Policy and Advocacy Specialist (National Contract)

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.  

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.  

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency. 

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.  

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

 

About the job 

Reporting directly to the DRC Country Director, the Policy and Advocacy Specialist is a key position in the DRC team. The Policy and Advocacy Specialist will develop expert policy guidance for messaging and advocacy with key stakeholders on pertinent issues in Lebanon, while driving and shaping DRC’s profile on Lebanon in priority issues.  .Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

 

Advocacy  

• Lead on the development and implementation of the DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy. 

• Develop and update talking points, top-line messages and advocacy tasks for the DRC Lebanon team.  

• Establish strategic relationships with media outlets to ensure push of key advocacy messages. 

• Support the Senior Management Team of DRC to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies. 

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

• Suggest key advocacy opportunities and targets at national and regional levels. 

• Draft and otherwise support the creation of advocacy products as outlined in the advocacy strategy for use at the country, regional and international levels in compliance with DRC’s internal policies. 

• Contribute to the regional advocacy strategy and to regional and global advocacy initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Lebanon specificities are reflected and captured. 

• Plan, coordinate and execute advocacy initiatives, campaigns and other actions designed to directly engage stakeholders and policymakers around specific policy issues in close coordination with the Country Director and programme leadership team. 

• Conduct research for development of advocacy products and policy briefs. This includes analysis of information produced through DRC's programs and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions. 

• Develop strategic relationships with other NGOs to advance joint advocacy efforts in Lebanon. 

• Support the communication team to develop and disseminate high quality advocacy products.

 

Strategy and representation 

• Ensure DRC MENA RO, HQ, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy and understand and promote its asks. 

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

• Support country management and other programme staff in their work, including development of a plan for achieving their priority advocacy objectives in both humanitarian and development programming. This should include guidelines on the meaningful and safe participation of beneficiaries in advocacy and communications. 

• Build and otherwise contribute to Lebanon coalition building initiatives.  

• Represent DRC in advocacy-related country and (as relevant) regional fora related to advocacy or as otherwise delegated by the CD.

 

 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have Tertiary qualifications in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Moreover, we also expect the following:

 

Required  

• Significant prior experience (at least 3 years) working in advocacy on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues. 

• Strong understanding of the political system in Lebanon, including experience working with Government of Lebanon, line ministries, and local authorities. 

• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. 

• Experience of influencing and advocacy work including lobbying, policy development and information provision in humanitarian issues. 

• Excellent skills in advocating towards government officials. 

• Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing humanitarian advocacy strategies and campaigns. 

• Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law. 

• Understanding of UN and donor operations at country and regional level. 

• High level analytical and strategic thinking skills. 

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

• 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. 

• Full proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

 

Desirable 

• Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous

 

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 DRC’s vision and values. 

 

We offer 

Contract length: 10 months, extended depending on funds  

Level:  E+1, 3502 USD 

Duty Station: Beirut 

Start date: June 2018

 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

Application process 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email to Dolene Khairallah will not be considered.

 

Closing date for applications: 25th of May 2018 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.