Oxfam Novib (ON) Policy & Advocacy Officer Kenyan Job

Oxfam Novib (ON) is part of Oxfam International (OI), a world-wide confederation of more than 14 organizations working for change and development.

Oxfam’s vision is a just world without poverty and is driven by a conviction that people are capable of building a livelihood without poverty on their own, provided they are given the chance to do so.

We respond to humanitarian needs in more than 120 countries and work with hundreds of thousands of supporters and volunteers who make up our international network of concern, action and solidarity.

We support local projects in developing countries, and lobby governments and companies to take into account the interests of the poorest people, and to increase our impact on development and humanitarian issues.

Policy & Advocacy Officer

Ref no: 26-112011-PAO

Fulltime National position

Based in Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose of the function

To lead on Oxfam’s engagement with and support to Somali civil society partners and allies on advocacy and media work in relation to peace-building in particular, promoting and facilitating their linkages with potential allies within Somalia, in the wider region and internationally, and ensuring that their analysis and priorities inform Oxfam’s Rights in Crisis campaign work for Somalia.

Main tasks of the function (general)

1. Lead on the development and delivery of policy and advocacy work under Oxfam’s Rights in Crisis (RiC) strategy in relation to an inclusive peace process for Somalia, in close coordination with Oxfam’s policy lead
2. In collaboration with the media lead and program staff, and in coordination with other policy team members, work with Oxfam partners to identify priorities, opportunities and capacity for influencing at the local, national and regional level on the inclusion of Somali civil society – and particularly women and young people – in peace and reconciliation efforts in Somalia
3. On the basis of this consultation and in collaboration with the media lead, organize, facilitate and monitor capacity building activities in conjunction with training/capacity building institutes and other Oxfam affiliates; and design and deliver a program of ongoing support to partners’ influencing efforts in this regard
4. In consultation with partners and policy and program teams, identify potential allies for partner-led influencing work on inclusive peace and reconciliation within Somali civil society, in the wider region and internationally, establish networks for the effective exchange of information and collaboration on influencing opportunities, and liaise between them and Oxfam’s partners, affiliates and global offices to that end
5. Lead regular and ad hoc consultation of partners and allies on peace building (and where appropriate on other aspects of Oxfam’s RiC strategy, in collaboration with other policy and media team members), and lead on integrating the conclusions into the design and delivery of the global RiC strategy
6. Gather and share information related to the development of Oxfam’s campaign work on inclusive peace building for Somalia on a continuous basis, and potentially commission and project manage research under the RiC strategy related to that aim
7. Contribute to regular analysis reports and communication relevant developments in the country, with a focus on peace building processes, civil society and diaspora, reflecting developments and monitoring progress towards OI strategic objectives
8. Upon request, provide advice and analytical input into program proposals developed by Oxfam partners, the strategic plan of Oxfam Somalia and other strategic documents within the organization
9. Represent Oxfam’s peace building position to external stakeholders, in coordination with the policy and media leads

Required knowledge level

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline
• Results orientation: Able to oversee medium terms effects of own activities and those of others, evaluates own activities and those of others on their contribution to agreed objectives.
• Co-operations: Encourages others to express ideas and convert them into constructive contributions while maintaining a right balance between understanding and acceptance.
• Flexibility: Should be open to changes and responds constructively to cultural differences and finds alternatives to support when meeting setbacks, but at the same time keeps the eye focused on the long term objectives
• Vision: Influences the future strategy of Oxfam and communicates it and develops proposals and plans on the basis of the vision.
• Analysis: Thinks through scenarios, with relationship between cause and effect and desired outcome as well seeing views from different angles a multiplicity of complex issues also when the information is incomplete.
• Power of conviction: Takes into account different opinions, (cultural) backgrounds and interest when underpinning own opinion, presents own positions with enthusiasm and inspires.
• At least 5 years’ professional experience

Person Specification

Essential

• Direct experience of and sophisticated understanding of the political and social realities and civil society environment of Somalia
• Strong experience of working with and supporting civil society organisations
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of advocacy work, ideally in the context of campaigning in a developing country
• Strong analytical ability – proven experience of conducting policy, power and stakeholder analysis
• Proven experience of collecting and analysing information, and ability to present complex issues in an accessible and compelling way
• High level of networking and influencing skills, tact and diplomacy
• Sensitivity to challenging political context and knowledge of risk management processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Somali
• Highly motivated, self-starter able to lead a process, engage others and create ownership.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working on peace and reconciliation issues
• Experience of commissioning and managing research conducted by others
• Understanding of Oxfam International structure and campaign model
• Practical experience of risk management in campaigning
• Understanding of recent global policy dynamics in relation to Somalia

This position is offered for one year with a possibility for further renewal.

Application procedure

Applications (full curriculum vitae and motivation letter) to: vacancy@oxfamnovib.or.ke

Please quote the reference no: 26-112011-PAO

Application deadline is 8th January 2012 by COB.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.