Policy & Advocacy Adviser

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 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and protection in times of crisis. NRC's mission is to help those in need, advocating for their rights and working towards sustainable solutions for their challenges.

Job Overview:
The Policy & Advocacy Adviser position at NRC Germany is a critical role aimed at enhancing the organization's advocacy efforts within Germany. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders, including the German government, parliament, UN agencies, and peer organizations, to influence both global and national priorities. This role is particularly significant as it involves shaping policy in anticipation of the 2026 national budget, thereby expanding partnerships with key donors such as GFFO, KfW, and BMZ. The adviser will actively contribute to establishing NRC Germany as a leading agency for humanitarian policy advice by delivering timely, evidence-based advocacy and policy products. This position requires a proactive approach to networking and collaboration with other organizations to support NRC's advocacy objectives, as well as the development of public advocacy messaging tailored for the German media.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Policy & Advocacy Adviser include:

• Actively contributing to the positioning of NRC Germany as a leading agency for sound humanitarian policy advice through the delivery of timely and evidence-based advocacy and policy products.
• Coordinating advocacy activities with Berlin-based Institutional Partnership Advisers (IPAs), the German Fundraising and Communication Adviser, and other relevant sections and offices.
• Developing a strategy for engaging with German parliamentarians to promote NRC's global advocacy priorities, particularly regarding funding gaps in the 2026 national budget process.
• Representing NRC Germany in briefings to relevant parliamentarians and ministry stakeholders, managing the drafting of talking points and briefing notes.
• Networking with other organizations and contributing to the development of strategic partnerships to support NRC's advocacy objectives.
• Encouraging and contributing to advocacy activities within German NGO networks as an active member.
• Developing public advocacy messaging and materials relevant for German media.
• Acting as a focal point for other NRC Representation Offices to connect on joint advocacy activities influencing non-German stakeholders such as the EU and UN agencies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as law, human rights, political science, or a related area of study.
• A minimum of three years of documented relevant experience within the humanitarian sector, including field experience.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing humanitarian advocacy strategies that effectively influence decision-makers.
• Previous experience representing NGOs, donors, or UN agencies in formal settings.
• Proven ability to develop sound and actionable policy recommendations tailored to various interlocutors.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate arguments in a structured and compelling manner.
• Knowledge and experience with parliamentary decision-making procedures.
• Experience in drafting speeches, talking points, and position papers.
• Proven research and analytical skills. 1
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both German and English, along with the legal right to live and work in Germany. 1
• A sound understanding of humanitarian architecture and the priorities of non-traditional member states, demonstrated through successful engagement with diplomatic missions at the capital level.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as law, human rights, political science, or another area of study that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian advocacy and policy development.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of three years of documented relevant experience within the humanitarian sector. This experience should include fieldwork and a proven track record in implementing advocacy strategies that effectively influence decision-makers. Candidates should have experience representing NGOs, donors, or UN agencies in formal settings, showcasing their ability to navigate complex political environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both German and English is mandatory for this position, as excellent written and oral communication skills in these languages are essential for effective advocacy and policy development. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic and highly motivated international team. The contract is for seven months, full-time, with Berlin as the primary duty station. The salary and benefits are based on grade 8 according to NRC Germany’s salary scale and terms and conditions in the location of employment. The role allows for the possibility of working from home, and employees will receive a Jobticket/Deutschlandticket for local and regional public transport. Flexible working hours are also available, and the office is pet-friendly. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.