Advocacy Consultant Jobs at IRC

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Hiring Organization: International Rescue Committee
Location – Locality: Nairobi
Location – Region: Kenya
Industry: NGO
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: KES
Date Posted: 08/01/2024

The purpose of the proposed consultancy is to lead, develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Central Africa Region at the IRC and to deliver a set of specific deliverables associated with this SoW. The Regional Advocacy Consultant, thereafter referred to as “The Contractor”, will lead the development and implementation of the Central Africa regional advocacy strategy and provide strategic guidance and support to advocacy efforts at a country and regional level. The Contractor will be responsible for developing policy positions & advocacy plans across regional and sub-regional themes, collaborate with relevant colleagues on internal & external communication needs for the Central Africa region and strengthen the IRC’s position in regional and international fora. The Specialist will develop and implement activities to enhance principled humanitarian and nexus actions; drive transformative and measurable improvements in the effectiveness of aid; engage and support in regional advocacy and raise attention to the dynamics affecting communities in Central Africa.
The Contractor’s work will be performed in Nairobi (Remote or at the IRC Office) and will last for a period of up to six months (through October 31, 2024).

Accountable to the Regional Vice President, Central Africa Region.
Close internal coordination with Deputy Regional Director, Country Directors and Deputy Director -Programs, Director Awards Management, and Director Emergency Response, Communications colleagues, and relevant subject matter experts including Technical Advisors, frontline colleagues etc.
Close external collaboration through Regional and national advocacy fora, international and national NGOs, relevant donors, UN agencies, etc.

  • Advocacy Strategy: Lead advocacy strategy and messaging development and implementation for Central Africa regional and country-level policy goals, developing regional advocacy messaging and supporting the influence efforts of Country Offices through field visits and/or virtual meetings where relevant. Facilitate the implementation of regional strategies, including developing plans to reach relevant audiences, including donors, partners, and advocacy targets, through power mapping, elevation of the decoloniality agenda and tactical planning.
  • Internal Collaboration: Facilitate mechanisms to ensure sharing of information and analysis, and alignment of policy/advocacy messaging and positioning across country programs, the regional office, and global headquarters. In collaboration with the Regional Communication Coordinator, serve as the primary point of contact for internal communications in the region. Ensure that information about the IRC’s response activities in Central Africa (CA) is disseminated to regional and HQ staff as appropriate.
  • Policy Engagement and Agenda-Setting: Develop regional and country-specific policy agendas, in collaboration with internal and external experts, that respond to identified challenges in the humanitarian/development sectors and are aligned with S100 and one another, including through enhanced visibility and centrality of the IRC Watchlist. Develop analysis and position papers to inform advocacy work for the region and globally where relevant.
  • Communications: Oversee production of polished and accessible external reports and other materials to inform key audiences about project activities and the needs of displaced people in CA and to influence policy decisions. Contribute to press releases and lead sign-off of relevant regional products, ensuring the accuracy and quality of information before dissemination. Keep records of all documentation produced. Organize events that will enhance the visibility of the IRC’s work and presence in countries of the Central Africa Region.
  • Spokesperson: under the guidance of the RVP, act as an IRC influence spokesperson, providing briefings on the situation in Central Africa’s sub-regional contexts to key internal and external stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, journalists, and donors. Support the RVP and/or engage with international and regional media to pitch stories about IRC’s response, advocacy priorities and partnerships, resulting in high-quality, top-tier coverage.
  • Advocacy: Engage / support in regional and national dialogues with key policymakers and stakeholders to pursue country, regional and global advocacy priorities. Maintain active working relationships with external national, regional, and global stakeholders including other INGOs, UN Agencies, think tanks, analysts and community-based organizations.