Policy, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs over 250 staff in Ukraine alone, working alongside 15 local partners. The organization is dedicated to delivering lasting impact and restoring dignity and hope to millions worldwide, making it a significant force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Policy, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator plays a crucial role as a strategic advisor to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and the Senior Management Team (SMT) at IRC Ukraine. This position is pivotal in leading the development and implementation of advocacy strategies that align with IRC's mission and objectives. The Coordinator will work closely with regional and global advocacy, policy, and communications teams to ensure that opportunities for advocacy and policy change are effectively leveraged at national, regional, and global levels. As a member of the SMT, the PAC Coordinator will collaborate with country leadership to enhance IRC's influence among external stakeholders, elevate the voices of clients, and ensure that IRC's work is visible and impactful in the country. This role also involves supervising the Advocacy and Liaison Senior Manager and the Communications Manager, thereby playing a key part in shaping the advocacy landscape in Ukraine amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Policy, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator include leading the design and implementation of the IRC Ukraine Policy, Advocacy and Communications Strategy in collaboration with the Country Director and the MENAU Regional PAC Director. The Coordinator will advise colleagues on Ukraine-related policy and advocacy initiatives targeting global capitals, ensuring a strategic approach to advocacy within the SMT. Responsibilities also include producing high-quality policy and advocacy materials such as briefing notes, position papers, and advocacy reports, as well as supporting the production of thematic reports related to IRC's programs. The Coordinator will regularly engage with in-country stakeholders, including UN agencies, donors, and peer organizations, to promote IRC's advocacy efforts and build bilateral relationships with government counterparts. Additionally, the Coordinator will monitor humanitarian policy debates and media coverage related to Ukraine, providing timely analysis and inputs for high-level meetings. Representing IRC in various humanitarian coordination forums and contributing to joint NGO advocacy initiatives are also key aspects of this role. The Coordinator will manage the PAC department, including budget oversight and staff management, while providing capacity building on advocacy and policy interventions to staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Policy, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator position must possess a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in policy and advocacy work, particularly in complex humanitarian crises or post-conflict situations. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with proven experience in leading advocacy initiatives in challenging environments. Excellent communication, presentation, and representation skills are required, with the ability to effectively link evidence from programmatic work to inform policy advocacy agendas. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, enabling them to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. The ability to work well under pressure in fast-evolving contexts and to meet tight deadlines is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and a hands-on attitude are also important attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Foreign Policy, Development Studies, Law, Public Relations, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in crafting and delivering policy and advocacy work in response to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the nexus between humanitarian response and development, as well as experience in leading advocacy initiatives in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills suitable for a variety of audiences, including donors, policymakers, journalists, and the general public. Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian may be considered an advantage, enhancing the ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and involves full-time engagement. The role is classified at a senior level within the organization, reflecting the strategic importance of advocacy and communications in the current humanitarian context. The IRC is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and in line with IRC policies.