About VSO

VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. Our high-impact approach brings people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action to change lives and make the world a fairer place.

Role overview

As the Africa Region Policy and Advocacy Advisor, one of the main focuses of this role initially will be to coordinate the advocacy work of VSO and partner organisations on the Post-2015 Development Framework – the global development framework that is set to replace the Millennium Development Goals when they expire in 2015. You'll build on the existing alliances you may have with key organisations and networks on post-2015 issues of relevance in the region and work to support advocacy across VSO country offices, patners and volunteers. You’ll link in with VSO’s global campaign on Post-2015 development as well as supporting the particular objectives of regional and country colleagues.
You will also support the planning, delivery and review of VSO’s wider global advocacy priorities as a member of the Global Research and Advocacy Team
This role will be matrix managed.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

As VSO Africa Policy and Advocacy Adivsor, you will play a key role in influencing government and international action seeking trans formative change for some of the world’s most disadvantaged people.
Liaising with our partners, volunteers and staff, delivering policy briefings, influencing international moments through engagement with country and regional decision makers and working with coalition partners are all critical to success in this role. We need someone with a keen analytic mind, a talent for writing persuasively and with an aptitude for developing influential relationships with civil servants and policy targets. Experience of the Post-2015 development agenda or advocacy on other regional and global policy change movements is desirable.
The major focus for this role during 2014-15 will be delivering the policy work relating to VSO Post-2015 advocacy work. Key ‘deliverables’ early on in the job will include connecting VSO in to the important national and regional discussions and consultations happening on the Post-2015 development agenda and contributing to the global direction of our Post-2015 advocacy work at key international moments. As part of the Global Policy and Advocacy team you will also have a broader brief supporting VSO policy, research and influencing work over the 18 months.

Location can be discussed further.

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying for this role, please follow this link (http://vso.force.com/jobopportunities/Job_DetailsPage?jid=a0mD0000005p3Sh)and download the job description to read more details about the position and the skills and experience we’re looking for. To submit your application, click on ‘Apply now’ and complete all relevant fields on the online application form.
VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Protection and Advocacy Adviser | ReliefWeb Skip to main content Labs Blog Mobile About Us Help LoginRegister HomeUpdatesCountriesDisastersTopicsOrganizationsJobsTraining Print11 Oct 2014Protection and Advocacy AdviserJobfromNorwegian Refugee Council—Closing date: 24 Oct 2014Protection and Advocacy Adviser (PAA) - Kenya
Norwegian Refugee Council

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, education, emergency food security, legal assistance, and water,sanitation and hygiene sectors.
The Norwegian Refugee Council has approximately 4000 committed and competent employees involved in projects across four continents. In addition, NRC runs one of the world’s largest standby rosters -NORCAP, with 650 professionals, ready to be deployed on 72 hours notice when a crisis occurs

The NRC Horn of Africa mission is an expanding program. From operating in Somaliland (SL) since 2004, in Puntland (PL) 2006 and in South Central (SC), with presence in Mogadishu, NRC, in 2007 started operations in the refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya and has since then expanded to Ethiopia in 2011 (Dollo Ado, Shire, Assosa, Gambella and Jijiga), in Yemen (Saa’na, Aden and Harradha),Djibouti in 2013. In 2014, NRC Horn of Africa took over programmes in South Sudan (Northern Bar-eGhazel, Warrap state, Central Equatorial, Eastern and Late state) and Uganda (Adjumani) and light foot print in Eritrea in 2013.The programme activities comprise all 5 NRC global core competencies: Shelter; Water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH); Education including youth education and teacher training; Food security, livelihoods and distribution; and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). Protection is emphasized and should be mainstreamed across all sectors. The scope of the programs range from emergency response to acute crises, to supporting durable solutions for displaced persons. Obtaining and maintaining access to the displaced populations remains the main operational challenge in the Horn of Africa region and in particular in Somalia. Advocacy activities based on experience from the ground is an important global and local tool to increase displaced people’s access to humanitarian assistance and protection.
The purpose of the Protection and Advocacy Adviser (PAA) is to strengthen NRC's advocacy, protection and information work in the Horn of Africa region, and to facilitate implementation of, and consistency with, NRC’s global strategies and policies within the regional programme. It is a strategic advisory position reporting to the Regional Director (RD), supporting the Country Directors (CD) and Area Managers in the field, and managing the regional Information officer. The PAA is a member of the Regional Management Team and can undertake representation on behalf of NRC as agreed with the RD. The position-holder is the focal point for the programme on advocacy and information work, and will be required to closely interact with programme staff, the NRC Head Office, NRC in Geneva/IDMC, NRC Europe (Brussels) and other NRC country offices with the knowledge and approval of the RD.

