Associate Director for United Nations Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been a leader in humanitarian response for over 80 years, having been established in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to providing lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees and displaced communities around the world. With a mission to help those uprooted by conflict and disaster, the IRC operates in multiple countries, leveraging its extensive expertise to address the needs of vulnerable populations. The External Relations (ER) Department plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and influencing policies to improve outcomes for clients, while the Global Policy & Advocacy team focuses on addressing the challenges faced by IRC's clients and advocating for effective solutions. The IRC prides itself on being innovative, collaborative, and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director for United Nations Advocacy is tasked with developing and implementing advocacy strategies that represent the interests of IRC staff and the clients they serve in relation to various UN agencies, including the UN Secretariat, OCHA, and the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council. This role is pivotal in shaping the international response to crises and ensuring that IRC's field and technical expertise inform policy decisions. The Associate Director will serve as a key liaison between IRC and UN stakeholders, providing strategic advice and support to internal departments regarding UN matters. The position requires close collaboration with colleagues across multiple IRC offices globally, ensuring that advocacy efforts are aligned with the organization's overall mission and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Director will be responsible for tracking UNSC developments and conducting outreach to member state missions, analyzing policy trends, and identifying opportunities for advocacy. They will develop and implement strategies to influence the policy approaches of donors and humanitarian organizations, ensuring that IRC's recommendations are grounded in field experience. The role involves engaging with high-level UN representatives, leading IRC's participation in major UN forums, and contributing to policy generation through collaboration with IRC's policy team. The Associate Director will also act as a spokesperson for IRC, representing the organization in various UN meetings and promoting gender equality and diversity within IRC's culture and policy solutions. Additionally, the Associate Director will support a positive team culture by fostering collaboration and sharing credit among colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree or equivalent experience in fields such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations. They should have 6-8 years of proven experience in advocacy roles, particularly in representational positions, and demonstrate knowledge of advocacy techniques and policy analysis. Successful management of high-level relationships is essential, along with direct experience with the United Nations or similar organizations. Familiarity with humanitarian issues and the operations of humanitarian organizations is preferred, as well as a strong understanding of international humanitarian law and the dynamics of UN processes.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations is required. Equivalent experience may also be considered, particularly if it demonstrates a strong understanding of the UN system and humanitarian advocacy.

Experience:
The position requires 6-8 years of relevant work experience, particularly in advocacy roles that involve significant interaction with UN agencies or similar organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing relationships with high-level stakeholders and executing effective advocacy strategies.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international nature of the role. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions where IRC operates or where UN agencies are based.

Additional Notes:
The position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. Up to 20% travel may be required for this role. Compensation for this position ranges from $105,000 to $115,000, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to ensuring equitable pay based on work location and defined job requirements.