Policy Advisor and Analyst at Danish Refugee Council

Background
RMMS research and analysis products are used by policy-makers and those working with governments and mandated agencies, and RMMS staff are frequently invited to speak and present at high level meetings, conferences and workshops where policy is discussed and considered. However RMMS East Africa and Yemen (EAY) has yet to develop a targeted policy advocacy strategy that actively links the research and analysis to the policy discussions, and there is most likely a missed opportunity if DRC/RMMS does not attempt to engage more thoroughly or more deliberately with policy development.

There is a need to take the data collection, research and analysis by RMMS to the policy-making and policy dialogue level to support various processes that encompass policy development as well as operationalization of responses to mixed migration phenomena. In particular, in the East Africa and Yemen region new opportunities exist to:

• Contribute to the regional policy development in the Horn of Africa (e.g. Khartoum Process, IGAD RCPs, African Union, etc.)
• Based on knowledge from the region, contribute to multilateral dialogues (i.e. the Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees, Valletta Process, EU Trust Fund initiatives etc.) by providing policy relevant analysis and recommendations on mixed migration in the Horn of Africa

An external evaluation commissioned by the Swiss government in 2015/16 provided a strong justification for increased engagement by RMMS in regional policy processes, highlighting the need “to further the support to actors in the sector by heightening the research focus on best-practices, solutions, country specific break-down of data and issue/topic specific research [..] helping actors translate the research into interventions and can increase the impact of RMMS” and suggesting RMMS “should develop a clear advocacy strategy. The strategy should focus on how to influence regional actors such as the African Union and IGAD, as well as global actors such as UN agencies and EU. With RMMS regional position they are well-positioned to influence such actors, while conducting national level advocacy would require more presence in the various countries”.

Against this background, RMMS aims to recruit a Policy Advisor and Analyst to strengthen RMMS’s engagement in regional policy development.

Objectives and key responsibilities
Overall objectives:

• To bridge the gap between research and analysis and evidence based policy development in the East Africa and Yemen region.
• To provide policy relevant analysis and recommendations on mixed migration in the East Africa and Yemen region.
• To influence regional policy processes and improve migration policies in the region.

Key responsibilities/tasks of the Policy Advisor and Analyst

• Map relevant mixed migration actors and identification of specific process, fora, institutions and partners to engage with
• Identify specific assets, areas of expertise and added value RMMS can offer the policy environment
• Lead on policy-focused research on mixed migration, through the publication of two policy briefing papers
• Develop strong linkages between RMMS data collection, research & analysis and policy development and operational responses
• Develop a policy development strategy for the RMMS EAY to increase its capacity to influence regional and global policy dialogues
• Develop a work plan for the implementation of policy development strategy (including activities, targeted actors, institutional set-up and objectives)
• Develop and maintain excellent relations with regional and national stakeholders (e.g. IGAD, AU, national counterparts, etc.) and relevant international actors in the region (UN agencies, donors/embassies, EU, NGOs) and establish new partnerships where relevant
• Engage and represent RMMS in regional fora such as the Khartoum Process, the IGAD Regional Consultation Process, Regional Committee on Mixed Migration, etc.
• Organise events that contribute to mixed migration policy development in the region (e.g. roundtables, debates, seminars, research launches, etc.)
• Contribute to regular RMMS products, such as feature articles on the website, monthly summaries and maps, quarterly and annual trend analysis, etc.
• Work closely with the RMMS team in Nairobi, relevant DRC staff in the region and the Policy and Research Coordinator of the Global Mixed Migration Secretariat in Geneva
• Ensure a regular exchange of information with interested donors in particular with regards to policy relevant RMMS activities.
• Manage any external consultants working on special (research) projects
• In close cooperation with the RMMS Coordinator (and under the overall responsibility of the Coordinator), bring in new donors to develop a sustainable engagement of RMMS in regional policy development

Reporting Arrangements
• The Policy Advisor and Analyst will be supervised by the RMMS Coordinator. The Policy Advisor and Analyst may have to manage and supervise short-term consultants.

About you
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced university degree in International Law, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or similar;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a relevant international position;
• Excellent human rights/protection knowledge and solid knowledge of international refugee law;
• Strong background in migration and having a clear understanding of the regional mixed migration dynamic in the Horn of Africa and Yemen;
• Field protection experience from one of the concerned countries is an added advantage;
• Proven experience in leading and conducting research will be an added advantage;
• Proven experience in policy development and advocacy
• Good IT command;
• Strong analytical and writing skills in English is essential; proven track record of publications on migration;
• Good command of one of the following languages is a strong added advantage: French, Arabic, Somali and/or Amharic;
• Good networking and donor relation skills.

Conditions
Availability: Mid-August

Duty Station: Nairobi

Contract: 5 months with possibility of extension. National terms and conditions apply in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National staff.
Please note, this position is contingent on approval of funding.