The Policy and Advocacy Advisor role will lead the external policy and advocacy work primarily of the Crisis Anticipation & Risk Financing (CARF) Team and support the wider advocacy of Start Network. The role will implement the policy and advocacy strategy, aimed at increasing the visibility and impact of the work of Start Network and its members and leading to wider systemic change in new financing for humanitarian action.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

CARF Team Advocacy

• Working with the Crisis Anticipation and Risk Finance Team, and the Policy, Advocacy, and External Affairs team to lead on implementing the advocacy strategy that docks with the wider mission and vision of Start Network, particularly in the field of new financing
• Lead on developing impactful messaging – including key messages and policy asks – working with other team members to build content that draws on the experience and learning of Start Network risk financing and anticipation programming
• Produce written products such as articles, innovative policy, and communications materials (for a range of audiences and platforms including members, donors, and networks), to convey messages effectively
• Collaborate and create advocacy opportunities for anticipatory action in international Fora
• Represent Start Network in formal and informal settings including working groups, conferences, task teams, and others, including leading discrete pieces of collaborative work as required
• Support CARF team members in the preparation of events, conferences, public speaking opportunities by drafting notes and key points, planning sessions and provide general support during the event
• Build strong working relationships with collaborators in other organisations, both within the Start Network membership and externally, to leverage the impact of our advocacy work
• Actively support Forecast Based Warning Analysis and Response Network (FOREWARN) communities, Start Networks Hubs, and local NGOs in the Global South to engage more in anticipation and risk finance policy fora, ensuring that their voices are directly heard in debates related to new humanitarian and climate risk financing

Start Network Advocacy

• Promote and create advocacy opportunities for Start Network in key international platforms
• Provide stakeholder and political landscape mapping to determine advocacy opportunities at the international and regional (especially hub countries) level
• Support the CEO and senior leadership of Start Network to engage in high level policy opportunities
• Build relationships across the wider Start Network team, engaging directly with their work to understand the key issues and to ensure that they are accurately represented in external fora
• Provide training and create advocacy resources and materials, including products to be part of the campaign and in-person representation
• Support and lead campaigns ideation, planning and implementation
• Support the wider Start Network advocacy strategy to position Start Network as a leading agent of change, based on the impact of our work in locally led action, and innovation, in addition to new financing

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture

PERSON PROFILE

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in developing policy and advocacy strategies, and leading their implementation
• Demonstrable working understanding of the humanitarian sector and key thematic issues relating to new financing, innovation, and locally-led action
• Demonstrable experience in engaging in policy Fora and working groups
• Previous research and writing experience

Essential Skills

• Technical knowledge of crisis anticipation and risk financing
• Passion and energy to play a supporting role in developing the crisis anticipation and risk financing advocacy strategy and implementation for Start Network
• Demonstrable experience in collaboration, including forging and maintaining effective new relationships and partnerships, often across organisational boundaries
• An effective networker who can build effective trust-based relationships and networks at a senior level
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and enthusiastically to a range of stakeholders from donors to technical experts, both verbal and written across a range of mediums
• Strong interpersonal skills, being able to work across Start Network team, with members, donors, and other stakeholders
• Ability to prioritise work, managing time and resources effectively
• An ability to mobilise people in a highly decentralised environment towards a desired outcome
• Competence in a second language (desirable)

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking. Able to see the bigger picture and make connections between the parts and the whole, use networks and systems thinking to support our work
• Communication. Communicate openly and transparently with integrity, promoting inclusivity, timeliness and clarity of messages, actively listening to build trust.
• Collaboration. Work effectively with others, embracing diverse perspectives, knowing when to step up and when to step back.
• Ability to adapt and learn. Able to respond to change in external and/or internal circumstances and to uncertainty and risk to continue to deliver.
• Leadership of self and others. Aware of self and impact on others, able to reflect upon and develop self and others to their full potential.
• Getting things done the Start Network way. Strive to deliver results in pursuit of our vision and purpose, taking initiative, being action-oriented and resourceful.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Centrally located WeWork office with onsite drinks available free of charge
• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely
• Flexible working arrangements
• Contributory pension
• Life Assurance
• Family friendly policies
• Learning and development opportunities for individuals and cross-organisationally
• 25 days’ holiday plus 2 company days over the Christmas period

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us for a conversation about possibilities.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering the Start Network as well as responding effectively should any harm occur. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy.

Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.