Job descriptionEnsure that NRC’s global advocacy and protection strategies and policies are implementedEnsure that protection, advocacy and gender is mainstreamed into the overall country strategyStrengthen NRC's response to prioritized country advocacy and protection issues both within the country and internationallyProvide timely and context specific information to internal and external stakeholdersSupport and train programme staff to mainstream protection and do-no-harm into their projects and activitiesEnsure that core competency staff identify and respond to prioritised advocacy and protection concernsPlay an active and strategic role in the humanitarian community to strengthen the advocacy and protection response in accordance with the country strategySpecific tasks are:Manage the regional internal and external communication work, including media outreach and production of communication products in conjunction with the Regional information officer.Ensure that NRC’s regional advocacy plan is developed, updated, implemented and integrated in the overall regional strategy.AdvocacyAct as the focal point for the updating and implementation of the Horn of Africa advocacy plan, in line with the NRC regional strategy process.Produce advocacy products such as briefing notes, talking points, position papers and articles.Contribute with appropriate context and protection analysis in NRC Horn of Africa donor applications and reports.Seek funding to support advocacy and protection activities.Engage in relevant advocacy and protection fora and networks.Support the RD/CDs in engagement with the international community, humanitarian actors and national and local authorities.Represent NRC in relevant public and private forums, and act as a spokesperson as agreed and approved by the RD.ProtectionBe updated on relevant protection policies and issues in the region, and international protection standards and developments.Support field staff in identifying and addressing protection gaps and concerns; using advocacy as a tool as relevant (NB! The responsibility for programmatic Protection mainstreaming lies with the programme department).Assist with fundraising and drafting/review of proposals for regional programme advocacy.Report regularly through NRC reporting systems on agreed indicators and initiatives; contribute to the country programme quarterly reporting; and report to the RD on activities and achievements as requested.Manage specific protection and advocacy projects (incl. budgets)QualificationsUniversity degree or higher education: preferably in social sciences, international policy or international development, law or communication/journalism.At least 5 years experience in humanitarian work, including a minimum of 2 years humanitarian field experience.Minimum 3 years of experience from working as a Protection and Advocacy Adviser/Manager in a humanitarian/recovery contextAt least 2-3 years experience in humanitarian advocacy and protection with responsibilities such as strategy development, planning and implementation of activities, as well as analysis and the drafting of reports, documents, talking points, etc.Sound working knowledge of relevant protection frameworks and International Humanitarian, Human Rights and Refugee Law, as well as the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.Proven experience of media and information work (writing, editing, photography, etc.) preferably in the humanitarian sector.Proven experience in working in complex emergencies. Candidates with work experience from an international NGOs or the UN will be given preference.Proven experience in advocacy and/or protection training and staff mentoring will be a plus.Demonstrated representation/presentation experience in private and public forums, including as a media spokesperson.Sound understanding of protection and humanitarian coordination, funding and leadership mechanisms; and experience of working with protection cluster or sectoral coordination.Knowledge of the political and humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa region.Professional knowledge of humanitarian and protection principlesExperience from working in complex and volatile contextsDocumented results related to the position’s responsibilitiesKnowledge about own leadership skills/profileFluency in English, both written and verbalValid driver’s licenseEducation fieldSocial scienseJournalism / CommunicationsLawPolitical scienceEducation levelCollege / University, Bachelor's degreePersonal qualitiesManaging resources to optimize resultsAnalyzingInfluencingHandling insecure environmentsAbility to represent NRC in an appropriate manner, using discretion where necessaryProven strategic advocacy skills such as communication, representation, negotiation and diplomacy.Proven analytical and drafting skills in English.Political, gender, cultural and security sensitivity.Ability to rapidly attain insight and understanding of the human rights and humanitarian situation, as well as the political and security context in the country.Above average computer literacy.Goal- and action-orientedAbility to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervisionAbility and willingness to travel, work and live under difficult circumstancesFlexible, creative and positiveAbility to inspire and motivateWe offerDuty station: Nairobi. The position requires extensive travel (minimum 50%) within the regional programme’s operational area (often in complex and insecure environments).Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s general directions.Miscellaneous infoTravel: Some travelling must be expectedHow to apply:

