Advocacy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The INGO Forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in Sudan. The forum currently comprises 51 members and 17 observers, working across the country, including in some of the most challenging areas. The INGO Forum is a permanent member of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and the Inter-coordination" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG). It plays a crucial role in co-leading the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG) alongside OCHA and engages collectively with government authorities and donors. The forum also leads advocacy efforts at national, regional, and international levels through its Advocacy Working Group (AWG).

Job Overview:
The Advocacy Officer position has been newly created to enhance coordination across various work-streams and improve the quality of support provided to members, as well as the representation in inter-agency platforms. The role focuses on supporting humanitarian advocacy and policy influencing at country, regional, and global levels. The Advocacy Officer will analyze, facilitate, and coordinate humanitarian access negotiations and initiatives. Responsibilities include convening and facilitating meetings related to policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring adherence to information sharing protocols, and consolidating member inputs into collective products. This position reports to the roving access/advisor" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">advocacy advisor, who leads the overall Access and Policy/Advocacy strategy for the INGO Forum.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy/advocacy strategy and coordination: Maintain an up-to-date tracker of external engagements and products to enhance impact monitoring. Establish a regular mechanism for monitoring progress against the Forum’s advocacy strategy and support updates as needed. Convene and facilitate meetings, including agenda setting and administrative tasks for online, hybrid, and in-person meetings.
• Advocacy and communications products and events: Draft and consolidate collective products, provide administrative support for organizing events, including high-level meetings and media engagements. Draft monthly forum bulletins for circulation to members and relevant external stakeholders, including donors. Contribute to the regular updating of the Forum’s website and facilitate the publication of forum products. Lead on preparing and implementing dissemination plans for public-facing products and monitor adherence to the advocacy strategy and work plan. Proactively seek areas for high-level engagement with Third States, governments, donors, and other influential stakeholders.
• Administrative and other tasks: Take notes from key meetings and engagements to ensure internal follow-up and accountability. Maintain a repository of products, minutes, etc., to ensure knowledge preservation and eventual transfer. Keep up-to-date contacts for relevant stakeholders.
• security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security: Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership and ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
• Accountability to Beneficiaries: Support all efforts toward accountability to beneficiaries and international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of field projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and advocacy strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using digital tools for communication and information management.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred and may be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in humanitarian advocacy, policy analysis, or a related field is required. Experience working in complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in Sudan or similar environments, is highly desirable. Familiarity with inter-agency coordination mechanisms and advocacy strategies is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic or other relevant languages is considered an asset and would be beneficial for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve occasional travel within the region. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities. The INGO Forum is committed to recruiting internationally and nationally, and offers competitive compensation and benefits in line with the organization's policies.