Regional Advocacy and Protection Officer

General Purpose of the Position

The Regional Advocacy and Protection Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of the JRS regional advocacy and protection strategy. He/she reports directly to the Regional Director. Work is done in close cooperation with country and project staff, the International Advocacy Team, including the officer based in Rome, the JRS Geneva representative and the Policy Director JRS USA based in Washington DC, Jesuit related constitutions (organizations, universities,…), and he/she is in regular contact with other relevant Regional Advocacy officers.

As a member of JRS international advocacy network, he/she ensures that advocacy and protection flows from JRS’ service, gives a voice to refugees, and promotes awareness of key forced migration related issues.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. Development and Implementation of JRS Advocacy and Protection Narrative and Strategy in the Region

1. Together with the country teams, develops the regional advocacy and protection strategy based on concerns identified at project and country level.
2. Develops an advocacy and protection narrative of the refugee-IDP situations of concern, which is published in JRS regional and international websites.
3. Documents situations of concern and is responsible for the production of written position papers and statements – be it jointly with partner agencies or as JRS.
4. Develops partnerships with human rights, humanitarian and UN organizations, which can strategically work with JRS.
5. Engages in direct advocacy and lobbying on identified issues of concern with governments, embassies, the UN, and NGOs promoting the rights of forcibly displaced persons, at national and regional level.
6. Documents and consolidates JRS experience and lessons learnt in the region.
7. Ensures regular communication on work with the international advocacy officers and internal JRS advocacy working groups
8. Timely shares JRS advocacy products with members of the JRS advocacy network in Geneva, Washington, Rome and Brussels.
9. Strategically organizes visits and meetings of JRS field staff with decision-making bodies.
10. Shares advocacy products with the RD, CDs, and the international advocacy team.

2. Integration of Advocacy and Protection in the Project Cycle

In collaboration with programmes staff, works to ensure the integration of the protection component into the process of project planning and proposals.

Especially in Lebanon:

1. Visits projects regularly
2. Facilitates integration of Protection in all programs in Lebanon.
3. Trains and meets PDs, social workers, and other relevant staff.
4. Ensures that individuals in need of specific services are referred to the right organization, either directly or through support to the Country and Project staff in JRS Lebanon.
5. Brings protection concerns to cluster meetings and other identified networks.
6. Supports the role of JRS Lebanon Country Director in advocacy, eg. Prepares content for her meetings with MEHE, UNHCR, and other agencies.

The Regional Advocacy and Protection Officer will serve as a Focal Point for Protection in Lebanon. He/she will build on the experience in Lebanon to extend services to the other countries, taking into account specific needs and situations.

3. Communications and Research Matching JRS Advocacy Needs

1. Works together with the Regional Communications officer in drafting letters, press releases, statements, articles, advocacy narrative and strategy and other advocacy-related documents on issues of concern, providing advice and technical assistance to ensure consistency and coherency in public positions taken.
2. Supports JRS country offices in the region in the production of such advocacy documents in their respective countries.
3. Works together with the Regional Communications officer in JRS’ use of wide-audience mass media in order to publicize JRS messages along the lines of the advocacy strategy.
4. Assists in establishing research agreements with universities and social centres.
5. Develops and supervises research for advocacy as formulated in the advocacy strategy.

4. Capacity and Training of JRS Staff

1. Trains the CDs in the production of advocacy statements and position papers, either with a public or private scope.
2. Provides training to enhance staff knowledge of basic advocacy skills and information-collection for advocacy.
3. Visits regularly JRS MENA Countries.

• Ensures prompt execution of other tasks that are within the ambit of the position as requested by the Regional Director or his/her nominee.

Qualifications & Skills

1. Compassion and strong commitment for refugees and other displaced people.
2. University degree in political science, international relations, law, communications or a related field – with a deep understanding of forced migration law and concepts
3. Experience in advocacy related to humanitarian or human rights issues.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and a good working knowledge of Arabic. Any other foreign language is a plus.
5. Minimum of three years working experience in the field of human rights, research, or advocacy.
6. Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills.
8. Work experience in a multicultural environment.