Apply through www.nrc.no, then vacancies

Job ID: #699201 Training categories: Information/Communications Country: Kenya City: 50 % Nairobi Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council Theme: Protection and Human Rights Job years of experience: 5-10 years Job type: Job

HomeUpdatesCountriesDisastersTopicsOrganizationsJobsTraining About Us Help ReliefWeb Informing humanitarians worldwide. A service provided by

ReliefWeb has been the leading online source for reliable and timely humanitarian information on global crises and disasters since 1996.
Learn more about ReliefWeb

Help the humanitarian community by taking the ReliefWeb user survey

At ReliefWeb, your feedback, ideas and suggestions are very important to us. They are what have helped ReliefWeb become such an important tool for the humanitarian community. We’re always exploring...

Visit the blog Connect With ReliefWebReceive news about us Related Sites Submit Content

Share information through ReliefWeb to better inform humanitarians worldwide.

How to submit content Tools API - Real-time data stream to power next-generation apps. Location Maps - Country maps for your reports and presentations. Humanitarian Icons - Ready-to-use symbols and icons. Free download. RSS - Subscribe to information finely tuned to your needs. Support & Feedback Forum - Get answers and help us improve ReliefWeb.

Background

Nutrition security is a human right; it is the basis for economic, social and human development. Good nutrition throughout the lifecycle is a prerequisite to good health, which adds quality to life and contributes to healthy ageing. The goal of Kenya Vision 2030 is to “transform Kenya into a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030”. Unfortunately, malnutrition is amongst the biggest threats to this Vision 2030 and Kenya’s achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Malnutrition greatly affects Kenya’s socio-economic development and potential to reduce poverty. Economically, Kenya loses about Kshs 128billion every year due to productivity losses as a result of malnutrition. Vision 2030 and many of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – particularly MDG 1 (eradicate extreme poverty and hunger); MDG 4 (reduce child deaths); and MDG 5 (improve maternal health) – will not be reached unless the nutrition of women and children is prioritized in the national development programmes and strategies. Without a deliberate and concerted effort, this figure will rise to Kshs. 3 trillion in 20 years and 527,000 lives will be lost.

In August 2012, Kenya joined the Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) movement, thereby signaling the country’s commitment to coordinated actions to improve the nutrition situation in the country. The movement has drawn attention and interest from diverse stakeholders over a short duration of time demonstrating its tremendous potential. Through sustained advocacy, there has been a number of achievements within the nutrition sector, key among them being an improved policy environment (with the passing of the Breast Milk Substitutes Act, Kenya Food and Nutrition Security Policy and the mandatory food fortification legislation), enhanced Government leadership, an improved and enhanced coordinated approach to implementation and monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programs as evidenced by the Kenya nutrition action plan, and inclusion of indicators in the DHIS, AOP and MTEF, and adoption of a set of high impact nutrition interventions; and increased budgetary allocations for nutrition,

Despite the success in the nutrition advocacy at the national level, the nutrition sector is faced with a number of challenges, key among them being limited funding at both national and county level and, lack of prioritization of nutrition issues at the county level, Inadequate advocacy capacity at all levels, poor inter sectoral linkages to address malnutrition and low demand and awareness of the nutrition services. This calls for intensified advocacy at all levels. The Government recognizes that additional resources and strengthened systems are required to scale up nutrition interventions and end all forms of malnutrition. However the commitment to addressing malnutrition wholesome is a challenge. Malnutrition needs to be viewed: (i) as an indication of inadequate realization of some of the most basic of all human rights, (ii) as a reflection of inadequate investment and progress in a range of issues related to human capital development; and (iii) in its significant influence on future economic development of a country. Political commitment is required to ensure strategies to improve nutrition in Kenya are prioritized and allocated adequate resources. Kenya’s devolution process placed new authority and responsibility for health program management and service delivery at the county level. Funding is currently allocated at the county level which provided an opportunity to advocacy.

