Interim Advocacy and Liaison Manager

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Interim Advocacy and Liaison Manager will lead IRC Ukraine's efforts in advocacy strategy development and implementation, coordinating closely with regional and global advocacy, policy and communications colleagues to ensure priorities are aligned with country, regional and global objectives. The position will play a significant role in shaping the external face, liaison and advocacy engagement of IRC in Ukraine and will represent IRC in key coordination and fora. He/she will also identify, establish, and maintain effective communication channels with relevant Ukrainian national and regional authorities, including relevant ministries, agencies and departments, in areas relevant to IRC programming.

Female candidates are highly encouraged. This is a short-term leave coverage (2 months) position and open for Ukrainian citizens only.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Interim Advocacy and Liaison Manager will:

• Follow up and advise on the national legislation and policy developments related to humanitarian and early recovery assistance in Ukraine. Define, in collaboration with the Country Director, pathways to influence law and policy making.
• Lead the development and implementation of an advocacy and liaison strategy, working closely with Country Director, programme colleagues, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate with the Country Director, programme/partnership teams, the communication teams and regional advocacy colleagues to develop and regularly update key public and private advocacy messages, campaigns, position papers, and documents in line with strategic advocacy objectives in Ukraine.
• Represent IRC in the Ukraine NGO advocacy working group, as well as cultivate relationships with other civil society actors and developing partnerships and coordination towards achieving joint goals. Initiate and actively contribute to joint NGO advocacy positions, messages, and initiatives, as prioritized in the IRC Ukraine advocacy strategy.
• Liaise with multiple stakeholders in-country to stay up-to-date on political developments that may influence IRC’s humanitarian and early recovery programming.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication between IRC Ukraine and relevant authorities, to foster collaboration and coordination, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of relevant information, as and when needed.
• Collaborate closely with partner organizations to develop and disseminate relevant positions that support IRC’s Strategy Action Plan and the interests of the communities IRC serves.
• Draft official communications, including correspondence to relevant government authorities and bodies, as required and requested. Advise on protocol for all such communication.
• Prepare documentation for International Technical Assistance (ITA) project registration and re-registration in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers procedures including official letters, Memorandum of Understanding and associated annexes. Coordinate internally with IRC staff to ensure input on procurement plans, MoU reviews and translation of documents. Coordinate externally with IRC donors and relevant government authorities to obtain approvals in support of IRC’s application. Monitor progress of each application once submitted.
• Represent IRC Ukraine at meetings, high-level visits, UN meetings, government of Ukraine coordination meetings and cluster and other coordination meetings, as delegated by the Country Director.
• Work together with regional and global communications teams to ensure that IRC’s public-facing messages are in line with and advance the objectives identified by the advocacy strategy and advise on media red lines.
• Providing capacity-building support to IRC’s country staff and partners to strengthen their advocacy and government engagement skills.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: The Senior Management Team and other program staff, regional & global colleagues including communications’, advocacy and initiatives’, and policy and solutions’ staff
• External: NGO Forum, particularly the Advocacy Working Group, government officials at a variety of levels, public and private donor agencies, international and national NGOs, and UN agencies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Foreign Policy, Development Studies, Law, Public Relations or another related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Demonstrated Skills and COMPETENCIES:

A minimum professional experience of 3-5 years supporting advocacy/policy material.

Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills and experience leading advocacy and Governmental Relations’ initiatives in a challenging environment.In depth knowledge of Ukrainian governmental institutions and bodies, both at national and regional/oblast levels, relevant law and policy-making processes.

Good understanding of Ukrainian government and authority engagement protocols.

Evidence of excellent English and Ukrainian verbal and written communication skills in a wide range of applications (briefs, press releases, letters, presentations) and for different audiences (donors, policymakers, journalists, government officials and ‘general public’).

Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions.Fluent Ukrainian communication skills essential.

Ability to work in a diverse team and on short deadlines.

Creativity, hands-on attitude, and attention to detail.NGO experience desirable.

Female candidates are highly encouraged. This is a short-term leave coverage (2 months) position and open for Ukrainian citizens only.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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