Senior Policy Officer, ICVA

The International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) is a global network of non-governmental organisations whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice.

The Senior Policy Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of ICVA’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan. Specifically, he/she will be responsible for working with the membership to promote NGO views on humanitarian issues, including within the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) mechanism.

The position is based with the ICVA Secretariat in Geneva but will require some overseas travel. VACANCY NOTICE

Senior Policy officer, ICVA

(Geneva, SWITZERLAND)

Founded in 1962, the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) is a global network of non-governmental organisations whose mission is to make humanitarian action more principled and effective by working collectively and independently to influence policy and practice. Humanitarian policy and advocacy are part of ICVA’s core work as sharing views and collective NGO voices help to shape humanitarian practice.

Objective

The Geneva-based Senior Policy Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of ICVA’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan. Specifically, the Senior Policy Officer is responsible for working with the membership to promote NGO views on humanitarian issues, including within the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) mechanism.

Place in the Organisation:

• The Senior Policy Officer reports to the Director of Policy and Partnership.
• S/He works closely with the other ICVA Senior Policy Officer in Geneva.
• S/He works closely with the ICVA Regional Representatives based in Bangkok, Dakar and Amman.

Responsibilities

Engagement on the IASC

• Maintains an overview of all IASC mechanisms and ensures the voice of the ICVA membership is heard in these bodies
• Coordinates members’ input into the IASC processes
• Supports active engagement of members on ICVA’s IASC NGO Working Group
• Leads pieces of work to influence the various IASC agendas relevant to ICVA’s strategy and plans
• Works closely with ICVA’s Regional Hubs to ensure that ICVA is raising the perspectives of NGO members in the relevant IASC bodies

Supporting NGO Communication & Delivery of Policy Messaging

• Ensures delivery of policy messaging which is evidence-based and informed by the ICVA Membership
• Leads on, or supports, the development and implementation of advocacy strategies on key policy issues
• Leads on, or supports, ICVA engagement on ensuring the ICVA membership voice
• Other Duties
• Leads on certain aspects of ICVA’s planning, resource mobilisation and reporting
• Organises dialogues and discussions with key stakeholders and ensures representation of ICVA members in a number of meetings on humanitarian issues
• Supports ICVA Annual Conference planning
• Engages on NGO dialogue with other humanitarian UN agencies, including UNICEF and WFP
• Engages and maintains close relations with other global NGO consortia on key policy issues
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree in international law, international relations, or related academic field;

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years’ working experience in the area of humanitarian action/policy
• Demonstrable overseas field experience as a humanitarian practitioner
• Experience of policy analysis on humanitarian issues
• Demonstrated experience in influencing external partners
• Demonstrated experience in formulating NGO views and statements on humanitarian issues and representing these views in international forums

Knowledge:

• Good knowledge of the international humanitarian context including current humanitarian policy issues
• Good knowledge of institutional donor context

Competencies and Skills:

• Exceptional team-player who builds strong relations in collaborating with members, the ICVA Board, and secretariat colleagues, and manages relations with diverse stakeholders;
• Quick analytical thinker who understands contextual developments and refers to the (potential) implications for ICVA and the membership;
• Well-developed communication, presentation, advocacy, and representational skills appropriate for different audiences, including the ability to influence people;
• Proven ability to work under pressure and be flexible, including the ability to cope with deadlines, multiple tasks, and competing and changing demands; and who sets her/himself and others challenging, but realistic targets;
• Ability to contribute to ICVA’s mission and strategic directions; and
• Excellent oral and written English, fluency in French is desirable.

How to apply:

• A cover letter and CV should be sent to recruitment2@icvanetwork.orgindicating “Senior Policy Officer” in the subject line. (Please state your nationality and whether you already have a valid work permit for Switzerland.)
• The deadline for applications is 20 July 2014 but candidatures will be considered as they are received.
• Interviews will be held the week of July 28 2014.
• Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.