Policy & Advocacy (P&A) Coordinator - Cash Consortium of Sudan at Mercy Corps

• The Policy & Advocacy (P&A) Coordinator is focused on increasing the impact of CCS programming through research, learning and advocacy. The P&A Coordinator will work with the CCS Secretariat, CCS partner technical leads and senior management to establish a consortium-level Policy & Advocacy Agenda. The P&A Coordinator will also work with regional and global-level stakeholders as relevant to advance policy & advocacy objectives related to CCS programming. The P&A Coordinator will coordinate with the CCS Director and Secretariat team to support strategic representation of the partnership in key national and global coordination fora.

Essential Job Functions
Strategy and Vision

• Identify key policy and advocacy objectives for the CCS and lead on the development of the CCS advocacy strategy
• Collaborate with CCS Secretariat and partner teams to support evidence-informed policy influence
• Support ongoing identification of key topics for future advocacy and contribute to effective policy influence for the wider cash sector (for example as relates to use of Group Cash Transfers, improving commitments to localization with cash programming, strategic development of financial services in Sudan’s crisis setting, potential linkages to existing social protection architecture, etc)

Representation and Coordination

• With the CCS Director, promote awareness of CCS programming and best practice in all relevant forums.
• Maintain good working relationships with key global cash actors including CaLP, CCD, and high and level partners for cash financing. Develop relationships with the IASC and global UN agencies to influence where cash sits globally in coordination, with key donors, and key cash implementers. Identify areas of collaboration and cooperation.
• Develop strategic partnerships with local/national organisations, the private sector, academic institutions, and other international organizations, in order to strengthen research and advocacy initiatives, to test innovative approaches, and replicate and scale successful models and methodologies.

Advocacy

• Lead on implementing the CCS’ advocacy strategy, targeting primarily key humanitarian and development actors, including donors.
• Present research results through events (study launches, workshops), and advocacy products including success stories, briefs and reports on effectiveness of CCS programs.
• Represent the CCS in key external events and meetings to disseminate advocacy messages and promote awareness and use of CCS programming and best practice in all relevant forums.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
N/A
Accountability
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: CCS Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: CCS Secretariat, CCS Partners, Mercy Corps Programs, Operations and Finance teams, Regional and HQ Technical Support Unit and HQ Research & Learning Team
Knowledge and Experience

• BA/BS or equivalent in international studies, economics, social science/research or other relevant field; MA/S preferred
• 5-7 years of international relief and development program management experience, in emergency and recovery program management
• Strong policy awareness regarding humanitarian aid and development landscape; preference for past engagement with cash, markets and localization policy agendas
• Combination of direct and remote management experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across multiple stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to consistently work with a diverse range of stakeholders with tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
• Experience working with local authorities, national and international NGOs
• Flexible/willing and able to adapt priorities in order to respond to changing demands, including to shifts in organizational priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills required, Arabic skills preferred
• Ability to simplify complex concepts both verbally and orally in order to influence others.
• Experience in media and advocacy in I/NGOs desirable.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.