The Advocacy Advisor will be responsible working with the SMT to set and delivery the advocacy direction for the country office. The postholder will take the lead role in ensuring the country office is engaging key stakeholders to both inform and influence in accordance with the advocacy strategy, ensuring that the aid response across Yemen can can support of the most vulnerable populations in Yemen in an effective manner Accordingly, the Advocacy Advisor will guide DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development and implementation of advocacy work in Yemen.
Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Advocacy Advisor will be responsible for the implementation of the DRC Yemen advocacy strategy and to further develop DRC Yemen’s advocacy work. The Advocacy Advisor works closely with DRC’s regional and global advocacy teams as well as being the focal point for DRC Yemen on external communications.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Advocacy:
Develop and update advocacy strategy, talking points, topline messaging, briefing papers, advocacy reports and other advocacy asks for the local DRC team
Lead on the implementation of the DRC Yemen advocacy strategy
Follow up on the implementation of DRC’s Communication strategy and communication commitments with support from the regional office
Participate in and support the relevant working groups of the Yemen based INGO network, including supporting the planning and drafting of relevant inter-agency products such as key messaging, public statements, high profile letters, briefings etc.
Remain up to date on key issues at the national and regional level, through engagement with relevant stakeholders
Alert the SMT to relevant policy developments and provide analysis and input for various inter-agency meetings such as the Technical Monitoring Group, the Humanitarian Country Team and others.
Support the Head of Programmes and Technical Coordinators to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies. In addition, work with Sector Managers, Technical Coordinators and Area managers on key issues within clusters, working groups and area specific forums.
Contribute to the DRC’s global and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Yemen specificities are reflected and captured.
As part of DRC’s commitment to localisation, ensure DRC works in equitable partnerships with Yemeni civil society for advocacy, and work with relevant programme staff to ensure advocacy efforts are locally led.
Participate in and conduct research to prepare for global advocacy joint calls on Yemen and provide information and advocacy messages relating to the Yemen humanitarian crisis.
Representation & Communication:
Liaise with key UN, NGO and other interlocutors in country to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.
Represent DRC in key forums, including the Advocacy Working Group for Yemen, and other groups as delegated by the CD.
Represent DRC in external meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including – but not limited to – diplomatic staff within embassies, donor governments, UN leadership, think-tanks. Support the Yemen CO to build relationships in key capitals and represent DRC Yemen in agreement with the CD.
Engage with the region and HQ on shared advocacy messaging and campaigns
Establish strategic relationships with media outlets to ensure push of key advocacy messages and communication materials.
Support in developing messaging for and actions around key national policy responses and frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, protection concerns, funding for the response, security and current and future challenges that have an impact on displaced populations and their access to humanitarian assistance and protection services;
Build networks of key informants and stakeholders in country.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Coordinates and supervises the daily activities of communication and advocacy team
Contribute to recruitment, capacity building, and performance appraisal of members of the team
Required experience and competencies
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:
Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Experience and technical competencies:
At least 5 years' experience working in advocacy on humanitarian issues, access, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues.
Experience of influencing and advocacy work including lobbying, policy development and information provision in humanitarian issues. Experience in advocacy towards government officials is desierable.
Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing humanitarian advocacy strategies and campaigns.
Knowledge of human rights, international humanitarian law, rights-based programming, and protection principles
Understanding of UN and donor operations at country and regional level.
Understanding of political and humanitarian context in the region and/or in Yemen
Demonstrated experience in context analysis
Experience in producing and/or supervising production of communications materials
Education:
Bachelors degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.
Languages:
Full proficiency in spoken and written English. Arabic is considered an asset.
