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European Policy & Advocacy Advisor (Aid and Development Finance)

Oxfam International

Brussels, Belgium

Application Process:

Deadline: 02.09.2011 24.00 British Summer Time

Please note that your application will need both a Covering Letter and CV - with our application software these need to be combined before uploading.

Our Organisation:

Oxfam is an International confederation of 15 independent, non-governmental organizations working together in 98 countries to achieve our vision of ‘a just world without poverty’. Our Secretariat is based in Oxford, with advocacy and campaigns offices in Washington DC, New York, Brussels, Geneva, Brasilia and a liaison office with the Africa Union in Addis Ababa.

Job Description:

Job Purpose:

  • Develop and implement advocacy strategies for more and better aid, and on development finance more broadly, to influence policy and programmatic decisions of key European countries and the European Union’s on aid and development finance, working closely with Oxfam International three global campaigns – Essential Services, Economic Justice and Rights in Crisis (Humanitarian).
  • Working closely with other research and policy advisers, especially in the EU, to strengthen Oxfam’s understanding of, and ability to influence, relevant European/EU development aid policies and decision-making processes including;
    • the EC Communication on ‘Increasing the impact of the EU development policy’
    • the EU Budget 2014-2020 including new aid financial instruments and aid modalities e.g. budget support
    • the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) debate from a European perspective.
    • aid effectiveness and post-Busan debate from a European perspective
    • strategic engagement in key European countries where Oxfam does not have an affiliate

Key Responsibilities

  • Working closely with Oxfam’s other advisers in Brussels and in key European affiliates, to support the development of policy and the implementation of European strategies to influence the policies and practice of the European institutions and key Member States on aid and development finance. This role will focus on cross-campaign policy and advocacy that will support OI campaign strategies.
  • Place a particular emphasis on the EU and key European countries where Oxfam has limited capacity to influence at present, and help develop capacity and strategy, working with allies where appropriate.
  • Monitor EU institutions to identify and recommend the key EU policies and potential challenges that require Oxfam International (OI) influence.
  • Analysis and policy development on development aid policy issues, from an EU perspective that are a priority for OI campaigning.
  • Prepare briefings, letters and other written materials on aid and development finance issues for internal use and external use as agreed by EU team and Oxfam global campaigns teams.
  • Work closely to ensure coherence with Oxfam staff beyond Europe leading on work with key non-European development actors e.g. International Financial Institutions, G-20.
  • Work closely with other development organisations and networks in the context of joint advocacy initiatives at EU level. In particular, lead on Oxfam’s engagement with AidWatch, to inform strategy and messaging to maximise impact on EU aid and development finance debates.
  • Work with the Head of the EU Office and others on broader engagement in the CONCORD network and with other important aid allies (e.g. Eurodad, VOICE, EPLO, ONE). Help to build new alliances and partnerships on key debates or issues where none currently exist.
  • Represent Oxfam International in key fora as appropriate, including the possibility of media representation.

Key Competencies

  • A post-graduate degree in international development or related field of study (Essential)
  • Excellent knowledge of development finance and aid policy and trends, particularly at a European level. (E)
  • Knowledge of relevant EU institutions and a number of key European countries (ways of working, agendas, and how to influence them) and track record in influencing. (E)
  • Strong conceptual and analytical skills, ability to think strategically and creatively towards achieving results and good project management skills (E)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence and negotiate both internally and externally for advocacy and media work; awareness of political sensitivities , associated with the grant from the Gates foundation. (E)
  • Proven capacity to work successfully in alliances and at alliance building. (E)
  • Ability to set priorities and organize the work autonomously with minimal day-to-day management. (E)
  • Strong interpersonal skills including good team work and experience in working in multi-cultural and virtual teams (E)
  • Commitment with the aims of Oxfam to end poverty and suffering. (E)
  • Commitment to Oxfam’s humanitarian principles and action and commitment to Oxfam’s equal opportunity and gender policies. (E)
  • Computer literate, and fluency in written and spoken English. (E). Fluency in additional languages, especially French or Spanish, an asset. (Desirable)
  • Willingness to travel, up to 6 weeks annually (E)

Please visit for further details and to apply: https://www.oxfam.org/en/jobs/secretariat