Regional Policy & Advocacy Advisor

Reports to: Regional Director HoA – dotted line reporting to Head of Global Advocacy (Dublin)

Liaises with: Head of Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (based in Dublin, Ireland)

Job location: The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya (candidates must be legally entitled to work in Kenya at the time of application) and will be required to travel to other countries where Concern operates up to 10% of the year.

Contract: 2 Year Fixed Term Kenyan National Staff Contract

Grade: Coordinator Level (Grade 9: 355,572 – 537,835 KSh)

Job Purpose: The Regional P&A Advisor will work firstly with the countries in the Horn of Africa region and liaise with the global advocacy unit on issues affecting communities in fragile and conflict affected states; strengthen global level advocacy on hunger, conflict and resilience to maximize Concern’s impact and influence on global humanitarian policy and practice; and, in collaboration with country programs, provide strategic advocacy support to Concern’s work in humanitarian crises.

This position will support the implementation of country and regional advocacy initiatives with country teams and provide specific support to the Regional Director. The post holder will contribute to Concern’s cross disciplinary strategic priorities as part of the International Advocacy Team.

The ideal candidate is experienced in working with INGOs and understands the international humanitarian arena as well as some understanding of the advocacy environment in the Horn of Africa.The ideal candidate is an excellent networker and convener, is at ease in all levels of advocacy influencing, and has a strong commitment to Concern’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead in the development of relationships and partnerships and represent Concern in advocacy networks and relevant meetings, ensuring that participation reflects the perspective of Concern’s field experience and key policy priorities;
• Support country programmes to develop and implement country advocacy strategies, providing bespoke support to country teams and partners;
• Cultivate relationships with Concern’s advocacy partners in the region and with relevant NGO Consortia and UN Networks
• Contribute to collective advocacy efforts coordinated by UN agencies and NGO consortia and support Concern representation in coordination fora;
• Lead in the development and hosting of events in the region, which highlight Concern’s programming and advocacy positioning, ensuring key decision makers and stakeholders are present.
• Contribute key political and aid policy trends in areas related to Concern’s work to the Regional Director, country teams, the International Programmes Directorate, and the International Advocacy Team;
• Develop briefing notes and position papers as requested for both internal and external use on key policy issues, and coordinate research initiatives as required;
• Actively contribute to Concern Worldwide and our team of experts being recognized as a thought leaders and go-to resources in priority program areas by securing speaking roles, publishing communications pieces and developing other content.

Skills and Experience Required:

Essential:

• Degree in international relations, anthropology/social/political sciences, law, gender studies, or other relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in policy, advocacy, research and/or political representation with an international organization.
• Strong networking skills and excellent collaboration traits with proven experience in building and managing effective relationships and partnerships.
• At least 3 years program experience working in a humanitarian or development context overseas.
• Policy analysis, advocacy and influencing experience including experience of organizing events;
• Understanding of current policy debates relating to hunger, conflict and resilience;
• Excellent written and verbal English including the ability to produce clear articulate evidence-based policy analysis;
• A proven self-starter with the capacity to think strategically, work independently and demonstrate sound judgement and has a proven track record in managing multiple responsibilities and meeting tight deadlines;
• Ability to work across directorates and foster collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders across and beyond the organization;
• An innovative and creative thinker with the ability to prioritize and effectively manage a portfolio of diverse projects;
• Ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities and to set and work to deadlines;
• Willingness to travel to field locations including insecure humanitarian contexts;
• The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the mission, vision and values of Concern Worldwide, have a positive and professional work attitude, exhibit a very strong work ethic; be driven to always attain a standard of excellence.

Desirable:

• Fluency in written and spoken French.