Advocacy Expert

Are you passionate about working with and supporting refugees and communities affected by displacement? Do you want to contribute to global conversations on innovative methods to better address displacement crises? If so, we have an exciting opportunity that you should know about.

Who We Are 

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a global humanitarian organization active in some 40 countries. We focus on aiding, safeguarding, and resolving challenges for refugees, internally displaced persons, and communities affected by conflict. In our commitment to remain effective and responsive to those we assist, we’re actively investigating innovative approaches, particularly anticipatory actions, to address displacement crises proactively.

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Advocacy Expert to join our team. This role requires expertise and dedication, focusing on two key assignments:

For the first six months Expert will dedicate 100% of their time to initiate the design and implementation of an advocacy strategy for the AHEAD project – a four-year project funded by the Dutch MFA in which DRC is developing anticipatory action data models and approaches to help inform the deployment of more timely, dignified, and efficient humanitarian assistance.

Subsequently, the position will remain supporting the AHEAD project at 50% effort, while the other 50% will be dedicated to the DRC Representation in Geneva. Responsibilities include identifying and engaging new stakeholders for humanitarian action, maintaining strong communication with UN advocacy teams, preparing tailored briefing materials for DRC visitors, collaborating with advocacy teams, and ensuring up-to-date content on DRC Geneva’s platforms.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Related to the AHEAD Project  

• Strategy and Implementation  

• In coordination with the Global Lead on Anticipatory Action and Project Coordinator contribute to the development of the project’s overall intervention strategy and Theory of Change to ensure advocacy is embedded and relevant throughout the project.  
• Assume overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the AHEAD project’s advocacy strategy and associated activities and events.   
• Ensure the timely delivery of advocacy-related outputs, including research and publications, in line with the agreed project strategy and work plan. 
• Contribute to the project’s Steering Committee, ensuring key information on the project’s advocacy initiatives is available to Steering Committee members and that committee decisions pertaining to advocacy are actioned. 
• Participate in other governance structures, including technical groups, advisory groups and other ad-hoc working groups as necessary. 

• Reporting and Communication  
• Contribute to regular internal and external reporting processes, including the coordination of advocacy-specific inputs from regional advocacy focal points.  

• Contribute to the development and roll-out of a project communication strategy. 

• Establish and maintain a network of project staff and project contributors across DRC units, regions and countries for matters pertaining to advocacy. 
   

Related to the DRC Representation in Geneva

• Engagement Strategies for New Stakeholders

• Conduct analyses to identify and evaluate new stakeholders/targets for humanitarian action. 
• Develop and implement engagement strategies tailored to these constituencies. 
• Link to UN Advocacy and Communication Teams 

• Establish and maintain strong communication channels with advocacy and communication teams within various UN agencies. 

• Facilitate collaborative initiatives and ensure DRC’s messages are effectively integrated into UN advocacy efforts. 
• Targeted Briefing Materials: 

• Prepare customized briefing materials for DRC visitors to Geneva, including top and senior management from HQ, regional, and country offices. 

• Create tailored communication materials aimed at Geneva-based stakeholders. 
• Cooperate with Other DRC Advocacy Team Members

• Foster cooperation with advocacy and media teams at HQ and field offices. 

• Contribute to strategy development and implementation within the advocacy team. 

• Participate in regular coordination meetings 

• Regularly update the DRC Geneva website and internal InSite with accurate and timely content

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least five years of experience in a similar role coordinating advocacy initiatives for a multi-country project and/or across organizational entities and leading engagements with external stakeholder. Although this position is focused on advocacy, experience with and knowledge of anticipatory action is a significant value add.  We also expect you to be familiar with humanitarian works in general and see any field-based experience a strong asset. Exceptional communication skills and ability to work with multiple tasks with several teams is a precondition to be successful.

Required  

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar coordination role working for a humanitarian or development organization, preferably including field experience;  

• Demonstrated experience leading the design and implementation of project and/or organizational advocacy strategies.  
• Exceptional communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to multitask in several teams
• Full professional proficiency in English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:   

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.   

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 

We offer

Contract length: Fixed Term National contract for 4 years, possibility of extension to open-ended contract;

Band: F non-management

Designation of Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Gross Salary: According to specific profile around 9.000 CHF/month 12x a year

Start date: September 2024

Please note that DRC does not provide any additional benefits (i.e. housing or schooling allowances) but covers mandatory accident insurance. As any national contract holder, all employees must pay income and related taxes as per Swiss law. For net salary estimates please see: https://swiss-salary-calculator.ch/ or other online services.

For specific questions regarding the vacancy please contact the DRC Representative in Geneva: [email protected]

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications must be submitted online: https://job.drc.ngo/jobs

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

DRC does not discriminate based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, race, marital status, or any other criteria. However, for transparency, please note that due to administrative considerations, employment delays, and other uncertainties faced by DRC as an employer, certain preference is given to Swiss nationals, citizens of Schengen countries, and applicants with existing work and residence permits for Switzerland. Nonetheless, the position is open to all candidates who wish to apply.

Closing date for applications: 18. August. 2024

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.