Senior Advocacy and Policy Officer - Washington DC, United States
Duration : Permanent
Start date : 01-Jun-2023
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Action Against Hunger-USAโs work Action Against Hunger-USA's generous remuneration package
You'll contribute to ending world hunger by ...
supporting the Action Against Hunger networkโs US government-facing advocacy engagement with the Administration, Congress and DC-based coalition/working groups.
Specifically, the main responsibilities are to:
- Feature the experience, knowledge, and evidence generated by Action Against Hunger network wide field programming, program learning and research to strategically influence the policies and practices of key US stakeholders most critical to the objective of ending hunger
- Develop key partnerships to achieve international and national public sector policy changes that positively contribute to ending hunger.
- Collaborate with the Business Development team to mobilize critical resources through the design and development of country, regional and global grants that integrate advocacy objectives and approaches.
- Collaborate with the Action Against Hunger USA External Relations team, and as warranted the Action Against Hunger network offices, to contribute to building a collective movement to end hunger though mobilizing key partners and supporters.
The Senior Advocacy and Policy Officer:
Purpose: Supports the development and implementation of Action Against Hungerโs network-wide advocacy to US government stakeholders focusing on the Administration and Congress based on global, regional and country strategies and priorities from across the network; mobilizes resources to achieve advocacy objectives; expands learning, and drives organizational efforts to positively influence the policies and practice of USG stakeholders to achieve the organizationโs goal of ending hunger.
Engagement: Advocates and builds partnerships with different Action Against Hunger USA HQ departments, Action Against Hunger network advocacy working groups, and with other partners to positively influence stakeholder policies and practices to end hunger and undernutrition.
Delivery: Support the Associate Director of Advocacy to strengthen the Action Against Hunger networkโs capacity to effectively influence the policies and practices of the US government to effectively address undernutrition and the underlying causes of hunger.
Key activities in your role will include
II Essential Job Duties
Lead the Action Against Hunger networkโs advocacy towards USG stakeholders (70%)
1. Support the planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of advocacy activities in Washington, DC on behalf of the Action Against Hunger network
- Administration/Multilateral/NGO Coalitions/Other Advocacy:
- Develop and implement an advocacy plan focusing on US government policy makers in line with Action Against Hungerโs strategic and technical priorities.
Congressional Advocacy: Design and execute congressional outreach plan annually, targeting key congressional offices and stakeholders to familiarize them with Action Against Hungerโs mission and field work, educate them on our issues (including food security, nutrition, and WASH), and advocate for strong yearly appropriations funding and in support of key legislation in line with AAHโs priorities.
2. Develop and strengthen internal advocacy capacity of Action Against Hunger (15%)
Build the capacity of the broader Action Against Hunger network and Impact and Resource Mobilization team on US government influencing through the development of tools and guidance. Provide ongoing strategic and tactical support to Action Against Hunger staff engaged in US government advocacy Support the HEARO and the Technical Services and Innovation team to use technical approaches, research and program learning to influence the policies and practices of USG decision makers. In collaboration with the Business Development team, strengthen advocacy partnerships and identify advocacy funding opportunities. Participate in network processes to build the capacity of advocacy staff and facilitate advocacy activities. Provide regular feedback and analysis on meetings, workshops and seminars relevant to Action Against Hungerโs strategic priorities, including reviews of new approaches to addresses the underlying causes of hunger. Liaise with the Communications/External Relations Team, providing advocacy messages and content appropriate for external audiences (through channels including social media, direct mail, etc.) Support the HEARO advocacy team to build the capacity of country programs to implement a robust influencing agenda.3. Set up and maintain robust accountability systems and build Action Against Hungerโs reputation as a leader in the nutrition security space. (10%)
4. Serve as focal point for relevant network campaigns. (5%)
Lead the development of USG government-facing calls to action as part of Action Against Hunger global campaigns and initiativesโincluding developing messaging, tactics and collateral materials.5. Other duties as assigned.
III. Supervisory Responsibilities
None
IV. Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis. To travel to the field, the employee must attest to a level of physical fitness capable of enduring physically difficult, highly stressful situations which may include the necessity to walk long distances, to eat a limited diet and/or to reside in potentially uncomfortable housing or tents. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
V. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment
The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required by contact with the country offices, field security, or other obligations. Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business travel as well as to the missions if appropriate. While visiting the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well is to infectious diseases.
VI. Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse
Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men, and equal access to information. Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance. Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff. Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation. Respect beneficiariesโ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status. Value and respect all cultures.Do you meet the profile required criteria?
VII. Required Qualifications
Minimum Post-Graduate degree (Masterโs Degree or higher preferred) in International Development, Public Policy, Public Health, Political Science, or similar A minimum of 7 years previous work in public policy and advocacy and experience overseas with an international humanitarian organization A minimum of 7 years policy or advocacy engagement with the public sector such as the USG, UN and other governments
VIII. Required Skills & Experience
Experience developing and implementing multisectoral, evidence-based advocacy strategies; focusing on influencing US government policies and responses Deep familiarity with the Administration and Congresses Knowledge of nutrition security responses in fragile and conflict affected contexts Experience developing and writing various advocacy products (policy briefs, reports, letters, talking points) Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse teams Experience building alliances and coalitions Excellent working knowledge of computer software, MS Office, including data management systems Ability to provide effective evaluation and assessment of advocacy actions and initiatives Ability to manage and prioritize competing demands Ability to present clear ideas and arguments, providing distance support, training and influence Flexible, adaptable, curious, dynamic and enthusiastic team builder Ability to provide and receive feedback Proactive and takes initiative Exceptional written and spoken English Required eligibility to work in the US