Policy and Advocacy Advisor UK United Kingdom

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an experienced Policy & Advocacy Adviser to lead and guide NRC’s policy and advocacy initiatives in the UK. This role will focus on advancing NRC’s primary global advocacy priorities and key thematic issues within the UK (50%) while also providing targeted support to the Eurasia region, with a particular focus on the sub-regional crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan (50%). The Adviser’s efforts will align with NRC’s global strategic objectives and contribute to the development and execution of relevant country and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives.

What you will do:

Some of your specific responsibilities include:

1. Identify opportunities and coordinate regular engagement with NRC country and regional offices, and Head Office, on key advocacy priorities, particularly as it relates to protection, humanitarian access, funding, and the coordination of the humanitarian response in NRC’s Eurasia region covering Ukraine and Moldova, and Afghanistan’s sub-regional displacement crisis.
2. Lead the strategic planning of briefings to key advocacy targets such as MPs, FCDO officials and UK ministers, including for the drafting of talking points and briefing notes, including developing plans to engage with MPs in the UK Parliament and mapping MPs’ interests in humanitarian issues.
3. Actively network with other UK-based organisations and contribute to developing strategic partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to support specific advocacy objectives. In addition, contribute to NGO coordination groups, such as those run under Bond, and in delegated areas represent NRC’s policy and advocacy priorities within this group in coordination with the NRC UK Director.
4. Implement strategic advocacy activities, such as:
   1. Producing background documents and briefing papers linked to global, crisis-specific and thematic portfolios, including arranging briefings and roundtables
   2. Maintaining and building relationships with relevant advocacy targets
   3. Developing, managing and maintaining stakeholder mapping and contact databases
   4. Monitoring and reporting on activities and impact of NRC UK’s advocacy work
5. Provide additional support to other activities of NRC UK, including fundraising activities, as required.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

What you will bring:

• University degree or the equivalent professional qualification in relevant subjects. Relevant work and life experience will also be considered when evaluating formal qualifications.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience working in the field of politics or foreign affairs, humanitarian action, human rights or international development.
• Proven experience in representing NGO’s, donors or UN agencies in formal settings;
• Professional experience of working within or engaging with the UK Parliament. FCDO and/or other relevant UK institutions and proven understanding of UK political dynamics.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to IHL, humanitarian principles, and human rights;
• In-depth knowledge, and experience in advocacy, campaigning, or similar
• Excellent understanding of UK institutions and processes;
• Experience in policy development and drafting speeches, talking points, and position papers;
• Good analytical and critical thinking in complex political and humanitarian contexts;
• Experience with developing and effectively implementing context sensitive advocacy strategies
• Strong analytical and research capacity;
• Political and cultural awareness;
• Excellent coordination, networking, and interpersonal and communication skills, including negotiation skills;
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills;
• Strong public speaking skills
• Previous working experience within the humanitarian sector preferred but not required

What we offer:

• Duty station: London, United Kingdom.
• Contract: 12 months
• Travel: 20%
• Salary/benefits: grade 8 on NRC’s national salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• For Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected]with the job title as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.

Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.

At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.

Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:

• treat everyone with respect and dignity

• contribute to building a safe environment for all

• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)

• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH