coordination with colleagues, work in collaboration with other networks and NGOs on common positioning and joint-advocacy opportunities.
• Develop NEARs outreach to influential CSOs, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders
• Help to identify potential public engagement opportunities in various spaces

Representation

• In full coordination with relevant colleagues, represent NEAR when necessary in meetings with external stakeholders, ensuring coherence of our policy position
• Provide analysis for NEAR representation and lobbying in aid coordination spaces, as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. However, the Policy Advisor is expected to coordinate efforts with key personnel to achieve the position’s purpose.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• A person with a background in localisation of aid or aid financing, who is passionate about system change
• The ability to lead in the creation of policy/advocacy materials such as briefing papers, reports, organizational statements, and policy papers, with proven experience of evidence-based policy work
• Someone to represent NEAR in external coalitions and to coordinate working groups, to amplify advocacy initiatives
• A person who works well with counterparts across multiple countries and regions to develop common approaches. Someone with experience working with both civil society and policy makers
• A team player, self-motivated, ability to work with little supervision
• Someone with excellent written and speaking skills in English