Regional INGO Advocacy Forum Coordinator for Latin America

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people 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 support necessary to rebuild their lives. NRC has been active in Latin America, particularly in response to the ongoing crises affecting the region, including the Venezuelan crisis and the armed conflict in Colombia. The organization aims to address the humanitarian needs of displaced populations and has established a Regional Office in Latin America to enhance its operational effectiveness and strategic oversight across its country programs.

Job Overview:
The Regional INGO Advocacy Forum Coordinator for Latin America will play a crucial role in leading the advocacy efforts of the LAC RMD Coalition, a regional advocacy group focused on addressing humanitarian and displacement issues in Latin America. The coordinator will be responsible for developing and implementing the Coalition's advocacy strategy and joint work plan, which will involve strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including national and regional authorities, UN agencies, donors, and civil society organizations. The role requires a strategic thinker who can analyze information, draft advocacy materials, and represent the Coalition in various regional and international forums. The coordinator will also facilitate meetings, ensure actionable follow-ups, and collaborate with regional platforms to share information and coordinate efforts effectively. This position is vital for ensuring that the Coalition's positions are effectively communicated and that the needs of displaced populations are prioritized in advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional INGO Advocacy Forum Coordinator include:

• Developing and implementing the Coalition's advocacy strategy and joint work plan.
• Strengthening strategic relationships with national and regional authorities, UN agencies, donors, embassies, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
• Facilitating and coordinating meetings among Coalition members, ensuring actionable follow-ups are established.
• Representing Coalition positions in engagements with key stakeholders and donors.
• Gathering and analyzing data to draft advocacy materials and key messages that reflect the Coalition's priorities.
• Ensuring timely information sharing on humanitarian needs and situational analysis among Coalition members.
• Collaborating with regional platforms to exchange information, share evidence-based reports, and coordinate multi-sectoral efforts.
• Engaging in media outreach and communication strategies to raise awareness of the Coalition's work and the needs of displaced populations.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives and adjusting strategies as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Regional INGO Advocacy Forum Coordinator position must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of experience in similar roles within complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of humanitarian issues.
• Proven expertise in advocacy and coordination at both regional and international levels, with a track record of successful engagement with key stakeholders.
• Fluency in Spanish as the working language, with a high level of proficiency in English (C1-C2) to facilitate effective communication in diverse settings.
• Proficiency in MS Office, SharePoint, and OneDrive, with the ability to utilize these tools for effective collaboration and information sharing.
• Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies and plans, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• Expertise in preparing budgets for humanitarian donor activities, ensuring financial accountability and transparency.
• Familiarity with key actors in the humanitarian response within the LAC region, enabling effective networking and collaboration.
• Proven ability to analyze information and draft compelling advocacy messages that resonate with target audiences.
• Experience in designing and implementing communication strategies and engaging with media to promote advocacy initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Regional INGO Advocacy Forum Coordinator position includes a relevant degree in international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in advocacy, humanitarian response, or related disciplines will be preferred. A strong academic foundation in these areas will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of humanitarian advocacy and coordination effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in advocacy and coordination roles, particularly within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work in complex and volatile environments, showcasing their capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and effectively address the needs of displaced populations. Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, international organizations, and civil society, is essential for success in this role. Additionally, prior experience in humanitarian coordination is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the intricacies of the humanitarian landscape in Latin America.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the Coalition. Additionally, candidates must possess a high level of proficiency in English (C1-C2) to facilitate effective communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the Latin American context may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, or Panama City, Panama, and is offered as a national contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role may require travel of up to 20% to engage with stakeholders and attend relevant meetings and forums. The salary and benefits for this position will be determined according to NRC's regional salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions for national contracts. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.