Advocacy Advisor

The IRC restarted programs in Iraq in November 2007 to assist thousands of internally displaced civilians in northern, central and southern regions. The IRC had extensive operations in Iraq from 2003 through 2005, but deteriorating security forced IRC to leave. Since returning to Iraq, IRC has been providing support to refugees, internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities in the sectors of protection/access to justice, education/child protection/youth livelihoods, water/sanitation/hygiene, gender based violence prevention. In many sectors IRC is the largest agency working, and IRC has a seat on the Humanitarian Country Team and is an active participant in the cluster meetings. IRC was key to setting up the NGO Advocacy Working Group towards the end of 2014.

In February 2015 IRC conducted an advocacy strategy planning workshop and drew up a 2015 advocacy strategy. IRC Iraq is currently looking for an advocacy advisor, responsible for implementation of this advocacy strategy and for further development of IRC’s advocacy work. We need a person with advocacy experience and excellent coordination and networking skills - and who can work within the overall context of insecurity and access challenges in Iraq. We offer competitive salary and excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth.   

SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Advocacy Advisor will be responsible for pushing forward implementation of the 2015 IRC Iraq advocacy strategy and for further development of IRC Iraq’s advocacy work. The Advocacy Advisor will liaise with IRC’s global advocacy team as well as being focal point for IRC’s global communications team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working with the guidance of the Regional Director of Public Affairs, push forward implementation of the IRC Iraq 2015 advocacy strategy and further development of IRC Iraq’s advocacy work, and develop and drive policy and advocacy messages and products for in-country, regional and international stakeholders and policymakers, e.g. joint report with NRC on access to safe territory in Iraq by IDPs
• Participate in and support the NGO Advocacy Working Group and take a lead on task-forces within the group as they relate to IRC advocacy priorities, including the Humanitarian Access Task Force
• Work with IRC’s protection team on developing an advocacy strategy on access to documentation
• Participate in, and conduct research to prepare for, the Global Advocacy Team joint calls on Iraq and provide the Global Advocacy Team with information and advocacy messages relating to the Iraq humanitarian crisis
• Provide focal point contact for Syria Response Regional Media Officer for communications to supplement Iraq Advocacy and support Iraq component in communications and advocacy on regional issues
• In conjunction with country program staff and the global advocacy and communications teams, closely monitor humanitarian policy debates and media pertaining to the Iraq crisis, ensuring that relevant information is analyzed and disseminated in a timely and effective manner
• Alert the Regional Director of Public Affairs and Country Director to relevant policy developments
• Provide analysis for Country Director and input for Humanitarian Country Team meetings, as well as key cluster meetings
• Write policy and advocacy material including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports
• Provide policy screening for IRC materials related to key issues in Iraq
• In coordination with the Country Director and Regional Director of Public Affairs, represent IRC in advocacy, policy and coordination forums, as well as at key lobbying meetings
• Respond to external inquiries on policy issues, including briefing policymakers and media

Professional Standards
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least four years of professional experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations;
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to apply innovative thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, with demonstrated exceptionally strong writing skills;
• Ability to navigate interpersonal and inter-departmental organizational dynamics to keep focus on goals and products;
• Ability to work well in unstable security environments, and under significant administrative and programmatic pressures;
• Flexible to adapt to changing requirements;
• Culturally sensitive, able and interested in working with a multi-ethnic team;
• Strong commitment to the IRC’s mission, purpose and values
• Must be able to work independently while being a team player.
• Advanced degree in relevant field desired;
• First-hand experience working in insecure conflict settings preferred;
• Middle East regional experience preferred.

SPECIFIC SECURITY SITUATION/HOUSING:
Staff in Iraq must comply with all IRC security policies and procedures applicable to international staff. Accommodation will be provided and will be as comfortable as the emergency circumstances allow. The position is unaccompanied.