Senior Advocacy Associate, Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs

World Vision US is hiring a Senior Advocacy Associate for Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs to serve on the Advocacy and Government Relations team.

At a Glance

Role: Senior Advocacy Associate, Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs

Location: Washington, D.C. USA

Reports to: Senior Director of Government Relations

Required experience: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Political Science, International Development, Communications or related field or equivalent (eight years) work experience. In addition to education or education equivalent, requires a minimum of 2-4 year’s work experience on issue or political campaigns, field organizing, and/or in an elected official’s office.

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.A. for any employer.

The Job:

In collaboration with the Policy Advisor for Humanitarian Emergency Affairs (HEA), the Senior Advocacy Associate for HEA will support policy development and external relations in support of grant and operational objectives of World Vision’s humanitarian programs. This will include country-specific support for key World Vision humanitarian responses, as assigned. In addition, the Senior Advocacy Associate will engage on policy issues that support child-focused interventions in humanitarian contexts across key sectors, including protection, education, food security and WASH. This position will report to the Senior Director of Government Relations.

• Key responsibilities of this role will include:
• Collaborate with the Policy Advisor for HEA in support of policy and advocacy on humanitarian emergencies, conflicts, and disasters (rapid-onset and protracted) with Congress, the Administration, U.N. agencies and external coalitions.
• Identify legislation, support letters, and policy priorities for the organization on humanitarian issues, as assigned.
• Work with the Policy Advisor for HEA to support efforts for advocacy mobilization of World Vision supporters and donors, including writing legislative summaries, blog posts and talking points.
• Support and understand compliance and access issues related to the ability to operate humanitarian programs, including an understanding of partner vetting, counter-terrorism policies, humanitarian principles and the ICRC Code of Conduct.
• Facilitate the building of relationships with policy makers, organizations, coalitions, and individuals that support the successful implementation of strategies developed for assigned subject areas. Coordinate appropriately with supervisor and the Policy Advisor for HEA, as well as with other departments across WVUS and the WV Partnership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on various assigned topics to members of the Administration and Congress, institutional donors, as well as WVUS and WVI teams (including internal WV advocacy response groups). Facilitate meetings with Congressional offices and Administration officials as directed.
• Conduct research, policy analysis, and prepare policy papers in support of portfolio strategies, overall Advocacy team strategy, and WVUS and WVI strategies.
• Independently generate advocacy and policy ideas for assigned subject areas.
• Work collaboratively with team members when assigned to work as a member of a team.
• Maintain awareness of corporate goals, objectives, organizational announcements, and activities. Reference and follow organizational policies and procedures, seeking clarity as needed.
• Keep Christ central in individual and corporate life. Actively participate in and contribute to the spiritual disciplines of the organization (Christian conduct, devotions, chapel, prayer, worship); incorporate WV Core Values into decisions within scope of role.

You Bring These Skills:

• Ability to convey complex issues in a simple and understandable way
• Basic understanding of humanitarian law/principles and humanitarian programs
• Can take basic direction and use that to develop strategies to achieve policy goals
• Strong oral communication and writing skills
• Ability to communicate in a culturally sensitive way
• Ability to handle sensitive information and use discretion in sharing information
• Must have a mature faith demonstrated by a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and service to others

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Political Science, International Development, Communications or related field or equivalent (eight years) work experience. In addition to education or education equivalent, requires a minimum of 2-4 year’s work experience on issue or political campaigns, field organizing, and/or in an elected official’s office.