Policy and Advocacy Manager

Job Title:                                            Policy and Advocacy Manager (International Candidates)

Department:                                      Programming

Division:                                               Advocacy

Duty Station:                                     Erbil, 40% travel, domestic and international

Line Manager:                                   Head of Programme

Line Management Responsibility:  Policy and advocacy officer

Position Type:                                    Full-time

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work to reduce and prevent violence, protect civilians and build peace together with communities in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath through the implementation of unarmed civilian protection programming. NP implements programming through the deployment of civilian protection teams to the field and is continuing to scale up to meet the growing needs in the communities we serve. Programming is founded on Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and is thematically focused on, interrupting cycles of violence, building trust and peaceful co-existence among divided communities and women inclusion and participation.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Policy and Advocacy Manager to join our team and contribute to our efforts working and advocating with civilians in Iraq for meaningful inclusion and participation in decision making processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the national advocacy and political landscape, civil society networks, civilian protection needs in Iraq, experience advocating for policy change and enjoy engaging with internal and external stakeholders to improve civilian safety. Additionally, the manager will have strong budget and operational skills. This is a rare opportunity at a critical time to work with a diverse range of stakeholders – from affected communities, NP colleagues, INGOs, and duty bearers – to advocate for the safety of civilians and the importance of unarmed and nonviolent protection responses.

KEY OBJECTIVES/RESPONSIBILITIES

In this strategic and hands-on role, the manager will:

• Be responsible for the overall planning, implementation and general administration of the project in accordance with the country and advocacy strategy and NP policies and values
• Together with Iraq Country Programme staff and the Global Advocacy Team lead the analysis of advocacy needs and opportunities to inform the development of advocacy outputs, including written briefs, case studies, talking points, training materials, and reports;
• Serve as a focal point on Iraq between the Iraq Country Programme and Global Policy and Advocacy Team and facilitate regular and timely reporting of key trends, activities and initiatives between teams;
• Builds effective and strong networks and collaborative relationships, maintains communication and coordination with key stakeholders during implementation
• Provides technical advice to partners on the development and implementation of protection strategies.
• Actively participate in the preparation of quality and timely monthly and quarterly reports for submission
• Together with the MEL team design and implement monitoring and evaluation plan of the advocacy strategy
• Represent NP in relevant stakeholder meetings and advocacy working groups on Iraq;
• Monitors project expenditures against the approved budgets, update project forecast on monthly basis, share feedback / comments on monthly financial report for BvA.
• Ensures effective application of NP policies on procurement, finance and security in the implementation of the advocacy strategy in country.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

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

• A bachelor's degree in international Affairs, Policy & Advocacy, Political Science, Law, Journalism or other related fields;
• At least five years of professional experience related to national advocacy, community-led advocacy strategies, civilian protection, civil society strengthening, peacebuilding, human rights and/or post-conflict situations;
• An in-depth understanding of Iraq political and advocacy context;
• Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is essential;
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of seniority;
• Sound personal organizational skills, including excellent time management, strong analytical skills, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team, including relationships both in person and in remote locations and abroad;
• Experience on digital protection and safety will be an asset

Commitment to NP Principles

Demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mission and vision :

All NP employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s guiding principles:

• Nonviolence
• Direct action
• Radical connection
• Process-oriented
• Independence
• Nonpartisanship
• Redemption and healing
• Pluriversality
• Accountability

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

Application Process

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 14 August 2024
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the InterAgency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.

Keywords

PolicyAdvocacyManagerInternationalCandidatesCivilianProtectionIraqAdvocatingDecision MakingPolitical LandscapeCivil SocietyNetworksStakeholdersBudgetOperationalUnarmedNonviolentProtectionResponses