Advocacy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international non-governmental organization that has been operational since 2001 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). NRC is present in more than 25 countries worldwide, focusing on various humanitarian programs including education, rapid response to population movements, protection and humanitarian mediation, shelter, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and information, counseling, and legal assistance (ICLA). The organization plays a significant role in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where it co-leads the Protection Cluster with UNHCR and provides technical support to the shelter cluster. NRC is dedicated to improving the humanitarian response environment in DRC and is recognized for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Job Overview:
As the Advocacy Manager, you will be responsible for providing leadership, management, and strategic direction for NRC's policy and advocacy work in Eastern DRC. This role is crucial in identifying priority humanitarian concerns for advocacy and ensuring that advocacy is integrated into all aspects of NRC's activities. You will guide NRC's advocacy messaging to promote an improved humanitarian response environment in DRC. Your responsibilities will include conducting context-specific research to generate evidence supporting NRC's interventions, preparing high-quality advocacy products, supervising the drafting of press releases, and actively networking with other organizations involved in the humanitarian response. You will also seek fundraising opportunities for advocacy and contribute to the development of quality proposals, ensuring that research and advocacy activities are included where appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy Manager will lead and conduct context-specific research in the DRC to generate evidence that supports NRC's interventions and strategic positioning in Eastern DRC. This includes preparing high-quality key messages, talking points, briefing notes, letters, and other advocacy products for both internal and external use, ensuring that all messaging is based on strong evidence and follows agreed sign-off procedures. The role also involves supervising the drafting of press releases and social media outputs, actively networking with other organizations involved in the response, and leading the development of joint field-based advocacy positions towards target audiences. Additionally, the Advocacy Manager will ensure systematic training on advocacy and build the capacity of technical and program staff, seek fundraising opportunities for advocacy, and ensure internal communication and alignment with relevant NRC units and departments to develop consistent policy positions.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a post-graduate degree and a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian, development, human rights, foreign policy, or similar fields. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, preferably in the East Africa region, and documented experience with humanitarian advocacy and the production of high-standard written materials such as reports, briefing notes, position papers, and key messages. A strong understanding of the international humanitarian system, policy, and practice is essential, along with the ability to work with a wide range of actors, including government and regional entities. Representation and public speaking experience are considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a post-graduate degree relevant to the position, which may include fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, public policy, or similar disciplines that provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian advocacy and response.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in humanitarian advocacy, development, or human rights. Experience in conducting assessments and focus group discussions, as well as documented results related to key responsibilities of the position, are essential. Familiarity with thematic areas such as displacement, durable solutions, protection, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and humanitarian space is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Goma, DRC, and is offered on a 12-month contract. The salary is classified as Grade 9 on NRC's salary scale. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a supportive culture that encourages innovative ideas and professional growth, allowing employees at all levels to take initiative and be heard. Additionally, NRC emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment and reporting any form of exploitation or harassment.