Regional Policy and Advocacy Manager

Job Title:                                         Regional Policy and Advocacy Manager (African Union)

Department:                                      Programming

Division:                                               Advocacy

Duty Station:                                    Remote, must be based in the region

Expected travel:                              30% travel, primarily in the region and internationally

Line Manager**:**                                  Global Head of Policy and Advocacy

Line Management Responsibility:  n/a

Position Type:                                    Full-time

Compensation:

Please note that the compensation for this position varies depending on the candidate's location. Our salary packages are designed to be fair and competitive, taking into account the cost of living, local salary benchmarks, and the candidate's experience and qualifications. We aim to ensure equitable compensation across our global team. Specific details will be discussed during the interview process.

Please note, for this position we are seeking a candidate from : Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda

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.

OVERVIEW

The Policy and Advocacy Manager (African Union) is responsible for advancing understanding, legitimacy and support for Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and NP in AU and AU member state protection, policy, and advocacy contexts. In addition, the manager will track and analyse civilian protection issues in AU settings and be the regional focal point for development and implementation of NP’s global policy and advocacy strategy. Working in close collaboration with NP colleagues in the region, as well as the Global Policy and Advocacy Team (in US, EU and UN settings), the Manager will work to strengthen regional Country Programme policy and advocacy skills and knowledge, including the development of outputs for in-country, regional and international stakeholders and policymakers. The manager will also provide technical support to Country Programmes on key thematic and operational policy areas as part of NP’s commitment to advocacy as a ‘whole of organisation’ priority. This is a rare opportunity at a critical time to work with a diverse range of stakeholders – from affected communities, NP colleagues, and duty bearers – to uplift UCP in African Union, member state, and international policy settings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this strategic and hands-on role, the Manager 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;
• Serve as a focal point and connector between the Global Policy and Advocacy Team and regional Country Programmes and facilitate regular and timely reporting of key trends, activities and initiatives between teams;
• Build relations and coordinate with key stakeholders (including AU member states and missions, duty bearers, regional and international civil society) in the region relevant to shaping civilian protection policies and practices;
• Work with Country Programmes to closely monitor, identify, and amplify key civilian protection needs, risks, and responses in AU missions and Country Programme contexts, and develop related advocacy outputs, including written briefs, talking points, and reports;
• Support Country Programme and Policy and Advocacy staff to represent NP in key regional advocacy fora;
• Support advocacy skills and strategy development for regional Country Programmes staff;
• Contribute to fundraising and proposal development related to policy and advocacy;
• Work alongside advocacy and communications colleagues to broader public media on NP and UCP in the region and related to the region;
• Plan programs for and accompany NP staff on regional advocacy visits;
• Ensure the results of AU advocacy initiatives are documented and quantified, while contributing to adaptive learning loops to improve work and strengthen program learning;
• Maintain an up-to-date database for advocacy contacts and networks;
• In the event of a major protection emergency in the region, the Manager will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

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 preferred) in International Affairs, Policy & Advocacy, Political Science, or other related fields.
• At least four years professional experience related to civilian protection, humanitarian crises, peacebuilding, and/or post-conflict situations;
• A keen understanding of humanitarian issues in the region is required; previous experience working in the region is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, particularly related to civilian protection, humanitarian or peacebuilding settings, including generating policy and advocacy messages and guidance.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, with demonstrated outstanding writing skills. French or Arabic language abilities are preferred.
• Excellent analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills.
• Sound personal organisational skills, including excellent time management, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Culturally sensitive, thrives in diverse teams, and able to sensitively navigate interpersonal and inter-departmental dynamics to keep focus on common goals.
• Must be willing and able to travel regularly within the region.
• Adaptability, resourcefulness, pro-activity, and the commitment to work within a small, flexible team.
• It would be highly desirable for a candidate to have experience of living and working in a complex protection crisis environment

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. two pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page) through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Closing date is 13 August 2024

• 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. 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 Inter Agency 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

PolicyAdvocacyCivilian ProtectionHumanitarianPeacebuildingAdvocacyCommunicationReportingFrenchArabicEnglishNonviolenceDirect ActionRadical ConnectionProcess-orientedIndependenceNonpartisanshipAccountability