Advocacy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The INGO Forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in Sudan. The organization aims to coordinate efforts among INGOs to establish a common voice and enhance humanitarian responses in the country. Currently, the forum comprises 51 members and 17 observers, working across various regions, including some of the most challenging areas in Sudan. The INGO Forum is a permanent member of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and the Inter-coordination" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), co-leading the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG) alongside OCHA. The forum is actively engaged in collective advocacy at national, regional, and international levels, collaborating with various stakeholders, including government authorities and donors. The INGO Forum's mission is to enhance operational alignment among organizations to maximize humanitarian impact, provide essential support and resources for NGO operations, and advocate for improved response conditions in Sudan.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy Manager is a pivotal role within the INGO Forum, responsible for leading, coordinating, and enhancing the collective advocacy efforts of the organization. This position is crucial in shaping narratives, influencing policy, and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of NGOs and crisis-affected communities are effectively represented at various levels. The Advocacy Manager will convene and facilitate meetings related to policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring adherence to information sharing protocols. The role involves drafting advocacy products, consolidating member inputs into collective outputs, and identifying innovative engagement opportunities with external stakeholders. The Advocacy Manager will also play a significant role in updating and implementing the Forum's advocacy strategy, preparing for engagements in inter-agency spaces, and representing the INGO Forum in various external advocacy convenings. This position reports directly to the INGO Forum Director and is accountable for the strategic planning and execution of collective advocacy initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Forum’s collective advocacy strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish a regular mechanism for monitoring progress against the advocacy strategy and update it as necessary based on contextual changes.
• Coordinate member initiatives to ensure consistency and strategic coverage of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
• Advise the Forum Director and members on emerging advocacy opportunities and risks.
• Convene and facilitate meetings, including setting agendas and managing logistics for online, hybrid, and in-person gatherings.
• Represent the INGO Forum in external advocacy convenings, including working group meetings and regional gatherings.
• Serve as the focal point for external advocacy partnerships and engage with donors and diplomatic missions on humanitarian needs.
• Develop best practices and tools for national advocacy colleagues to enhance support for local networks.
• Lead the drafting of joint statements, advocacy briefs, and position papers. 1
• Identify opportunities for engagement with new stakeholders and emerging issues. 1
• Provide administrative support for events, including high-level meetings and media engagements. 1
• Liaise with the information management coordinator to integrate data-driven visuals into advocacy products. 1
• Facilitate the advocacy working group and ensure adherence to terms of reference. 1
• Manage the advocacy events budget and maintain a repository of products and minutes for knowledge preservation. 1
• Ensure compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in media, communications, international relations, public policy, development, political science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with NGOs, the UN system, or other humanitarian/development actors.
• Experience working in complex humanitarian or fragile contexts, with a solid understanding of humanitarian principles and coordination mechanisms.
• Proven experience in writing advocacy strategies, policy briefs, and public statements.
• A demonstrable understanding of current humanitarian policy trends and issues.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant field such as media, communications, international relations, public policy, development, political science, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, particularly in roles related to advocacy, policy development, or humanitarian coordination. Experience in complex humanitarian contexts is essential, along with a strong understanding of international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law and coordination mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Working knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Port Sudan, with housing provided in individual accommodations and access to good medical services. The role is full-time, and team members are encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities for personal and professional growth. The INGO Forum is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.