INTERSOS sta selezionando un/a Policy and Advocacy Advisor da inserire nella sua operatività in Afghanistan . Durata 4 mesi. Scadenza candidature 24/02/2022
INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Advisor – Afghanistan
Code: SR-28-2271
Duty station: Kabul
Starting date: 01/03/2022
Contract duration: 4 months
Reporting to: Head of Mission
Supervision of: n/a
Dependents: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.
INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.
With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff.
It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential.
At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.
Recognising that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will require a more intensified international humanitarian assistance, INTERSOS remains in Afghanistan to deliver its ongoing activities, and potentially scale up its response.
General purpose of the position
The main purpose of the post is to support INTERSOS with a coherent and efficient advocacy, analysis and policy support regarding humanitarian situation, response and challenges, aimed towards positively influencing in-country stakeholders (state and non-state actors, national and international humanitarian community), and internationally (UN, donors, and other stakeholders), in line with INTERSOS operational strategy, policies and values.
Main responsibilities and tasks:
Policy:
• In coordination and agreement with the Mission leadership, support the policy and positioning regarding humanitarian access negotiation with local authorities, in line with specific national, provincial and district contexts, while ensuring that the organisation is able to fully comply with its humanitarian role and mandate, as well as rules and regulations of humanitarian organisations, donor compliances, and other aspects important to enhance the authorities’ understanding of the work of an international NGO
• Provide advice to CMT and Head of Mission regarding positioning and operational strategy with a view of increasing local/national visibility and community acceptance for INTERSOS projects/presence
• Provide regular analysis and advice to the Head of Mission on the mission context, humanitarian access and priorities, and other pertinent issues, to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Support the guidance to programme staff regarding access negotiation, management of relations with local authorities
• As required, lead internal staff discussions, trainings, briefings, etc. on the country’s humanitarian context, INTERSOS principles, international humanitarian law, ethics, and advocacy activities/strategies to raise awareness of INTERSOS national and expatriate staff on these topics
• On request from HoM, participate in field assessments and other work-related traveling as required
Advocacy and Representation:
• Together with the HoM and Geneva Representative/Policy Advisor define, implement and manage advocacy strategy and advocacy activities for the Mission needs (e.g. on access negotiation and on issues related to humanitarian coordination system in Afghanistan), as well as identifying and formulating key priorities and messages for international advocacy,
• Ensure that advocacy components are included in project and mission operational strategies as member of the Country Management Team (CMT)
• Participate in Advocacy Working Group and advocacy initiatives through existing coordination fora in Afghanistan (ACBAR, OCHA), especially at provincial levels, and contribute towards joint advocacy outcome by providing INTERSOS policy and operational perspectives and inputs
• Represent organisation in other coordination platforms as requested by HoM
• Support advocacy efforts towards international donors and governments to invest in increasing resilience, supporting livelihoods, safeguarding basic service provision and stimulating socio-economic recovery. Participate in international advocacy initiative regarding the need for the humanitarian exemptions of the sanction’s regime, the CTM and the related banking issues
• Liaise with CMT across all INTERSOS bases to collect relevant information required for operational and advocacy work.
• Monitor and compile regular situation reports and updates on humanitarian aid system dynamics (NGO/donor planning, etc) to enhance the contextual up to date knowledge and understanding of all key INTERSOS staff in country and HQ
• Draft regular situation reports for external use in line with mission advocacy strategy
• Provide propositions and recommendations for opportunistic external communications for promoting the work of INTERSOS in Afghanistan and internationally.
Required profile and experience
Education
Academic background to Masters’ level (anthropology/social/political sciences, law, gender studies, protection) with first-rate writing skills and excellent research/analytical skills
Professional Experience
Previous experience in similar position in INGOs recommended
Professional Requirements
Strong understanding of humanitarian coordination architecture
Proven ability to articulate clearly
Strong negotiation and representation skills
Campaigning organizational experience an asset
Field humanitarian experience in similar contexts (conflict, disasters, resource-poor environments) with humanitarian NGOs advocacy experience required
Good understanding of current humanitarian debates and of the dilemma/compromise nature of modern humanitarian interventions
Essential computer literacy (database design/analysis, MS package, and internet-based research)
Languages
Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Local working language desirable
Personal Requirements
Results and quality orientation
Teamwork and cooperation
Behavioural flexibility
Service orientation
Commitment to INTERSOS principles
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS. In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform, you can send an email attaching your CV and motivation letter (both in PDF version) via email to recruitment@intersos.org, with subject line: “Platform issue – SR-28-2271-Position”.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least two references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.