Scholarships and Job Search

Humanitarian Policy Advisor, Geneva
Closing Date: 19 October 2008

Job Purpose
The role of this post is to effectively influence the policy of governments, UN bodies and other humanitarian agencies in Geneva, in line with the objectives of Oxfam’s humanitarian campaign, helping make Oxfam a recognised authority on humanitarian issues. It complements the work done in capitals and OI offices in New York, Brussels and Addis Ababa.The post will also contribute to building the campaign globally, particularly in the area of policy development and analysis
Responsibilities

* Lobby key officials in the UN and national missions in line with campaign objectives.
* Represent OI in international fora such as the Inter Agency Steering Committee Working Group, UNHCR Steering Committee, Human Rights Council, WASH Cluster, etc.
* Build stronger alliances with Geneva-based civil society networks, including the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response, and other humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross Movement, to achieve Oxfam campaign goals.
* Work with others to develop innovative analysis of humanitarian issues such as humanitarian reform (e.g. leadership, funding), ‘humanitarian space’ and civil-military interaction.
* Contribute to the development of Oxfam’s global policies and strategies.
* Write policy papers, briefings etc.
* Build relations with Geneva-based media on humanitarian issues, as a spokesperson and a clearing house of papers and media releases from Oxfam.
* Provide analysis of relevant international law (human rights, IHL) for Oxfam’s field operations and advocacy statements, or make links with Geneva agencies qualified to do so.
* Provide support to the OGB Executive Director in her roles in SCHR, GHF, GHP and as lead contact with parts of UN system such as OCHA and UNSG, and to assist the OI Humanitarian Coordination Manager in his relations with Geneva-based humanitarian institutions.
* Be available for short-term deployment to support advocacy in sudden-onset disasters or to provide advocacy support to country programmes.
* Recruit and manage an intern.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will work in collaboration with a wide range of staff including: the OI Humanitarian Campaign Management Team, – particularly the members responsible for the ‘Right to Humanitarian Assistance’ (a role currently played by the line manager of this post) and for Policy (a role currently played by Head of OI New York office); the Oxfam GB Executive Director and Humanitarian Director; and the Spain-based OI Humanitarian Coordination Manager. Direct relations with humanitarian staff and programmes will also be important.
Skills & Competencies

* Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of humanitarian assistance and related human rights issues (Essential) preferably with knowledge of INGO humanitarian operations (Desirable) and IHL (D)
* In depth knowledge of humanitarian institutions and good understanding of the role of the UN (E)
* Strategic thinking, including ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated Oxfam response (E)
* Proven lobbying and diplomatic skills to achieve results from a wide range of senior targets coming from diverse institutional, political and cultural backgrounds. (E)
* Highly articulate, and proven writing skills to produce succinct, authoritative letters and presentations, articles for range of audiences, etc. (E)
* Proven strategic judgement to seize opportunities to advance long-term goals – to be able to judge what is vital for Oxfam globally from the diverse agenda of different Geneva targets. (E)
* Understanding of gender issues in emergency settings and commitment to gender equity
* Ability to work independently, flexibly and under pressure on fast-changing priorities, with limited supervision, and with strong time-management skills (E)
* Strong inter-personal skills, and ability to work well in hard-working global team.

Person specification

* At least five years’ experience in the humanitarian sector (E), preferably including at least three years field experience, (D) ideally at a program management level (D)
* Advanced university degree preferably in political or social science, international studies, or in international law. (E) A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive practical experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
* Fluency in written and spoken English (E). Working knowledge of French is highly desirable (D) and should be acquired within six months of appointment.
* Capable of traveling abroad at least 10 weeks a year.

Benefits/Conditions

Location: Geneva

Salary: Circa CHF 110,000
How to apply

To apply please send your CV/resume (MS Word format) and covering email to: recruitment@oxfaminternational.org

Interviews: 4th November 2008 in Oxford

Oxfam International aims to be an equal opportunity employer.
http://www.oxfam.org