Humanitarian Policy Advisor

Are you ready to pursue an exciting opportunity with a progressive humanitarian organisation in a senior management role? Would you thrive working in one of the world’s most challening regions for complex humanitarian operations?

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts. DRC is currently offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual country portfolio of $20 million supported by approximately 300 staff and service providers, DRC is undertaking programs in Syria in 8 Governates out of 14 in Emergency Response, Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter and Education sectors.

About the job

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for engaging key stakeholders to work on a diverse range of policy issues that impact the effectiveness of humanitarian programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations in Syria. Accordingly, the Humanitarian Advisor will guide DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development and implementation of advocacy work in Syria.

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for setting up and pushing forward the implementation of the DRC Syria advocacy strategy and to further develop DRC-Syria’s advocacy work.

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will liaise with DRC’s regional and global advocacy teams as well as being the focal point for DRC Syria on external communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Lead on the establishment and implementation of the DRC Syria advocacy strategy.

· Develop policy and advocacy materials including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports.

· Liaise with key DRC partners, SARC, line ministries, UN, NGO and other interlocutors in Syria to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.

· Participate in and support the relevant working groups of the Damascus-based INGO network, including supporting the planning and drafting of relevant products such as key messaging and briefings.

· Alert the Country Director to relevant policy developments and provide analysis and input for Humanitarian Country Team meetings, as well as key cluster/working group meetings.

· Review materials related to Syria produced by DRC regional or headquarter teams to ensure consistency with DRC Syria policy positions.

· Support the Head of Programmes and Sector Managers to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies.

· Develop advocacy products and policy briefs including analysis of information produced through DRC’s programs and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions.

· Suggest actions to national policy responses and policy frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and access, and current and future challenges that have an impact on humanitarian assistance and related services.

· Contribute to the DRC’s global and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Syria specificities are reflected and captured.

· Ensure DRC’s regional office, headquarters, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Syria advocacy strategy and understand and promote its asks.

· Participate in, and conduct research to prepare for global advocacy joint calls on Syria and provide information and advocacy messages relating to the Syria humanitarian crisis.

· Represent DRC in advocacy, policy and coordination meetings or as otherwise delegated by the Country Director.

· Oversee and support the activities of DRC Syria Communication Officer.

Required:

Experience and technical competencies:

· At least 3 years of professional experience crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations, and at least 5 years of applicable professional experience in total.

· Strong understanding of the political and humanitarian context in Syria and the region

· Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.

· Understanding of the UN and international donor landscape, including challenges and constraints in Syria.

· Experience in negotiation with UN, INGO, donors and coordination forums.

· Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law.

Behavioural competencies:

· A passion for advocacy and humanitarian outcomes.

· Good attention to detail.

· High level analytical and strategic thinking skills.

· Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people.

· Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.

· Excellent planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.

· Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams.

· Commitment to Danish Refugee Council values.

Education:

· *Bachelor’s degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.***

Languages:

· English (Full proficiency)

· Arabic (Preferred)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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.

We offer

Contract length: until 30^th June 2021

Level: F Non-Management

Location: Damascus, Syria

Start date: February 2021