Advocacy Manager at International Rescue Committee

Job Description

IRC is seeking an Advocacy Manager, based in Nairobi for a Euro 30 Million five year, urban livelihoods program: Refugees in East Africa: Boosting Urban Innovations for Livelihoods Development (RE:BUILD). The program is funded by the IKEA Foundation and will be implemented in Kampala and Nairobi. The IRC is the Lead Partner and will coordinate a consortium of local and international partners to deliver the program. RE:BUILD seeks for urban refugees and vulnerable host residents to achieve economic self-reliance and benefit from strengthened urban economic, regulatory and social environments. RE:BUILD will aim to enable change at varying levels, from better access to livelihoods opportunities and inclusive services within communities, to improved refugee-related policies and more targeted and effective service delivery from national, regional and global actors. Key features of RE:BUILD’s approach include flexible funding, adaptive design and knowledge and evidence generation

The IRC seeks an Advocacy Manager who will oversee the implementation of advocacy strategies of Re:Build Project. The position will be responsible for shaping the IRC Kenya program response to refugee policy trends while maximizing IRC’s opportunities for external engagement.

The Advocacy Manager will report directly to the Systems and Strengthening Coordinator and in partnership with the Regional Policy and Advocacy Advisor will develop and drive the policy and communications strategy for RE:BUILD. The position holder is expected to be highly strategic about policy campaigning, review and analysis on a range of policies that affect the livelihoods and economic self reliance of urban refugees. The role will be key to identify and engage with livelihoods policy and decision makers in Kenya in line with the global refugee policies. He/she must have extensive experience in policy, promotional and advocacy work.

Job Responsibilities

• Leading and managing processes of a strategic advocacy plan for Re:Build brainstorming with the project managers and other tea members
• Collaborate with the Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager to prepare evidence-based policy briefs, presentations, advocacy statements, talking points, training materials, and respond to meaningful advocacy moments with messages and materials related to the project, to help Re:Build partners to engage in constructive dialogue with governments, humanitarian agencies, donors and other relevant stakeholders
• Closely monitor and document policy debates, changes in policies, and shifting strategies and ensure relevant information is disseminated to project staff in a timely manner
• Identify and keep abreast of appropriate opportunities and points of use where Re:Build can influence, intervene or contribute to relevant policy processes
• Contribute to relevant policy research, key studies and reporting at regional and country levels.
• Track key events, fora and meetings in Kenya and work with ReBUILD Project management Unit, key actors, and IRC staff to coordinate representation, attendance and sharing on Re:Build lessons.
• Take part in relevant country advocacy, as guided by key partners and present key messages.
• Update key messages and communications materials on livelihoods and economic self reliance for urban refugees to reflect the specific context and update as the context evolves.
• Proposing and lobbying initiatives for the organization; writing, publishing, and disseminating advocacy briefs; developing policy work and activities.
• Coordinate advocacy work with the implementing partners by building their capacity to enhance policy change and awareness
• Support the establishment of neighborhood Committees and support registration of Refugee Lead Organization
• Revising policies related to advocacy work; and preparing reports to share with the Country Program SMT, Re:Build leadership and other stakeholders. Overseeing advocacy budgets for Re:Build.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited university in education, public policy, law or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in policy and communications.
• Excellent research and public-speaking skills
• Track record of and knowledge of engaging with government priorities, systems, and structure.
• Experience and understanding of the refugee and livelihoods sector.
• Proven success in developing advocacy and/or communications strategies.
• Ability to identify emerging trends in communications, develop related strategies and efficiently translate them into meaningful plans.
• A “big picture” problem solver, bias for acting, passion to drive projects independently while collaborating cross-functionally, highly organized, with strong time leadership skills
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver presentations to large and small groups; deep understanding of grammar, strong attention to detail and fine-tuned editorial skills
• Must have initiative and be able to work efficiently with minimum supervision and with a team.
• Advanced knowledge in computer applications. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required.