Terms of Reference – Advocacy Officer 268 views0 applications

TERMS OF REFERENCE: ADVOCACY OFFICER

Organization: NEAR – Network for Empowered Aid Response www.near.ngo

(Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions, www.adesoafrica.org)

Position: Advocacy Officer – Consultant

Reporting To: NEAR Executive Director

Working With: NEAR Secretariat

Duration: Two (2) Years

Starting Date: Immediately

ABOUT ADESO

Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

ABOUT THE NEAR NETWORK

Adeso together with other local and national NGOs came together to form a global network which was launched in May 2016 at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. The network, NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy/Advocacy

· Lead NEAR and NEAR Members advocacy efforts and ensure policy positions concerning localization, innovative financing models, and operational development and research efforts, grounded in reality.

· Develop and implement NEAR Advocacy strategy and work plan in collaboration with the Secretariat and Leadership Council.

· Develop and implement NEAR Advocacy toolkits focused on core areas (localization, financing, operational development, and research) for NEAR members and partners.

· Build a network with advocacy and other relevant staff in external agencies (NEAR Members, INGOs, Donors and UN bodies).

· Stay up-to-date on localization conversations at the global, regional and local levels.

· Support information management, ensuring information sharing and timely dissemination, including ensuring highly engaged and responsive social media presence of NEAR

· Work with members on the identification of their advocacy needs and support the drafting of policy papers relating to relevant issues identified by NEAR platforms;

· Represent NEAR externally at policy and advocacy related events and meetings, as well as with outside parties interested in the overarching policy issues regarding the work of both the humanitarian and development community;

· Draft and maintain a clear calendar which are responsive to key events and dates throughout the year; oversee the NEAR website and archival storage;

· Liaise closely with NEAR regional representatives to ensure coordination with regional fora and global advocacy representative’s platforms to ensure messaging is coherent, connected and in the best interest of member organizations.

· Be responsible for arranging and managing monthly meetings, including sharing of meeting minutes and disseminating any information and materials (with consent of member organizations and respect for information sharing protocols defined by the Leadership Council.

· Consolidate minimum standards for harmonization of procedures and standards across the members.

· Develop a resource mobilization strategy for advocacy and policy development issues for NEAR and members

· Draft concept notes and proposals as required in support of NEAR advocacy efforts

Demonstrated Technical Skills and Personal Attributes:

· Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years’ experience or Master’s Degree with 4 years’ experience

· Confident, mature personality, well-organized, flexible and a good team player;

· Strong ability to build relationships internally and externally such as networking, negotiation and communication;

· Ability to manage stress and meet competing priorities in a timely manner, producing high-quality outcomes;

· Ability to undertake international and regional travel as required;

· Competency in the use of office suites including Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and

· Fluency in English (both oral and written) is essential, proficiency in Arabic, French, or Spanish is an advantage;

COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

In consideration of the fees paid, the Consultant expressly assigns to NEAR any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. All images (whether used for online or print purposes) must however bear the consultant’s photo credit, as specified by international intellectual property rights. The consultant may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from NEAR.

Please Note: This ToR is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the assignment and the general nature and level of work performed by consultants within this job. The ToR is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.