International Rescue Committee UK
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. The External Relations (ER) Department mobilizes external audiences to raise the requisite funds, influence policies and achieve practice changes to improve outcomes for our clients, while growing and protecting our global brand. The Global Policy & Advocacy team is a dynamic part of the ER Department that leverages the power of IRC s ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing IRC s clients across the arc of crisis and influence external stakeholders, in particular governments and multi-lateral institutions, to enact these solutions to ultimately make meaningful change for our clients. From addressing the drivers of conflict to meeting the needs of displaced people, the team partners with innovative thinkers, experts and those with lived experience to identify solutions and bring them to life. We take pride in being solutions-oriented and creative. We are precise in our goals, tactics, and messages. We drive change year over year, knowing that system change takes dedicated focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging needs across the globe. Finally, we are collaborative, constantly seeking new ideas and perspectives from others in our sector and beyond as we work side by side with programs, strategy, communications and research and innovation teams across the IRC. IRC UK IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. The Purpose of the Role Scope and Authority Authority: As the Program Advocacy and Engagement Director, you serve as a strategic leader shaping IRC s global influence across crisis response contexts, guiding advocacy efforts that are integral to advancing IRC s mission. You are responsible for strengthening our advocacy strategies and practice, providing strategic oversight, coordination and strategy building across national, regional and multilateral advocacy efforts. You will work with regionally based teams and collaborate with senior regional and country leaders, technical experts, and global counterparts to optimize IRC s advocacy reach, advocate for systems change policies and impacts and ensure coherence. This role will be critical to ensure focus, alignment and strategic oversight to maximize IRC s advocacy impact at a time of stretched resources and expanding humanitarian need. This individual will play a critical role in coordinating and identifying the strategic opportunities to cultivate relationships and influence policies at the highest levels across IRC s advocacy priorities, implementing creative influence strategies, including targeting non-traditional stakeholders on key crisis work. This individual will ensure the global advocacy team is informed by and responsive to trends at national/regional levels, connecting our Advocacy & Influence work to the experiences and needs of our clients and programs, and providing advocacy guidance, skills development and best practice sharing. Key Working Relationships Internal contacts: Regional CRRD Policy, Advocacy and Communication; Global Advocacy & Influence colleagues; Best Use of Resources Advocacy Specialist; Policy & Solutions team; Technical Excellence leads; Crisis, Response, Recovery and Development teams; Country Programs; Communications; Awards Management; President s Office, External Relations Department External contacts: Legislators; government officials; critical decision makers in multilateral institutions; peer NGOs; local/regional advocacy and/or operational organizations Key Accountabilities Advocacy Strategy (45%) • Advance IRC influence by leading or supporting the design and execution of integrated advocacy strategies, including power maps, for crisis response issues in line with organizational priorities and in partnership with regional, national and technical leaders and global policy, advocacy and communications teams. • Lead efforts to advocate for system change at the country level, engaging with IRC regional advocates, and Spot and capitalize on external opportunities to advance IRC s influence objectives including with non-traditional partners. • Work with regional advocates to provide expert strategic guidance and support to country programs and emergency response teams in the development of advocacy strategies. Policy and Advocacy Prioritization and Contextualization (25%) • Contribute to policy generation and prioritization by providing advocacy insights from program regions and country contexts as well as multilateral institutions, collaborating with policy colleagues to increase the credibility and efficacy of our solutions. • Support the identification of policy and advocacy priorities that meet the three criteria of impact, feasibility and added IRC value. • Work closely with regional and national advocates to understand critical legislation and policy impacting clients and IRC s programmatic teams in countries where we operate. Multilateral Strategy (15%) • Build strategic relationships and maintain diplomatic engagement with multilateral institutions such as the UN, leveraging IRC s presence to influence multilateral policy and funding decisions. Senior Leadership Engagement (15%) • Identify and shape high-impact external engagements for IRC s senior leaders, including message development, briefings, and event positioning to elevate IRC s global thought leadership. Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion • Steward gender equality, diversity and inclusion both in the culture of IRC, as well as in the policy solutions we develop and the ways we wield influence. Teamwork (% N/A) • Support a positive team culture by acting openly and collaboratively, supporting colleagues in their work and sharing credit with others where appropriate. Person Specification Essential Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications: • Graduate degree or equivalent experience in relevant field such as Public Policy, International Development, Politics, Economics, Law or International Relations • Demonstrable track record of leading advocacy strategies that generated tangible policy change, ideally in more than one context. • Ability to think strategically and creatively, being oriented towards solution development when traditional advocacy means do not suffice and especially in fluid and politically sensitive environments, exercising sound judgment under pressure. • Extensive knowledge of humanitarian aid and refugee issues, particularly around long-term displacement. • Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills: strong presenter, facilitator, public speaker and trainer. Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with experts, high level decision-makers, and colleagues in the humanitarian and development fields. • Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers and mainstream audiences. • Ability to work within short timelines to a high degree of accuracy. • Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-moving issues, and juggle competing demands. • Experience working in a development or humanitarian context is preferred. • Fluency with IRC s strategy and advocacy agendas is preferred. Experience: • Demonstrated experience in leading advocacy strategy development and execution with a focus on creativity and strategic thinking. • Extensive experience working on complex humanitarian and/or development issues particularly at the multilateral or systems-change level, in more than one geographic or political context. International NGO or multilateral/intergovernmental body experience preferred. National legislative or executive branch experience is an asset.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. The External Relations (ER) Department mobilizes external audiences to raise the requisite funds, influence policies and achieve practice changes to improve outcomes for our clients, while growing and protecting our global brand. The Global Policy & Advocacy team is a dynamic part of the ER Department that leverages the power of IRC s ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing IRC s clients across the arc of crisis and influence external stakeholders, in particular governments and multi-lateral institutions, to enact these solutions to ultimately make meaningful change for our clients. From addressing the drivers of conflict to meeting the needs of displaced people, the team partners with innovative thinkers, experts and those with lived experience to identify solutions and bring them to life. We take pride in being solutions-oriented and creative. We are precise in our goals, tactics, and messages. We drive change year over year, knowing that system change takes dedicated focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging needs across the globe. Finally, we are collaborative, constantly seeking new ideas and perspectives from others in our sector and beyond as we work side by side with programs, strategy, communications and research and innovation teams across the IRC. IRC UK IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. The Purpose of the Role Scope and Authority Authority: As the Program Advocacy and Engagement Director, you serve as a strategic leader shaping IRC s global influence across crisis response contexts, guiding advocacy efforts that are integral to advancing IRC s mission. You are responsible for strengthening our advocacy strategies and practice, providing strategic oversight, coordination and strategy building across national, regional and multilateral advocacy efforts. You will work with regionally based teams and collaborate with senior regional and country leaders, technical experts, and global counterparts to optimize IRC s advocacy reach, advocate for systems change policies and impacts and ensure coherence. This role will be critical to ensure focus, alignment and strategic oversight to maximize IRC s advocacy impact at a time of stretched resources and expanding humanitarian need. This individual will play a critical role in coordinating and identifying the strategic opportunities to cultivate relationships and influence policies at the highest levels across IRC s advocacy priorities, implementing creative influence strategies, including targeting non-traditional stakeholders on key crisis work. This individual will ensure the global advocacy team is informed by and responsive to trends at national/regional levels, connecting our Advocacy & Influence work to the experiences and needs of our clients and programs, and providing advocacy guidance, skills development and best practice sharing. Key Working Relationships Internal contacts: Regional CRRD Policy, Advocacy and Communication; Global Advocacy & Influence colleagues; Best Use of Resources Advocacy Specialist; Policy & Solutions team; Technical Excellence leads; Crisis, Response, Recovery and Development teams; Country Programs; Communications; Awards Management; President s Office, External Relations Department External contacts: Legislators; government officials; critical decision makers in multilateral institutions; peer NGOs; local/regional advocacy and/or operational organizations Key Accountabilities Advocacy Strategy (45%) • Advance IRC influence by leading or supporting the design and execution of integrated advocacy strategies, including power maps, for crisis response issues in line with organizational priorities and in partnership with regional, national and technical leaders and global policy, advocacy and communications teams. • Lead efforts to advocate for system change at the country level, engaging with IRC regional advocates, and Spot and capitalize on external opportunities to advance IRC s influence objectives including with non-traditional partners. • Work with regional advocates to provide expert strategic guidance and support to country programs and emergency response teams in the development of advocacy strategies. Policy and Advocacy Prioritization and Contextualization (25%) • Contribute to policy generation and prioritization by providing advocacy insights from program regions and country contexts as well as multilateral institutions, collaborating with policy colleagues to increase the credibility and efficacy of our solutions. • Support the identification of policy and advocacy priorities that meet the three criteria of impact, feasibility and added IRC value. • Work closely with regional and national advocates to understand critical legislation and policy impacting clients and IRC s programmatic teams in countries where we operate. Multilateral Strategy (15%) • Build strategic relationships and maintain diplomatic engagement with multilateral institutions such as the UN, leveraging IRC s presence to influence multilateral policy and funding decisions. Senior Leadership Engagement (15%) • Identify and shape high-impact external engagements for IRC s senior leaders, including message development, briefings, and event positioning to elevate IRC s global thought leadership. Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion • Steward gender equality, diversity and inclusion both in the culture of IRC, as well as in the policy solutions we develop and the ways we wield influence. Teamwork (% N/A) • Support a positive team culture by acting openly and collaboratively, supporting colleagues in their work and sharing credit with others where appropriate. Person Specification Essential Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications: • Graduate degree or equivalent experience in relevant field such as Public Policy, International Development, Politics, Economics, Law or International Relations • Demonstrable track record of leading advocacy strategies that generated tangible policy change, ideally in more than one context. • Ability to think strategically and creatively, being oriented towards solution development when traditional advocacy means do not suffice and especially in fluid and politically sensitive environments, exercising sound judgment under pressure. • Extensive knowledge of humanitarian aid and refugee issues, particularly around long-term displacement. • Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills: strong presenter, facilitator, public speaker and trainer. Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with experts, high level decision-makers, and colleagues in the humanitarian and development fields. • Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers and mainstream audiences. • Ability to work within short timelines to a high degree of accuracy. • Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-moving issues, and juggle competing demands. • Experience working in a development or humanitarian context is preferred. • Fluency with IRC s strategy and advocacy agendas is preferred. Experience: • Demonstrated experience in leading advocacy strategy development and execution with a focus on creativity and strategic thinking. • Extensive experience working on complex humanitarian and/or development issues particularly at the multilateral or systems-change level, in more than one geographic or political context. International NGO or multilateral/intergovernmental body experience preferred. National legislative or executive branch experience is an asset.
International Rescue Committee UK
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The Global Advocacy & Influence Department is a dynamic team that uses the power of IRC s ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing IRC s clients. From the drivers of conflict to the needs displaced people, the team partners with politicians, policy makers and civil society to bring these solutions to life. We take pride in being solutions-oriented and creative. We are precise in our tactics, and messages. We lead change year over year, knowing that system change takes dedicated focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Finally, we are collaborative, working not only with programs, strategy, research and innovation, and communications teams across the IRC, but also externally, constantly seeking to new ideas and perspectives from others in the humanitarian sector and beyond. IRC UK IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. Job Overview As the Advocacy Manager, you are responsible for crafting our influence strategies on refugee issues, using IRC s programmatic and research evidence, surgical policy and practice solutions, and trusted brand to inspire collective action. You are the go-to expert for understanding current political and policy trends in the UK and how our policies support or clash with political agendas. You contribute your fresh insights and analysis to inform IRC s influence approaches, tactics, and messages. Major Responsibilities: • Advocacy Strategy: Lead and deliver advocacy strategies, collaborating with policy leads, public advocacy and communications colleagues, to advance IRC s key advocacy objectives. • Influence Analysis: Develop power maps for key policy issues to identify influence priorities and targets. Work with team to support development and execution of creative influence strategies, including with nontraditional partners encouraging IRC to develop innovative approaches to advocacy as usual. • Stakeholder management: Support efforts to build IRC s credibility, profile and relationships by engaging with political stakeholders and supporting opportunities to raise IRC s profile at key meetings and events. • Political and Policy Tracking. Expand IRC s political reach by tracking and analysing shifting government positions, individuals engaging on our issues, and the politics around our issues. Translate policy asks into political asks. Track political processes and profile opportunities / events; including bills, select committee inquiries, and other parliamentary and political developments. Analyse and report on relevant political and policy trends and regularly communicate across external relations teams. • Policy Engagement: Contribute to policy generation by providing UK specific analysis that increases the credibility and efficacy of our solutions. Support IRC s policy team in identifying and developing policy priorities that are impactful and achievable for the UK. • Communications: Provide market and audience expertise to communications team to craft public advocacy in the UK. Support team in developing communications strategy and develop materials for advocacy targets, including digital/social content and take actions. Support planning and implementation of strategic activities including events. • Spokesperson: Act as an IRC spokesperson and as a key interlocutor with political stakeholders. • Teamwork: Support a positive team culture by acting openly and collaboratively, supporting colleagues in their work and sharing credit with others where appropriate. • Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: both in the culture of IRC, as well as through a client-led approach to our policy solutions and influencing work. Key Working Relationships: Position reports to: UK Advocacy Director Internal contacts: Policy and Advocacy colleagues, Communications, Technical Excellence leads; International Programs leads, President s Office, External Relations Department External contacts: Parliamentarians, government officials, key opinion formers, think tanks and sector colleagues in the UK. Job Requirements: Work experience: • Demonstrated experience in advocacy strategy development with a focus on creativity, strategy, and critical thinking. 