Back Advocacy Advisor, DRC Cordaid

Cordaid believes in a world without poverty and exclusion. We strive for just and sustainable societies where every person counts. We stand for knowledge and talent sharing between North and South, between farmers and businesses, between activists and policymakers. Where poverty, conflict and exclusion divide societies, we connect people and communities. We stand for professionalism, expertise and solidarity across borders. We aim at maximizing our social impact and contributing to systemic change. We operate where natural disasters strike, where conflicts tear up communities and where lack of opportunities and service delivery keep families in extreme poverty.

Cordaid is one of the leading CSO’s in the Netherlands, working in fragile contexts on Health, Resilience, Economic opportunities, Humanitarian aid and Security & Justice. Apart from our work abroad we also contribute to new forms of job creation and social innovation in The Netherlands.

Cordaid is a member of the international Catholic networks Caritas and CIDSE and we are active in worldwide civil society networks. We work in around 30 countries in Africa, Middle East and Asia.

For the Cordaid Country offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cordaid is looking for an Advocacy Advisor for the INGO Forum.

Introduction

Cordaid has a long history working in DRC a country affected by war and conflicts for decades.

Cordaid is currently working in: Health, Education, Security and Justice, Economic Resilience and Humanitarian Aid. We have one main office in Kinshasa, and 5 others regional offices in Goma, Bukavu, Bunia, Gemena and Kananga. We are working in 24 out of the 26 provinces soon.

The DRC INGO Forum gathers 105 members and is supported by a Secretariat which gathers a Team of four people, providing expert support and advice to its members. More specifically, the role of the Forum is to:

• Support to INGOs members and advocacy for solving common issues;

• Improve communication between INGOs and other stakeholders (government, UNOCHA, UN, etc.);

• Strengthen the voices of INGOs in the humanitarian architecture and the development community in DRC;

• Act as a focal point for INGOs and for external stakeholders;

• Ensure a national cohesion of INGOs (linking Kinshasa and the other Provinces).

Cordaid will be the new hosting organisation for the INGO forum. To support the activities of the Forum, we’re looking for an experienced Advocacy Advisor with a strong leadership and capacity in advocacy as well as a profound knowledge of the technical aspects of the job and excellent writing skills in French and English.

General objective of the posting

The advocacy advisor will ensure the implementation of the collective advocacy strategy and lead advocacy and lobbying activities in coordination with the members of the INGO Forum.

Specific objectives

• Implement, monitor and evaluate the advocacy strategy of the INGO Forum in the DRC;
• Conduct advocacy initiatives on the issues included in the strategy and actions in response to changes in the context in the DRC;
• Develop, publish and follow strategic positions and advocacy on issues defined by members;
• Work to lobby and influence decision-makers or any other actor defined as allies and advocacy targets, in accordance with the advocacy strategy of the INGO Forum;
• Facilitate the Forum's advocacy working groups;
• Ensure communication to members and supporters through the production of tools such as the monthly newsletter and the facilitation of other communication tools;
• Stay abreast of political, security, economic and other developments in the DRC and inform the Forum Director, executive committee and members if necessary;
• Discuss with the existing advocacy working group to identify possible synergies on advocacy themes and develop ways to work together;
• Exchange with members to better define advocacy priorities;
• Implement the advocacy strategy of the INGO Forum and evaluate the results;
• Identify, develop, contribute and take leadership of advocacy initiatives through member mobilization and the production of joint advocacy products (notes, briefing, key messages, etc.). Conduct the process appropriately and obtain members' approval;
• Coordinate the collection, analysis and presentation of evidence/data to support the Forum's advocacy by working closely with the necessary members and external actors;
• Coordinate and monitor advocacy messages to ensure maximum impact and ensure that the Forum's advocacy is in line with basic humanitarian and development principles;
• Liaise with advocacy officers at the global level, including InterAction and ICVA platforms, to strengthen ties with the DRC and foster a better commitment to prioritising DRC issues;
• Provide technical advice and expert guidance to support provincial platforms regarding advocacy opportunities with authorities or other stakeholders on key issues;
• Develop a timetable for advocacy opportunities and initiatives;
• Develop a periodic review of the implementation of advocacy activities;
• Achieve goals by influencing internal/external agendas and policies through the use of negotiation, communication, marketing and lobbying skills;
• Develop a strong relationship and network with key actors and stakeholders;
• Facilitate training and capacity building of INGO Forum members;
• Document lessons learned for all advocacy activities;
• Attend to other duties as and when directed by relevant supervisor.

These duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, development studies, social sciences, or communication;

· At least 3 years of experience in a humanitarian or development context in developing countries;

· Relevant experience in political analysis, advocacy strategy, lobby (NGOs or others);

· Demonstrated ability to develop and implement advocacy strategies with clear theories of change;

· Proven experience in the development of quality advocacy and communication products;

· Proven understanding and experience in advocacy in a complex humanitarian context and protracted crisis;

· Strong will to work ethically and appropriately in the NGO sector, in line with respect for humanitarian principles and resilience;

· Excellent ability to communicate both verbally and in writing;

· Understanding complex humanitarian emergencies, conflict resolution strategies, resilience, development, and human rights law and international humanitarian law;

· Leadership capabilities;

· Strong networking ability and the ability to build productive relationships with diverse and varied players;

· Strong analytical ability to strategically understand and use the information received;

· Collaborative approach and respect for work in accordance with the views and decisions of INGO members;

· Ability to meet tight deadlines, often on ad hoc issues that require immediate attention;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French

· Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and negotiation skills.

· Experience prior to the coordination of a large number of various actors;

· Proven experience in working with a multitude of actors and a proactive role in coordination;

· Professional knowledge of the DRC or the Great Lakes region and understanding is an asset;

· Ability to work long hours in stressful environments, insecure, unstable and / or rigorous contexts;

· Commitment to the mission and goals of the Cordaid program and the security policy.

Specifics of station

The advocacy advisor will be based in Kinshasa. This is an accompanied position.**

Contract information

The contract period is for 12 months starting as soon as possible, with the intention to extend for a longer period. We offer a Cordaid contract with a competitive salary and a benefit package which includes a comprehensive insurance cover, social security and pension contribution, a holiday allowance, 13th month, hardship allowance and cost of living allowance (if applicable).

Given the circumstances around the Covid-19 epidemic, it is possible that the initial period of the contract be home-based, until restrictions on entry into the DRC are lifted.