Regional Advocacy Adviser Neglected crises, West & Central Africa

Background

The world is rightly seized with the enormous humanitarian challenges faced by people in Ukraine and the hundreds of thousands fleeing to neighbouring countries and across Europe. At the same time, the situation has not improved for millions of people in other parts of the world that no longer make the headlines. People in a range of protracted crises that have traditionally been neglected by Governments, donors, and the media, continue to suffer. Countries across West and Central Africa – many of which experience protracted political instability, conflict, significant displacement, and the worsening effects of climate change – are in a chronic state of neglect, and now risk falling further down the priority list of global decision makers. Every year, NRC’s list of the world’s ten most neglected crises is heavily dominated by African countries. Meanwhile, as a consequence of the Ukraine crisis, global attention for ongoing humanitarian crises elsewhere will diminish, crises in countries such as Cameroon, CAR and DRC, risk falling off the international agenda, at a time when increased political will is needed to find solutions to alleviate humanitarian needs, prevent further conflict and instability, and find durable solutions for displaced people.

To continue to make progress for displaced and crisis-affected people, and to counteract the negative global effects of the Ukraine crisis in the coming year, NRC is looking for a regional advocacy adviser that will focus more especially on the neglected crises of Cameroon, CAR and DRC.

Role and responsibilities

The purpose of the Advocacy Adviser: Neglected Crises is the overall responsibility for the implementation of the Amplifying Advocacy for Neglected Crises project in the Central and West Africa region with a specific focus on Cameroon, the Central and African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The following is a brief description of the role.

1. Contribute specific deliverables to the overall strategy for the Amplifying Advocacy for Neglected Crises project.
2. Develop, steer, and implement a region-and or country specific advocacy strategy and ensure that objectives from Amplifying Advocacy for Neglected Crises project are reflected,
3. Develop, manage, and lead on specific research activities with the aim of providing analysis and evidence to support the Amplifying Advocacy for Neglected Crises project.   
4. Accountable for drafting policy and advocacy products such as briefing notes, position papers, talking points, key messages, and ad-hoc reports as relevant.
5. Establish and strengthen strategic advocacy networks and alliances.
6. Ensure internal communication and alignment with relevant NRC units and departments with the view of developing consistent policy positions.
7. Draft press releases and social media output.
8. Seek to develop alliances with local NGOs for advocacy on neglected crises.
9. Represent the Amplifying Advocacy for Neglected Crises project, as relevant, in meetings with policymakers and carry out briefings, including in key European capitals
10. Carry out capacity building for CO teams.

• Minimum five years relevant professional experience within the humanitarian, development, human rights, foreign policy, or similar field;
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts, preferably in the West Africa region
• Documented experience with humanitarian advocacy and the production of high-standard written materials (i.e., reports, briefing notes, position papers, talking points and key messages)
• Documented experience with relevant thematic areas (displacement, durable solutions, protection, food security, humanitarian space), including through conducting research.   
• Ability to work with a wide range of actors, including government and regional entities
• Experience in carrying out assessments and focus group discussions
• Documented/proven results related to other key elements of the position’s responsibilities
• Strong understanding of the international humanitarian system, policy and practice;
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Representation and public speaking experience are an advantage
• Fluency in English and French, both written and verbal

Competencies

• Communicating with impact and respect
• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Analysing and research

What We Offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

• 11 months contract-possibility of renewal based on funding
• Grade 9 on NRC slary scale
• Location: to be based in one of these NRC country offices-Yaounde (Cameroon), Bangui (CAR), Goma (RDC); however, there will be up to 60% travelling. *If the selected person is a national from the country where he/she will be based in, a national contract will be offered.*
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

You find the job description here: OSF Regional Advocacy Adviser.docx

Deadline to apply: 23/08/2022

To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site.