Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager (International Candidates)

Department: Programming

Division: Advocacy

Duty Station: Erbil, 40% travel, domestic and international

Line Manager: Head of Programme

Line Management Responsibility: Policy and advocacy officer

Position Type: Full-time

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work to reduce and prevent violence, protect civilians and build peace together with communities in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath through the implementation of unarmed civilian protection programming. NP implements programming through the deployment of civilian protection teams to the field and is continuing to scale up to meet the growing needs in the communities we serve. Programming is founded on Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and is thematically focused on, interrupting cycles of violence, building trust and peaceful co-existence among divided communities and women inclusion and participation.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Policy and Advocacy Manager to join our team and contribute to our efforts working and advocating with civilians in Iraq for meaningful inclusion and participation in decision making processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the national advocacy and political landscape, civil society networks, civilian protection needs in Iraq, experience advocating for policy change and enjoy engaging with internal and external stakeholders to improve civilian safety. Additionally, the manager will have strong budget and operational skills. This is a rare opportunity at a critical time to work with a diverse range of stakeholders – from affected communities, NP colleagues, INGOs, and duty bearers – to advocate for the safety of civilians and the importance of unarmed and nonviolent protection responses.

KEY OBJECTIVES/RESPONSIBILITIES

In this strategic and hands-on role, the manager will:

• Be responsible for the overall planning, implementation and general administration of the project in accordance with the country and advocacy strategy and NP policies and values
• Together with Iraq Country Programme staff and the Global Advocacy Team lead the analysis of advocacy needs and opportunities to inform the development of advocacy outputs, including written briefs, case studies, talking points, training materials, and reports;
• Serve as a focal point on Iraq between the Iraq Country Programme and Global Policy and Advocacy Team and facilitate regular and timely reporting of key trends, activities and initiatives between teams;
• Builds effective and strong networks and collaborative relationships, maintains communication and coordination with key stakeholders during implementation
• Provides technical advice to partners on the development and implementation of protection strategies.
• Actively participate in the preparation of quality and timely monthly and quarterly reports for submission
• Together with the MEL team design and implement monitoring and evaluation plan of the advocacy strategy
• Represent NP in relevant stakeholder meetings and advocacy working groups on Iraq;
• Monitors project expenditures against the approved budgets, update project forecast on monthly basis, share feedback / comments on monthly financial report for BvA.
• Ensures effective application of NP policies on procurement, finance and security in the implementation of the advocacy strategy in country.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following skills, attributes and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in international Affairs, Policy & Advocacy, Political Science, Law, Journalism or other related fields;
• At least five years of professional experience related to national advocacy, community-led advocacy strategies, civilian protection, civil society strengthening, peacebuilding, human rights and/or post-conflict situations;
• An in-depth understanding of Iraq political and advocacy context;
• Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is essential;
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of seniority;
• Sound personal organizational skills, including excellent time management, strong analytical skills, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team, including relationships both in person and in remote locations and abroad;
• Experience on digital protection and safety will be an asset

Commitment to NP Principles

Demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mission and vision :

All NP employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s guiding principles:

• Nonviolence
• Direct action
• Radical connection
• Process-oriented
• Independence
• Nonpartisanship
• Redemption and healing
• Pluriversality
• Accountability

These principles and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships in protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies