Advocacy Specialist

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

The purpose of this role is to advance DRC in Lebanon’s rights-based advocacy. This position will focus on humanitarian and human rights-related concerns, particularly with respect to the Syrian refugee crisis and other displacement-affected communities. The position involves leading analysis of the context and key policy issues, contributing to evidence-based research, maintaining ongoing communication and engagement with affected communities, supporting improved coordination and effectiveness of the response and leading the development and implementation of related advocacy efforts. This position will work closely with the Country Director and Head of Programmes in Lebanon. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Advocacy

• Lead on the development and implementation of the DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy.
• Develop and update talking points, top-line messages and advocacy tasks for the DRC Lebanon team.
• Establish strategic relationships with media outlets to ensure push of key advocacy messages.
• As part of the Senior Management Team of DRC, support DRC management to articulate priority advocacy objectives and develop programme-specific advocacy strategies.
• Suggest actions to national policy responses and policy frameworks, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and current and future challenges that have an impact on displaced populations and their access to humanitarian assistance and protection services.
• Suggest key advocacy opportunities and targets at national and regional levels.
• Draft and otherwise support the creation of advocacy products as outlined in the advocacy strategy for use at the country, regional and international levels in compliance with DRC’s internal policies.
• ​Contribute to the regional advocacy strategy and to regional and global advocacy initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Lebanon specificities are reflected and captured.
• Plan, coordinate and execute advocacy initiatives, campaigns and other actions designed to directly engage stakeholders and policymakers around specific policy issues in close coordination with the Country Director and programme leadership team.
• Conduct research for development of advocacy products and policy briefs. This includes analysis of information produced through DRC's programs and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions.
• Develop strategic relationships with other NGOs to advance joint advocacy efforts in Lebanon.
• Support the communication team to develop and disseminate high quality advocacy products.

Strategy and representation

• Ensure DRC MENA Regional Office, HQ, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy/policy lines and understand and promote its asks.
• Liaise with key UN, NGO and other interlocutors, including donors, in Lebanon to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.
• Support country management and other programme staff in their work, including development of a plan for achieving their priority advocacy objectives in both humanitarian and development programming. This should include guidelines on the meaningful and safe participation of beneficiaries in advocacy and communications.
• Build and otherwise contribute to Lebanon coalition building initiatives.
• Represent DRC in advocacy-related country and (as relevant) regional for a related to advocacy or as otherwise delegated by the CD.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a Tertiary qualification in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous. Moreover, we also expect the following: 

Required

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in advocacy on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues.
• Prior experience working in protection or advocacy for protection in a humanitarian context.
• Strong understanding of the political system and context in Lebanon.
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience of influencing and advocacy work including lobbying, policy development and information provision in humanitarian issues.
• Experience working with local civil society in Lebanon.
•  Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing humanitarian advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law.
• Understanding of UN and donor operations at country and regional level.
• Full proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.
• Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams.​

Desirable

• Prior experience working with Government of Lebanon, line ministries, and local authorities is a plus.​

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.​

We offer

Contract length: 1 year, renewable based on performance and availability of funds  

Band/Level: Band G (non-management), Level 1

Basic Salary: 3400 USD per month (depending on years of experience)

Duty Station: Beirut

Start date: July 2019

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

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Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 30th of June 2019

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.