Regional Representative ESA

1. About ICVA

Founded in 1962, ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies) is a global network of over 140 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in 160 countries, operating at global, regional, national and local levels, whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice.

The ICVA 2030 Strategy adopted by the ICVA’s General Assembly in 2021 sets the framework for the direction and focus of ICVA’s work from 2022-2030, as we evolve and transform our network. Rooting us more deeply in our mission of principled and effective humanitarian action, this strategy sets our collective values, our ways of working and our aspirational transformations.

We work on focus areas (Forced Migration, Humanitarian Coordination and Humanitarian Financing) to best serve our members and the sector as a whole.

Our added value is rooted in our work explaining & analysing, convening, brokering, influencing & advocating, supporting, and collaborating. Historically based in Geneva, ICVA Secretariat has now presence in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and MENA.

1. Job Purpose

Reporting to the ICVA East and Southern Africa Regional representative, the Deputy Representative supports the execution of the ICVA strategy in the Eastern and Southern African Region and is part of the ICVA Secretariat. She/he also works in complementarity with the ICVA Geneva Director of Policy and the Regional teams, and the Chief Operating Officer. He/she will be supported by the Regional Representatives in the focus areas in accordance with the Theory of change and annual workplans.

1. Summary of Role

The Deputy Representative complements and supports the regional representative in setting the direction and focus of ICVA`s work in the region in the framework of the 2030 strategy and the enabling strategies. This position works with a diverse membership and she/he engages between ICVA, its members and partners in four focus areas, in order to strengthen principled and effective humanitarian action for all NGOs.

1. Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support and implementation of programmes framework and strategy

In alignment with ICVA strategy/theory of change and in collaboration with ICVA team and members, be part of designing programmes (log frames, work plans, budget and any other relevant documents).

Analysing and explaining

• Support organizing of ICVA learning Streams tailored for the region specifically through NGO fora support programme;
• Support effective research, mapping, and advocacy for advancing ICVA’s work in Africa ; including support/planning and delivery of capacity building/learning activities with members and NGO fora by producing, and sharing and exchanging information, analyses and learning opportunities;
• Support in developing and implementing strategies to promote NGOs work and engagement at regional and national level;
• Contribute to the Monthly Bulletin and Maintain regional mailing list

Influencing and Advocating

• Work closely with the Regional rep to ensure a strong and multi-faceted NGO voice from the region is reflected in key debates and decision-making forums in the region and global levels;
• Support development of tools and materials such as policy briefs, policy recommendations, summaries of key conferences/meetings, petitions etc., in order to share/promote and advance key issues and messages with ICVA’s network;
• Support in identifying stakeholders and allies for the development of advocacy, campaigning, capacity building and communication strategies;
• Assist in supporting NGO Fora in the region including supporting their advocacy initiatives and work in the region and globally (capacity building, trainings).

Connecting and supporting members

• Support engagement with ICVA’s members, NGO fora, regional actors (African Union and selected Regional Economic communities), donors;
• Conduct outreach with key groups and individuals to become members/ subscribers or supporters;
• Provide ongoing technical support to members/NGO fora in developing their capacities and on occasions their advocacy efforts;
• Support in enhancing/developing relationships with regional actors and other stakeholders within Africa region.
• substantive and administrative Support the NGO Fora project, responding to NGO queries of information and advice in line with ICVA`s guidelines;
• Participation in the ICVA Annual Conference.

Convening

• Support and liaise with regional representative and policy teams in coordinating, organizing, and delivering meetings, workshops, discussions and training sessions as needed to support NGO community in the region;
• Support the implementation of ICVA`s membership enabling strategy and work plans in Africa;

Other

• Support implementation of projects in support of NGO fora, leading where agreed with the Regional Representative
• Participate in planning and preparing the budget and workplans for the region;
• Undertake other activities as requested to support ICVA’s mission and vision;
• Dissemination of information and soliciting feedback from national NGOs through ICVA’s regional mailing list.

Consortium Work

• In coordination with the regional representative, work on consortium related M&E for ICVA projects
• Support ICVA in all projects and advise on MEL.

1. Requirements

Experience required

At least 5 years of experience in the Humanitarian field (NGOs, UN, donors) with experience in consortium work;

Qualification and Education

Advanced University degree in relevant field, such as humanitarian assistance, international relations, political science, or related academic field;

Essential knowledge and skills

• -Understanding of ICVA`s mission and NGO
• contribution to the humanitarian sector;
• -Proven ability to work autonomously;
• -Proven ability to work in a team;
• -Ability to travel in the region;

-Proven ability to work under pressure and be flexible, including ability to cope with deadline, multiple tasks, and competing and changing demands;

-Well-developed communication, presentation and representational skills appropriate for different audiences, including the ability to influence people;

Desirable knowledge and skills

Knowledge of humanitarian landscape in the Africa, and political, humanitarian and regional actors in the region is a strong added value;

ICVA promotes diversity in its recruitment process.

ICVA’s selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our organisational integrity and commitment to make humanitarian action more principled and effective.