IHL ADVOCACY ADVISOR (INT10240)

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

The Global Humanitarian Team is looking for an International Humanitarian Law Advocacy Advisor.

This is fixed term role starting as soon as possible and ending 31st October 2025 (with possibility of extension).

Interviews will take place 27th March onwards.

 

Do you have strong analytical ability and ability to advise partners on effective influencing tactics in complex situations (e.g., conflict outbreak and escalation, deterioration in protracted crises?

 

Do you have strong understanding of key global humanitarian issues and institutions relevant to protection mandates, particularly related to the EU?

 

Do you have a track record in policy and advocacy, with experience delivering change in policies and processes affecting civilians in conflict, including in multilateral fora?

 

If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you.

 

The Role:

 

The Global Humanitarian Team is looking for IHL Advocacy advisor , who will have following key responsibilities:

• Lead Oxfam’s EU Advocacy Office work on international humanitarian law compliance, by devising and delivering influencing strategies; coordinating inputs, and developing products for the relevant policy process on Protection of Civilians at EU and UN level, targeting the relevant institutions and coordinating the influencing of Member States.
• Undertake policy and political analysis aimed at strengthening Oxfam’s understanding of, and ability to influence the EU, relevant EU Member States and inter-governmental institutions on IHL and humanitarian policies and practices.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with the relevant European and UN institutions and policymakers on issues related to conflicts and humanitarian crisis.
• Act as the liaison with Oxfam’s national and local partners (e.g. national and local humanitarian responders /human rights defenders/ women’s rights activists) to influence European policy dialogues and make sure they are open and accountable to communities living in conflict. This includes setting up bilateral meetings with policymakers, organising events and roundtables, supporting the development of talking points, policy briefs and other products.
• Represent Oxfam externally in policy discussions on humanitarian and human rights issues when required.
• Provide technical advice and support to partners on how to engage in policy fora at the EU, and if relevant UN, level.

What we are looking for:

 

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

 

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

• Practical experience of humanitarian work with a good understanding of context, dilemmas, risk management, challenges, and ways of working and how they relate to humanitarian and protection advocacy.
• Ability to think strategically and connect evidence emerging from country programmes, partners, and communities with opportunities of international humanitarian diplomacy.
• Strong ability to build relationships, coalitions and coordinate positions across a range of partners.
• Understanding of gender issues in emergency settings and commitment to gender equity
• Experience representing an organisation in external policy forums (ideally at EU or UN level)
• Experience mobilising a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly local actors, and co-designing policy and advocacy strategies.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) in English. Experience producing policy briefs, reports and/ or case studies.   
• Proven organizational skills and ability to project-manage events

Desirable

• Experience in a relevant language e.g., French, Spanish or Arabic.
• Background or familiarity with international humanitarian or human rights law, including associated oversight mechanisms (e.g., UN Security Council, Human Rights Council, etc)

 

We offer:

 

This role will give you an opportunity to make a difference in our work, to act as a key contributor to the team and to work with a group of passionate people that are specialists in their fields.

For this role, Oxfam Offers a  competitive salary and benefits packages in line with local cost of living and national pay structures. Details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Location:

Belgium preferred, but other locations will be considered where Oxfam has a presence, subject to Oxfam’s ability to employ in that location, the affordability of doing so and right to work requirements being met.

This role will work closely with colleagues in Europe, so ability to align working hours and travel to European destinations is desirable. Due to legislation constraints, it is not currently possible for this role to be based in some locations. These include France, Italy, and Sweden.

Please indicate your preferred location and whether you have the right to work there on your application.

Flexfam:

 

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. 

 

How to apply:

 

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.