WWC Policy Officer - Political initiatives

Policy officer – Political Initiatives
World Water Council 

Grade: Cadre Reporting to: Executive Director Location: Marseille, FranceContract:100% – CDD (limited term contract with view to evolve to a CDI)
Deadline for applications: 20 July 2013

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the Coordinator – Political Initiatives will undertake the following tasks:

A. Political background analysis

• Prepare political analysis to underpin the Council’s work with mayors, parliamentarians and ministers;
• Prepare political background materials for Council engagement in regional policy and diplomatic efforts on water;

B. Political initiative development and implementation

• Lead the further expansion and implementation of the Istanbul Water Consensus, including the Champion Cities work
• Keep track of the results of the Istanbul water Consensus
• Engaging with locally and regionally elected officials and liaising with members and partners;
• Lead the strengthening of the involvement of parliamentarians, e.g. the Parliamentarians Help Desk
• Engaging with parliamentarians from around the world and liaising with members and partners;
• Prepare all briefings, reports and other materials required for the work with elected officials;
• Develop new activities to engage political actors for water in consultation with Board members;

C. External relations and communications 

• Communicate effectively with elected officials, Council members, partners and staff on Council’s political initiatives;
• Produce clear and concise written outputs in English for use at all levels, including for publication;
• Provide regular input to update the political initiatives part of the Council website;

D. 7th World Water Forum Political Process 

• Provide input into the 7th World Water Forum Political Process, by taking into account the other processes, including supporting preparation of background documents, meetings and other communications;

E. Administration and finance 

• Work effectively as part of cross-secretariat teams to deliver outputs to a high standard and on time;
• Manage and track budgets for specific activities ensuring that budgets are adhered to and that rigorous financial accountability is maintained;
• Supervise effectively and efficiently external inputs into programme activities, including by consultants and interns, and ensure that high quality products are delivered by third parties;
• Develop and use a detailed and time-bound personal work-plan to guide activities and to deliver results;
• Contribute to the team spirit and ethos of the WWC Secretariat and build and maintain strong relationships with members and partners;

The candidate needs to be willing to perform any other task in the WWC secretariat. 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential 

• Relevant Masters degree or higher qualification (in sciences, social or political sciences or humanities);
• At least five years experience in working directly with elected officials, and strong understanding of political processes at all levels;
• Experience in developing political analysis and synthetic background papers in a short period of time;
• Experience in developing and coordinating policy initiatives with a range of partners;
• Successful fundraising, and narrative and financial reporting to donors;
• Excellent presentation and communications skills and the ability to write clear and concise issues briefs and reports in English;

Desired experience

• Experience in working as part of a team to deliver key outputs on time and on budget.
• Besides fluency in English, knowledge of French and other languages;
• Demonstrable understanding of major policy issues on water management and development;
• Experience in working on complex multi-stakeholder processes.

APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates who meet the selection requirements are requested to send their curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation in English. This letter should explain the candidate’s experience with carrying out the above tasks and his/her fulfillment of the specified qualifications. The candidates need to present the names and contact details of 3 references, including one recent employer. Applications can only be done through e-mail and should be sent (no later than 20 July 2013) to:

The Executive Director of the World Water Council, Mr. Henk Sterk
E-mail: recruitment@worldwatercouncil.org

Download these Terms of Reference for WWC Policy Officer - Political initiatives