Humanitarian Policy Advisor

DRC Somalia/Land

DRC has been operating in Somalia since 1998 using a protection of human rights framework. Somalia is experiencing a devastating humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80% of the population in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. DRC in Somalia is scaling up the operation in emergency response through an integrated approach accessing hard to reach populations.

Overall purpose of the role

 The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for engaging key stakeholders to work on a diverse range of policy issues that impact the effectiveness of humanitarian programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations in Somalia. Accordingly, the Humanitarian Advisor will guide DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development and implementation of advocacy work in Somalia.

 Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for setting up and pushing forward the implementation of the DRC Somalia’s advocacy strategy and to further develop DRC Somalia’s advocacy work.

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will liaise with DRC’s regional and global advocacy teams as well as being the focal point for DRC Somalia on external communications.

Responsibilities:

•   Lead on the establishment and implementation of the DRC SOM advocacy strategy.

•   Develop policy and advocacy materials including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports.

ABOUT DRC

DRC (Danish Refugee

•   Liaise with key DRC partners, line ministries, UN, NGO and other interlocutors in Somalia to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.

•   Participate in and support the relevant working groups of the Somalia based INGO network, including supporting the planning and drafting of relevant products such as key messaging and briefings.

•   Alert the Country Director to relevant policy developments and provide analysis and input for Humanitarian Country Team meetings, as well as key cluster/working group meetings.

•   Review materials related to Somalia produced by DRC regional or headquarter teams to ensure consistency with DRC Somalia policy positions.

•   Support the Head of Programmes and Sector Managers to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies.

•   Develop advocacy products and policy briefs including analysis of information produced through DRC's programs and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions.

•   Suggest actions to national policy responses and policy frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and access, and current and future challenges that have an impact on humanitarian assistance and related services.

•   Contribute to the DRC’s global and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Somalia’s specificities are reflected and captured.

•   Ensure DRC’s regional office, headquarters, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Somalia advocacy strategy and understand and promote its asks.

•   Participate in, and conduct research to prepare for global advocacy joint calls on Somalia and provide information and advocacy messages relating to the Somali humanitarian crisis.

•   Represent DRC in advocacy, policy and coordination meetings or as otherwise delegated by the Country Director.

•   Oversee and support the activities of DRC Somalia Communication Assistant.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

•   Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

•   Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

•   Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

•   Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

•   Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

•   At least 3 years of professional experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situation and at least 5 years of applicable professional experience in total.

•   Bachelors degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.

•   Strong understanding of the political and humanitarian context in Somalia and the region

•   Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.

•   Understanding of the UN and international donor landscape, including challenges and constraints in Somalia.

•   Experience in negotiation with UN, INGO, donors and coordination forums, ideally in Somalia

 Council), founded in Denmark in 1956, is Denmark’s largest and the world’s leading non-profit, independent, rights-based refugee organization.

Our vision is to assist refugees, internally displaced people and their host communities to a dignified life. We protect lives and human rights and empower beneficiaries throughout conflict displacement by providing shelter, food, and hope in terms of work, education and integration towards a sustainable future.

•   Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law.

•   Full proficiency in spoken and written English and Somali is desirable.

Behavioural competencies:

•   A passion for advocacy and humanitarian outcomes.

•   Good attention to detail.

•   High level analytical and strategic thinking skills.

•   Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people.

•   Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.

•   Excellent planning, management, and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.

•   Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams.

•   Commitment to Danish Refugee Council values.

Conditions

Contract: 12 Months with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment; Employment band Non - Management G

Availability:       1st March 2023

Duty station:   This position is based in Baidoa with travel to field locations .

Reporting Line: Country Director

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Please submit your Cover Letter and CV in English no later than 8th February 2023

DRC as an employer

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries.

We pride ourselves on our:

•   Professionalism, impact & expertise

•   Humanitarian approach & the work we do

•   Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution

•   Culture, values & strong leadership

•   Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity,