Protection Policy and Advocacy Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of displaced individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote and protect the rights of displaced people, and it engages in various advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that affect their lives.

Job Overview:
The Protection Policy and Advocacy Adviser will play a crucial role in leading and shaping high-impact advocacy work within NRC. This position involves managing two core areas: policy and advocacy related to protection and solutions to displacement, as well as crisis-specific and duty-station advocacy engagement. The adviser will be part of NRC’s Policy and Advocacy Section, which is responsible for setting global advocacy direction, providing thought leadership, and coordinating policy and advocacy efforts across the organization. The role requires the development and implementation of an annual workplan on protection policy, identifying areas where NRC can add value, and outlining a theory of change with an accompanying plan of action. The adviser will also support country-specific advocacy efforts, serve as a technical focal point on protection-related issues, and draft various policy and advocacy products. Additionally, the adviser will represent NRC in external engagements and forums, build relationships with relevant external actors, and manage donor reporting on protection initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Policy and Advocacy Adviser include:

• Developing and implementing an annual workplan on protection policy, identifying NRC's value addition and outlining a theory of change with a plan of action.
• Advising on country-specific advocacy related to protection, displacement, and solutions, including reviewing materials prepared by country offices.
• Serving as the technical focal point on issues related to the protection of civilians and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law.
• Drafting policy, advocacy, and communication products such as position papers, analysis, research, op-eds, key messages, and talking points.
• Developing and disseminating tools, guidelines, and training materials on protection analysis.
• Supporting leadership and action on protection within the humanitarian system.
• Representing NRC in external engagements and building relationships with relevant actors.
• Managing donor reporting on protection and contributing to fundraising efforts.
• Developing influencing strategies targeting relevant authorities and entities within the duty station country. 1
• Delivering advocacy tactics to achieve changes to laws, policies, and practices. 1
• Producing engagement plans, power analysis, and calendars of key events relevant to NRC advocacy priorities. 1
• Engaging with media outlets and representing NRC in public events.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Policy and Advocacy Adviser position should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree in law is strongly preferred; other relevant areas of study may be accepted if sufficient legal expertise can be demonstrated.
• A minimum of 6 years of documented relevant experience within the humanitarian sector, including experience at the country level.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in protection and international humanitarian law (IHL).
• Proven experience with policy and advocacy work.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop and implement project management plans.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
• Experience with protection policy issues, including the protection of civilians, is essential.
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles and engagement considerations in the protection space. 1
• Awareness of risk-based approaches to protection. 1
• Familiarity with key government and parliamentary institutions within the duty station and experience lobbying on humanitarian issues. 1
• Experience producing high-quality briefing notes and policy products. 1
• Familiarity with humanitarian architecture, systems, and processes. 1
• Familiarity with durable solutions approaches is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Policy and Advocacy Adviser position should have a degree in law as a strong preference. However, other relevant areas of study may also be considered if the candidate can demonstrate sufficient legal expertise. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to international law, humanitarian law, or human rights, which would provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of protection issues in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of documented relevant experience within the humanitarian sector. This experience should include work at the country level, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and dynamics faced by displaced populations. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging in policy and advocacy efforts, particularly in relation to protection and displacement issues. Experience in drafting policy documents, advocacy materials, and engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities in various contexts. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages can facilitate better advocacy efforts and strengthen relationships with local partners and authorities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in NRC’s representation offices located in London, Berlin, Brussels, or the head office in Oslo, or any of the listed Employer of Record (EoR) countries. The contract is for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability. The salary for this position is classified as Grade 8 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, which comes with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages a culture of innovation and responsibility, allowing employees at all levels to contribute ideas and take initiative.