Purpose

The Nutrition Advocacy Consultant will support the realigning of the National Nutrition Advocacy and Communication Steering Committee (ACSM) of the Nutrition Sector, support the ACSM in developing, managing, co-coordinating, networking, implementing and monitoring of the advocacy and communication strategy and associated products with the objective of promoting awareness and understanding of nutrition. The consultant will also support UNICEF Nutrition Section in identifying the key roles and responsibilities to contribute to the larger nutrition sector agenda. Therefore approximately 30% of the time will be dedicated fully to UNICEF and 70% to supporting the nutrition sector.

Responsibilities

Finalization of the Advocacy and Communication strategySupport the dissemination of the Advocacy and Communication StrategySupport the Implementation and Monitoring of the Advocacy and Communication strategyCapacity development and support of partners and the UNICEF nutrition team on advocacy and communicationsDevelopment of a toolkit of advocacy and communications resources for national and counties level activitiesDevelopment of a media engagement strategy and implementation planSupport the re-alignment of the ACSM Committee and/or Working GroupCo -chairing the ACSM steering group within the MoH unitMapping strategic platforms within government and support MOH nutrition unit ( county and national) in optimizing messaging and advocacy actions

Deliverables:

Finalised ACSM strategy that includes:

o Road map of ACSM activities

o Monitoring and evaluation plan of ACSM

o Media engagement strategy

Capacity development sessions for nutrition stakeholders on advocacy and communications undertaken. Stakeholders at national and county level should be able to:

· Understand the dynamics of effective advocacy

· Be able to identify key decision-makers and their influencers through the planning process at county level

· Work with Communication teams to develop appropriate targeted advocacy messages

· Form alliances to effectively communicate such messages and follow up/monitor them to ensure action for nutrition improvement.

Harmonised Toolkit of advocacy and communications resources on nutrition for national and counties level developedUp to date advocacy resources, shared and posted on the Nutrition website.A functional ACSM Committee and/or Working GroupReport outlining strategic platforms within government and support MOH nutrition unit ( county and national) in optimizing messaging and advocacy actions

Skills and Attributes Requirements

Education:Advanced university degree in, Journalism, Communication, Political Science, Public Relations(Or an Undergraduate degree plus at least 8 years of demonstrated professional experience in advocacy, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.)

Work experience: five years’ progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in advocacy and communication at all levels. Background/familiarity with Nutrition advocacy

Language Proficiency:Fluency in English.

Project Management Skills: Ability to plan and implement multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize work effectively, adjust to fast-faced workplace and a strong attention to detail is required.

Competency Profile

i) Core Values (Required):Commitment, Diversity and Inclusion, Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results,

ii) Functional Competencies (Required):Leading and Supervising [I], Formulating Strategies and

Concepts [ II ], Relating and Networking [ II ] , Persuading and Influencing [ II ], Applying Technical Expertise [ II ], Entrepreneurial Thinking [ II ]

Conditions (Important)

The consultant is expected to:

Commit fully as per the TORExercise no authority on behalf of UNICEF

Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that they forward their applications along with their curricula vitae, quoting the indicative fee range (Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered) to;

The Human Resources Manager

UNICEF Kenya Country Office

Email address:kenyahrvacancies@unicef.org

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form (which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/kenya) with subject line “KCO/SSA/NUTR/2014-027”and the consultancy title by COB 19 October 2014.

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.  Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.  Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individual to take up the following position.

WASH and Advocacy  Advisor - Wajir
Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development activities in challenging environments. We have been operating in Kenya since 2009 and currently work in all but one province of Kenya with funding from USAID, DFID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other private donors. Mercy Corps Kenya opened in Wajir County in response to the 2011 hunger crisis.The current portfolio in Wajir takes a market-based approach to building resilience and economic growth. Our programs are aimed at strengthening systems and mechanisms to enable sustainable development while maintaining the ability to meet immediate needs during crisis. 
Mercy Corps works closely with partners including community members, local government officials and private sector stakeholders to ensure community-driven and market-led development interventions.

