Senior Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, with a mission to respond to emergencies and assist uprooted communities in rebuilding their lives. Over the past 90 years, the IRC has developed a strong reputation for providing lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees who have been forced to flee from war or disaster. The organization operates globally, with its headquarters located in New York and a presence in nearly 40 countries. The IRC is dedicated to a culture of bold leadership, innovation, and accountability, ensuring that they serve the most vulnerable populations effectively. The Crisis Response, Recovery and Development Department (CRRD) within the IRC implements a wide range of humanitarian relief, post-crisis recovery, and development programs, focusing on key areas such as safety, health, education, economic well-being, and empowerment of displaced individuals, particularly women and girls.

Job Overview:
The Senior Advisor position is a critical role within the IRC, focusing on managing and enhancing the organization's engagement with the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The post holder will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies aimed at fostering proactive donor and partner relationships. This role requires a deep understanding of donor relations and the ability to coordinate effectively with various internal teams, including Policy & Solutions and Advocacy & Influence. The Senior Advisor will oversee the relationship management with Sida, ensuring that IRC's engagement is strategic and aligned with the organization's goals. This includes managing the Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement (HFA) and providing guidance on donor compliance and reporting. The Senior Advisor will also play a key role in supporting learning initiatives among countries implementing HFA projects and developing internal guidance documents for effective management of HFA awards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: overseeing the Sida HFA, managing IRC's strategic relationship with Sida, building strong working relationships with key individuals within the donor head office and embassies, leading contract negotiations, coordinating the annual funding allocation process, preparing and consolidating budgets, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery of contractual requirements, developing internal processes and guidance documents, and carrying out regular lessons learned exercises. Additionally, the Senior Advisor will develop and coordinate IRC's multi-year Donor Engagement Strategy for Sida, represent IRC at donor meetings and conferences, maintain up-to-date knowledge of donor strategies, and support the development of tools and resources to improve donor engagement across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Advisor position should possess a strong background in donor engagement and relationship management, with previous experience working with Sida or the Swedish MFA being highly desirable. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of programmatic and financial contractual arrangements with donors, including experience in negotiating agreements and submitting high-quality proposals and reports. Strong advocacy, communication, and fundraising skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in international relations, development studies, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in donor engagement and management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in donor relations, particularly with Sida or similar governmental organizations. Experience working in developing countries, especially in the context of UK donors, NGOs, or international organizations, is highly valued. The candidate should also have a proven track record of driving coordinated advocacy and fundraising programs.

Languages:
Fluency in both Swedish and English is mandatory for this role, with additional language skills in French or Spanish being advantageous. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with donors and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international travel as needed. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit, without regard to race, gender, or other protected characteristics. The organization adheres to professional standards and core values, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all employees. The application deadline for this position is May 12th at midnight CET.