Policy Lead

OXFAM PURPOSE: To work with others to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering  TEAM PURPOSE: To campaign with others to improve the lives of populations in Lebanon affected by the impact of the Syria crisis – addressing systemic issues that shape inequality and access to services in Lebanon as well as promoting quality of asylum through an effective Oxfam ‘one programme’ approach.  JOB PURPOSE:  In collaboration with Lebanon staff and partners, lead, coordinate and manage all of Oxfam’s global and national policy, media, and advocacy work related to Lebanon    REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to: Country Director Staff reporting to this post:  Direct management of  2 policy officers (Protection, Economic Justice) and 1 media and advocacy officer DIMENSIONS: Shows policy leadership and analysis on the impacts of the Syria crisis on Lebanese populations and refugees, services, and economy Core contributor to the development and delivery of the Oxfam Lebanon campaign strategies within the framework of the Oxfam Country Strategy for Lebanon Core contributor to analysis of the regional crisis, in particular as it relates o Lebanon and Lebanese actors. Makes decisions as to Oxfam’s position on policy issues taking into account the impact of external factors on our programmes and the communities we work with. Also shows good political judgement and consideration of the impact on Oxfam.    Positively impacts on public image of Oxfam and public policy.  Representation of Oxfam at coordination meetings and with external contacts in governments, UN and with civil society. Analysis and interpretation of complex but clearly defined problems. The types of information requiring analysis and interpretation are: Media reports; programme reports; reports from other organisations, UN Agencies, Government and analysis of political decisions. Reflects good technical understanding and strong leadership. Produces, assimilates, analyses and uses programme information from varied and diverse sources to provide in-depth analysis in the specific programme unit or policy area. Understands the consequences and impacts of decisions/judgements both internally and externally. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Proficient in writing skills. Shows a desire to understand programmes and communicates with staff within the appropriate programme teams. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:   To manage the influencing team, including media, communications, and policy; Advocacy: lead humanitarian and development advocacy, through clear action plans and engagement strategies based on regular context and power analysis, and identifying advocacy opportunities; m Manage risks associated with any advocacy activities. Policy advice & development: In line with Lebanon’s influencing strategy and country strategy, develop Oxfam policies and positions in relation to Lebanon; draft policy documents for lobbyists, advocacy and media officers; support research development as relevant, and support the Country Director and others as relevant with policy advice; Campaigning: Proactive participation in campaign decision-making fora, working closely with the Syria Crisis Campaign Manager and other policy and media colleagues to ensure consistent and informed messages and strategies at local, national, regional and global levels in relation to the Syria Crisis Strategic steer & coordination: coordinate with the wider Oxfam coordination structure on Rights in Crisis, Inequality,  and Global Displacement campaigns feeding in Lebanon information to global advocacy as needed; Support the Country Director and others in building consensus among Oxfam affiliates on policies, and coordinating internal sign-off process on all Lebanon policy issues; Lobbying & networking:  Working with the country director, lobby and maintain contact with diplomatic representatives and other relevant bodies based in the Lebanon. Share information from such meetings with Oxfam lobbyists addressing Syria Crisis and Lebanon globally. Maintain close relations and coordinate advocacy with other national, international NGOs, UN agencies in Lebanon; National Influencing: work with programme managers to; develop policy analysis for policy and practice changes within programme, develop effective advocacy strategies for programme, ensure policy staff are supported and guided to deliver on programme policy components whilst ensuring it fits within Oxfam’s national influencing policy, and ensure adequate input into national influencing components of project proposal design, budgets and reporting to donors. Contingency planning & emergency response: Working with the Humanitarian Programme team, Media and Advocacy office, and other relevant staff, contribute to Oxfam’s contingency planning from policy and advocacy perspective.  Cooperation with Oxfam partners: To degree possible, advise, liaise with and/or facilitate advice to a diverse network of Oxfam partner organisations in their advocacy efforts and contribute to strengthening the link between Oxfam advocacy and the programs of partners; One program: Contribute and periodically review influencing issues coming from the Oxfam projects making up the country program; Annual planning process: Contribute to Oxfam’s internal annual and/or quarterly planning and reporting as part of the Country Management Team; Staff management: To manage the staff working in the Research, Policy and Influencing unit, on a day to day to basis, and to perform all HR tasks, such work meetings and performance management. Staff Resourcing: Work closely with relevant programme, policy and support staff to ensure the research, policy, and influencing unit is adequately resourced.  SKILLS AND COMPETENCE:   Natural ‘connector’ Team player and team builder in a multi-cultural setting; ability to stimulate and coordinate teamwork. Strong facilitation and coaching skills; At least 7 years of experience in policy, advocacy, media or campaign work at local, national and international levels; Experience in organizational analysis, program development and grant management; Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; to troubleshoot Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks; Poised, works well under pressure and attentive to detail; Excellent listening and communication skills Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, and co-workers; Knowledge of and working experience in Lebanon and the region is an asset. Strong written and spoken English (Essential), Arabic language is an asset. Strong conceptual and analytical skills, ability to think innovatively and strategically Experience of working in a humanitarian and protracted response context Experience developing and managing delivery of strategies, and line managing staff across multiple, remote teams (Essential) Education in social sciences to degree level, or equivalent essential. Post-graduate and other training qualifications an advantage. Proven evidence of leadership skills including the ability to challenge, motivate and develop direct reports and teams Excellent oral and written communications skills. Ability to write substantial pieces of analysis.  Flexibility, stamina and ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, to work unsociable hours as necessary. Personal qualities that ensure effective work with other people and self-management, management of others, including flexibility, respect for others, and sense of humour. Ability to model Oxfam's values (empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness) with staff, partners, allies and other stakeholders Willingness and ability to travel frequently across the response. Awareness and understanding of how media works and how to brief them