Policy and Advocacy Manager (Washington D.C.)

ABOUT US

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through unarmed civilian protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence and protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath and to help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

JOB PURPOSE 

The Advocacy Lead (Washington D.C.) is responsible for advancing understanding, legitimacy, and support for NP and UCP in United States Congressional, governmental, and policy contexts. This includes advocacy and relationship building with members of Congress and their staff, United States Government agencies and departments, and other relevant stakeholders including Non-Government Organizations. The Advocacy Lead (Washington D.C.) manages participation, policy contributions, and represents NP at various policy working groups and coalitions, conferences, public events, and formal and informal meetings related to civilian protection, violence prevention, and peacebuilding. The Advocacy Lead (Washington D.C.) is a member the Advocacy Team (a global support function), and coordinates with advocacy colleagues to advance a collective agenda and strategy. The Advocacy Lead (Washington D.C.) is also a member of NPUSA and has a key role in coordinating and supporting US field teams in advocacy as part of their programmes.  

KEY OBJECTIVES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

In this strategic and yet hands-on role, the rep. will: 

• Work with the Global Head of Policy and Advocacy and the Advocacy team to develop and implement a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to advance policy and funding support for UCP and NP;
• Advance policy and funding support for UCP and NP with US congressional and government stakeholders;
• Build relations and coordinate with NGOs also working in similar fields and advancing this policy agenda in the US context;
• Serve as a focal point and facilitator for NP Country Programmes in strengthening relationships with US Government agencies and actors; 
• Closely monitor advances in UCP, particularly in the context of the US, and serve as a point of contact and resource for NP staff;
• Support advocacy skills and strategy development, particularly within NPUSA, with field staff members;
• Represent NP at public events, conferences, and formal and informal meetings; 
• Assist in mobilizing resources and other support for UCP;
• Work alongside advocacy and communications colleagues to support broader public media on NP and UCP;
• Plan programs for and accompany NP field staff on advocacy visits to DC or other locations;
• Network extensively in relevant governmental and non-governmental circles;
• Maintain a database for advocacy contacts and networks.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following skills, attributes and experience: 

• Degree level education (postgraduate degree or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred) with advocacy experience in the international development/ humanitarian/human rights sector
• At least 2-4 years of experience successfully influencing public policy
• Excellent understanding of civilian protection risks and needs, and unarmed civilian protection as a response to different forms of violence in multiple contexts 
• Solid understanding of US Government and Congressional institutions and related decision-making processes
• Experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies that integrate lobbying, research, media and campaigning tools in order to influence governments and other decision-making bodies
• Strong people skills with experience working with and in diverse teams 
• Demonstrated experience representing complex issues before high level decision-makers, colleagues, media and the general public
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally in verbally and in writing 
• Adaptability, resourcefulness, pro-activity, and the commitment to work within a small, flexible team
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Strong gender and diversity awareness and interest
• It would be highly desirable for a candidate to have experience of living and working in a complex protection crisis environment
• Advanced computer skills - confident user of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Commitment to NP Principles  

• Demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mission and principles  
• All NP employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s guiding principles:  
• Nonviolence 
• Non-partisanship 
• Primacy of local actors 
• Civilian-to-civilian action 

These principles and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships in protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies 

HOW TO APPLY  

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page). Incomplete applications will not be considered.  
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be asked to participate in an interview process. 

Special Notice: 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff at all levels. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. However, all qualified applicants regardless of their gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, or age, will be considered for this opportunity.  

We believe that systemic inequality disproportionately hurts the most marginalized people in society, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), people from working class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ people. Because NP believes that these communities must be centered in the work we do in reducing violence arising due to racism and we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities 

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, beneficiaries and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice in the Humanitarian and Development sector.  

NO FEE    

NONVIOLENT PEACEFORCE DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). NONVIOLENT PEACEFORCE DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.