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.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.
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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
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.
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