General Position Summary:

The WASH and advocacy advisor will organize all activities related to the implementation of  the water program including optimizing the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in development of infrastructure for water supply and treatment in Wajir, Organizing advocacy campaigns toward improved rangeland management, water safety and waste management and improving viability of rural water  supply points.

S/he will have to coordinate closely with the County Government, ministry of Water and district water Officers and  other stakeholders to ensure that all projects implemented are demand-driven and communities comply with the programs market development and facilitation approach.S/he will report to Program Manager.

Essential Job Functions:
 

Ensures adequate coordination and communication among Mercy Corps Kenya program department to build an integrated program and ensure proper information sharing and team work.Monitors WASH operations and report on program development while providing solutions to problems.Contributes to future project and program planning, fundraising and development.Contribute to the wider reporting requirements of Mercy Corps Kenya both internal and external.Ensures efficient and transparent use of the resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.Assists the Mercy Corps Kenya staff with strategic planning and technical direction of the WASH program to guarantee program impact and institutional growth.Ensures projects are designed within Mercy Corps project briefing guide and delivered on time, while paying attention to beneficiary priorities and sustainable interventions.Coordinates site-visits to the projects sites and hosts missions/consultants and ensure timely and efficient monitoring and evaluation of project activitiesIn coordination with program director, partner agencies, translates the program concept and spirit into measurable activities / tasks for the program staff striving for innovative programming with practical and sustainable impact on the ground.Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Technical dutiesOrganizes for Increased access, affordability, and improved sustainability of rural water points through facilitation of procedures and processes for identification of rural water service providers and thus ensuring access to safe water services and basic sanitation facilities. Contributes to strategic discussions in the WASH team improving efficiency and effectiveness of current and potential interventions in the water sectorTrain local stakeholders in the water sector on provision of commercially responsible water provision especially water user association to improve their technical and management skillsProvide regular written and verbal reports to the Program Manager on  program activitiesCompile project reports highlighting project impact against indicators and contributes to field based reports to Mercy Corps and donorsProvide direction and leadership to Mercy Corps Kenya Water component activities in the Drylands and livestock improvement project (DALIP) program and operation in Wajir. Foster strong working relationships with local government authorities and communities ensuring Mercy Corps and partners’ activities closely match community priorities and directly respond to needs of the target communities.Represent Mercy Corps and ensure government coordination and participation in programming and public relations and visibility for Mercy Corps donors.MSc or equivalent in Engineering, Business administration, economics  or any other related fieldStrong of knowledge of Advocacy, community development, water, hygiene and sanitation principles. Strong knowledge and experience in Pro-poor market development approachesStrong verbal and written communications Ability to deal with people of diverse backgrounds, including government officials and contractors.Strong analytical skills Computer skills 5-7 years’ experience in water, sanitation and community development as well as lobbying and advocacy experience, preferably within arid and semi-arid regions Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving; Proven ability to learn quickly and achieve stated results and objectives.Demonstrated success in programs related to market development, value chain development programming, and increasing access to rural and urban water and sanitation services, particularly in lean markets.Demonstrated ability to function as a social entrepreneur and proven success with building, managing and leading a team of professionals and the ability to function as a team player among peers. Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, prioritization skills are necessary.Previous experience in writing proposals is an added advantageHistory of working effectively and respectfully with host country government, private sector, INGO and NGO partners in complex environments.Prior work experience in Market development programs strongly preferred; an ability to work comfortably, effectively and creatively within the cultural environment of the Somali region of Kenya and areas of poor security required.As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: Field Officers
 

Reports Directly To: Program ManagerWorks Directly With: Wajir based staff, Partners.The successful candidate will be a self-starter, multi-task oriented and able to work in a complex environment. S/he will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures. S/he will be a team-player with positive attitude to problem solving and conflict resolution. The successful candidate will be able to apply creative solutions to program quality and team-building. S/he will also have the skill to engage, motivate and encourage staff to bring creative solutions to development issues, identify opportunities for increased impact, and pursue project objectives.

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before June 10,2014  at 4.00 p.m a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references( including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org .

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject: The position and location they are applying for, e.g “Wash and Advocacy advisor” Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates. 

(ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted)