DRC has been operating in Somalia since 1997 using a protection of human rights framework. Somalia is reeling from a devastating humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80% of the population in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. DRC in Somalia is responding to emergency response through an integrated approach accessing hard to reach populations and pivoting toward early recovery and solutions programming.

Overall purpose of the role

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for engaging key stakeholders to work on a diverse range of policy issues that impact the effectiveness of humanitarian programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations in Somalia.  Accordingly, the Humanitarian Advisor will guide DRC’s strategic positioning, technical policy development, production of high quality and timely reports and implementation of advocacy work in Somalia.

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Humanitarian Policy Advisor will be responsible for setting up and pushing forward the implementation of the DRC Somalia’s advocacy strategy and to further develop DRC Somalia’s advocacy work.

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will liaise with DRC’s regional and global advocacy teams as well as being the focal point for DRC Somalia on external communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the implementation of the DRC SOM advocacy strategy.
• Develop policy and advocacy materials including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports.
• Liaise with key DRC partners, line ministries, UN, NGO and other interlocutors in Somalia to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.
• Participate in and support the relevant working groups of the Somalia based INGO network, including supporting the planning and drafting of relevant products such as key messaging and briefings.
• Alert the Country Director to relevant policy developments and provide analysis and input for Humanitarian Country Team meetings, as well as key cluster/working group meetings.
• Review materials related to Somalia produced by DRC regional or headquarter teams to ensure consistency with DRC Somalia policy positions.
• Support the Head of Programmes and Sector Managers to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies , including acting as a FP for Durable Solutions Platform
• Develop advocacy products and policy briefs including analysis of information produced through DRC's programs and information management systems.  Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions.
• Suggest actions to national policy responses and policy frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and access, and current and future challenges that have an impact on humanitarian assistance and related services.
• Contribute to the DRC’s global and regional advocacy strategies and initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Somalia’s specificities are reflected and captured.
• Ensure DRC’s regional office, headquarters, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Somalia advocacy strategy and understand and promote its asks.
• Act as a focal points for PSEAH
• Participate in, and conduct research to prepare for global advocacy joint calls on Somalia and provide information and advocacy messages relating to the Somali humanitarian crisis.
• Represent DRC in advocacy, policy and coordination meetings or as otherwise delegated by the Country Director.
• Oversee and support the activities of DRC Somalia Communication Assistant.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs and the finance responsibilities Matrix but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.