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Senior Advocate for Protection and Security

PURPOSE:
The Senior Advocate is responsible for providing high-level leadership and strategy development for RI’s Protection and Security Program which analyzes and advocates for the prevention of civilian displacement as a result of violence and insecurity; secure conditions for internally displaced persons, refugees and host communities through the direct provision or facilitation of physical security, or the creation of safe space for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and; conditions conducive to the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. The program focuses its efforts in four broad categories of work: (1) UN mandated military or multidimensional forces; (2) Intelligence, Analysis and Early Warning (3) Civil- Military Cooperation and Coordination (4) Police and Justice Sector Support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Works with the Director of Program to develop a Protection & Security program, consisting of long-term and mid-term objectives, and in consultation with the Government Relations Manger, develop advocacy strategies to achieve them;
  • Work strategically with all relevant departments of RI to ensure implementation;
  • Represent Refugees International to the global community of organizations and individuals working on protection and security issues: building a network for RI --- with the United Nations, with U.S. Congress, DOS and DOD civilian and military officials, and with international experts --- that advances the agency’s objectives in the protection and security arena;
  • Participate as a speaker/panelist in conferences and seminars focused on issues of concern to RI and the Protection and Security program;
  • Oversee the day-to-day workings of the Partnership for Effective Peacekeeping (PEP), which brings together Washington-based humanitarian groups, advocacy organizations and think tanks interested in improving international peacekeeping. Develop and maintain content for the RI and PEP websites;
  • Shape U.S. government understanding and support for policy and budgetary matters (e.g., CIPA, CIO and other accounts) relating to protection and security, especially among senior officials of the Departments of State and Defense and members of the U.S. Congress;
  • Travel up to 4 times per year to conduct assessments of select overseas peacekeeping operations and broader protection and security issues. Include in fieldwork interviews with mission personnel, key US and donor government officials, humanitarian organization staff, and vulnerable individuals in need of protection;
  • Produce high quality research and advocacy materials with clear and credible recommendations (e.g., typically field reports or longer policy reports) based on desk and field research;
  • Prepare and present Congressional testimony on peacekeeping and protection and security issues, in consultation with the Director of Program and Government Relations Senior Advocate. Actively seek these opportunities with Congress, in coordination with staff;
  • In collaboration with the Communications Department and program colleagues, develop media contacts and conduct interviews as needed to advance the advocacy agenda of the Protection and Security program;
  • Write articles for publication in media outlets, including scholarly journals, conference papers, newspaper op-eds, letters to the editor, etc.;
  • Oversee the Washington- based Partnership for Effective Peacekeeping (PEP), and ensure collaboration with partnering agencies and individuals. Represent the agency at coordination meetings relevant to the Protection and Security


Qualifications


  • Master's degree in international relations, journalism, human rights, political science; 5 to 7 years post-master’s experience involving some combination of overseas work (preferably with refugees/internally displaced persons or in crisis situations), advocacy and policy work preferably regarding protection and security; experience with non-governmental organizations.
  • Familiarity with the key agencies of the international humanitarian system and the strengths and weaknesses of this system and the United Nations and regional organization structures; familiarity with US foreign policy, government structures, and humanitarian programs; excellent communication skills, especially report writing, analysis of issues and public speaking; familiarity with digital cameras and knowledge of video, photography and social media very useful; English language fluency and strong working knowledge of another language of value to the agency’s overseas work, e.g. French, Arabic, or Spanish; ability to work well and share information with others in small teams; willingness to travel to dangerous and isolated places up to six months per year; hostile environment training preferred; flexibility and sense of humor.

Contact Details


Contact:
rosa guerrero
Telephone:
202-828-0110
Email:
rosa@refintl.org

Application Instructions


Please send applications to jobs@refintl.org. Please insert or “Senior Advocate for Protection and Security” in the subject line and include a cover letter, CV, and writing sample. Only finalists will be contacted. Salary commensurate with experience.