5-7 years of experience working on refugee issues. Demonstrated skills and competencies: • Proven success in creating and implementing strategies that influence/impact on legislative and executive policy. • Deep understanding of relevant the UK s political structures and processes, and familiar with leverage points within these institutions that can be targeted to achieve policy change objectives. • Ability to think strategically and creatively, being oriented towards solutions when traditional advocacy means do not suffice. • Extensive knowledge of refugee issues in the UK. • Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with experts, high level decision-makers, and colleagues in the refugee fields. • Experience in refugee-led advocacy is an asset. • Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate sophisticated material and data into coherent narratives that resonate with policymakers. • Strong network of influencers and policy makers in the UK. • Ability to work quickly against deadlines. • Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-paced issues, and balance competing demands.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The Global Advocacy & Influence Department is a dynamic team that uses the power of IRC s ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing IRC s clients. From the drivers of conflict to the needs displaced people, the team partners with politicians, policy makers and civil society to bring these solutions to life. We take pride in being solutions-oriented and creative. We are precise in our tactics, and messages. We lead change year over year, knowing that system change takes dedicated focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Finally, we are collaborative, working not only with programs, strategy, research and innovation, and communications teams across the IRC, but also externally, constantly seeking to new ideas and perspectives from others in the humanitarian sector and beyond. IRC UK IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing. In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. Job Overview As the Advocacy Manager, you are responsible for crafting our influence strategies on refugee issues, using IRC s programmatic and research evidence, surgical policy and practice solutions, and trusted brand to inspire collective action. You are the go-to expert for understanding current political and policy trends in the UK and how our policies support or clash with political agendas. You contribute your fresh insights and analysis to inform IRC s influence approaches, tactics, and messages. Major Responsibilities: • Advocacy Strategy: Lead and deliver advocacy strategies, collaborating with policy leads, public advocacy and communications colleagues, to advance IRC s key advocacy objectives. • Influence Analysis: Develop power maps for key policy issues to identify influence priorities and targets. Work with team to support development and execution of creative influence strategies, including with nontraditional partners encouraging IRC to develop innovative approaches to advocacy as usual. • Stakeholder management: Support efforts to build IRC s credibility, profile and relationships by engaging with political stakeholders and supporting opportunities to raise IRC s profile at key meetings and events. • Political and Policy Tracking. Expand IRC s political reach by tracking and analysing shifting government positions, individuals engaging on our issues, and the politics around our issues. Translate policy asks into political asks. Track political processes and profile opportunities / events; including bills, select committee inquiries, and other parliamentary and political developments. Analyse and report on relevant political and policy trends and regularly communicate across external relations teams. • Policy Engagement: Contribute to policy generation by providing UK specific analysis that increases the credibility and efficacy of our solutions. Support IRC s policy team in identifying and developing policy priorities that are impactful and achievable for the UK. • Communications: Provide market and audience expertise to communications team to craft public advocacy in the UK. Support team in developing communications strategy and develop materials for advocacy targets, including digital/social content and take actions. Support planning and implementation of strategic activities including events. • Spokesperson: Act as an IRC spokesperson and as a key interlocutor with political stakeholders. • Teamwork: Support a positive team culture by acting openly and collaboratively, supporting colleagues in their work and sharing credit with others where appropriate. • Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: both in the culture of IRC, as well as through a client-led approach to our policy solutions and influencing work. Key Working Relationships: Position reports to: UK Advocacy Director Internal contacts: Policy and Advocacy colleagues, Communications, Technical Excellence leads; International Programs leads, President s Office, External Relations Department External contacts: Parliamentarians, government officials, key opinion formers, think tanks and sector colleagues in the UK. Job Requirements: Work experience: • Demonstrated experience in advocacy strategy development with a focus on creativity, strategy, and critical thinking. 5-7 years of experience working on refugee issues. Demonstrated skills and competencies: • Proven success in creating and implementing strategies that influence/impact on legislative and executive policy. • Deep understanding of relevant the UK s political structures and processes, and familiar with leverage points within these institutions that can be targeted to achieve policy change objectives. • Ability to think strategically and creatively, being oriented towards solutions when traditional advocacy means do not suffice. • Extensive knowledge of refugee issues in the UK. • Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with experts, high level decision-makers, and colleagues in the refugee fields. • Experience in refugee-led advocacy is an asset. • Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate sophisticated material and data into coherent narratives that resonate with policymakers. • Strong network of influencers and policy makers in the UK. • Ability to work quickly against deadlines. • Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-paced issues, and balance competing demands.
