Oxfam is currently in the process of obtaining funding for the program ‘Empowering Local and National Humanitarian Actors’. This program will set out to achieve the following three objectives. First, strengthen the capacity of local and national humanitarian actors, so that they can lead humanitarian action in their countries. Second, support local and national humanitarian actors to develop and voice a strong domestic humanitarian agenda, by giving them the opportunity to design and implement quality humanitarian programs. Third, create the space by influencing other international NGOs and donors to contribute to this systemic change. The program will be implemented in Bangladesh and Uganda, and at the international level.
For objective three, Oxfam is seeking a Global Policy Lead on ‘Empowering Local and National Humanitarian Actors’ to lead Oxfam’s global policy, advocacy and campaigning work on the role of local and national actors in humanitarian response. The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based influencing strategies, together with various Oxfam affiliates and engaged country teams where Oxfam is present. The post holder will ensure that an international tracking mechanism – an advocacy tool to track humanitarian funding, and other forms of support to local and national humanitarian actors – is created and used and that existing and new evidence will be available. S/he will also facilitate a strong voice for local and national nationals in global debates and support local actors to build their influencing capacity.
This post will cover humanitarian reform debates at both (inter)governmental level and in national contexts. The post holder will have excellent knowledge of humanitarian policy debates, civil society empowerment, and have a proven track record on advocacy, campaigning and analyzing power dynamics. S/he will also have a relevant network with national and international stakeholders involved in these debates, including with (international) civil society.
The person we are looking for has a proven track record in developing effective evidence-based advocacy strategies. You have a clear understanding of how influencing is effective in complex international settings. You develop expertise and demonstrate leadership within and outside Oxfam. You have a passion for advocacy and campaigning and an appetite to work in multi-disciplinary teams around the world to scale up impact and leverage change.
You are able to provide support and advice local and national actors in support of their influencing role.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead, and together with others, develop Oxfam’s influencing strategy. This includes developing evidence-based policy propositions, advocacy strategies and research carried out in co-ordination with Oxfam teams, country offices, partners and allies; s/he writes and manages the production of policy briefings, media articles and/or research;
• Advocacy toward relevant decision takers in capitals, at intergovernmental and international organisations, and with the private sector by means of meetings, drafting letters, and engagement with (online) media;
• Lead on policy development for the Oxfam Rights in Crisis Campaign and other in-country campaigns on Strengthening Local Actor and humanitarian response; co-lead/co-ordinate the Oxfam Rights in Crisis Taskforce Turning the Humanitarian System On Its Head;
• Document and share evidence and learning from the project of where, when and how local and national actors play an integral role in decision making and preparing for and responding to emergencies;
• Support the Global Program Manager in representation of the project towards other Oxfam Strengthening Local Actor programs, and towards peer and partner agencies, and internal and external networks and coalitions;
• Support Local and National humanitarian actors have a strong voice in international humanitarian policy debates and be active players in shaping the direction of the humanitarian sector in their countries; support in building the influencing capacities of local actors;
• Contribute to institutional fundraising for (new) (multi country or multi regional) projects and scale-up of existing projects through provision of influencing expertise;
• Provide external representation for Oxfam in relevant external fora, including towards government(s), Intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academics and (inter)national public and media.

Technical skills, Experience & Knowledge:
• A master degree in a relevant field, preferably in humanitarian affairs, development studies, international relations, or political science;
• Strong knowledge of the international humanitarian system, and the roles and responsibilities of local and national actors in humanitarian responses; proven knowledge of humanitarian trends and policy issues;
• Experience in humanitarian programming and at least 3 to 5 years work experience in the field of humanitarian advocacy/campaigning;
• Excellent understanding of and experience in influencing and campaigning, including a broad understanding of campaigning tactics, including lobbying, working with the media, alliance building, communication and popular mobilization; high level policy analysis and lobbying skills;
• Strong networking and influencing skills, accompanied by a strong relevant network within the UN, Local and national humanitarian organizations, media and other advocacy actors;
• Strong track record delivering policy changes on humanitarian and/or conflict issues at local, national and international levels;
• Experience working in a complex environment with partners (including national/local civil society organizations) on advocacy and campaigning, and ability to engage in innovative and strategic thinking;
• Experience working in crisis affected countries; ability to adapt to different contexts, opportunities, sensitivities,
• Experience with civil society coalition-building; experience with provision of support, mentoring and coaching stakeholders;
• Excellent research and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically and innovatively with regard to influencing;
• Have a result oriented approach;
• Fluency (written and verbal) in English is a prerequisite and ideally also in French, overall good communication skills and sensitivity to diversity;
• Flexibility to work in a challenging and pressurized environment;
• Ability to lead, inspire and motivate others;
• Are able and willing to travel regularly.

We offer: Oxfam Novib is committed to providing a competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. Additional allowances include 8% holiday payment, pension and comprehensive insurance.

HOW TO APPLY:
The procedure:
If you are interested please send your application letter and CV in English, mentioning reference number 5-316, to jobs@oxfamnovib.nl for the attention of Miranda Bulpitt – Hoff, International HR Advisor, no later than January 8, 2016. Further information about this position can be obtained from Suying Lai, Project Leader Conflict Transformation & Quality of Response, suying.Lai@oxfamnovib.nl. Information about the procedure is available with Miranda Bulpitt – Hoff, miranda.bulpitt@oxfamnovib.nl.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.