Advocacy adviser local humanitarian leadership and humanitarian system reform

The Role :

Oxfam International Geneva Office is looking for an advocacy advisor to coordinate our policy and advocacy in Geneva focused on local humanitarian leadership and humanitarian finance. The role will advocate for reforming the humanitarian system to improve donor, UN and INGO policies for localisation, and address barriers for funding diverse local organisations.  

Who we’re looking for :

The role aims at achieving systemic change in the humanitarian system to make aid more equitable and locally led.

The key tasks of the successful applicant will include :  

Support and coordination of advocacy towards UN Agencies and institutional donors on Localisation and Humanitarian Finance with Oxfam affiliate and UN Account colleagues :

o Lead particular areas of work for Oxfam in Geneva on local humanitarian leadership and humanitarian finance, to identify and develop opportunities for advocacy together with local and national humanitarian organisations, including advocacy and campaigning as relevant.  

o Identify gaps and needs regarding humanitarian finance, humanitarian system reform, local humanitarian leadership policy and contribute to policy development with the relevant teams;

o The position will work with national/ local humanitarian organisations to identify and jointly address barriers to participation in humanitarian leadership. This will include working with national/ local NGOs on research for influencing, policy and advocacy products, launch and dissemination; and will engage with relevant Geneva-based advocacy targets.  

• Coordinate and provide support to relevant research and evidence production on Localisation and Humanitarian Finance with Development Initiatives and Overseas Development Institute and other stakeholders. This including project management through the Oxfam publication process.  

o Engagement with stakeholders including SCHR, NEAR, Charter for Change, START, Development Initiatives, Overseas Development Institute and others  

o Engage with relevant Geneva-based donors (e.g. UNDP), in liaison with Oxfam's institutional fundraisers, to increase Oxfam's humanitarian and nexus footprint.

• Identify and represent Oxfam in policy discussions and coordinating spaces in Geneva on humanitarian finance, humanitarian system reform, local humanitarian leadership, inclusion and human rights issues when required.  

o Network, coordinating inputs and developing products for global policy processes such as the Grand Bargain

o Develop advocacy to promote reform of the humanitarian system in line with grand bargain commitments for inclusion of local humanitarian organisations in key humanitarian spaces including in Humanitarian Country Teams (HCTs) and clusters, and in processes including Humanitarian Needs Overviews (HNOs) and Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs).  

• Act as the liaison with Oxfam’s country offices and affiliates – including those participating in the project – and national and local partners, to create space in policy dialogue in international forums.  

o This includes setting up bilateral meetings with policy-makers, organising events, supporting development of talking points and other products, coordinating media and social media for partners.

o Provide technical advice and support to country programs and partners on how to engage in policy fora in Geneva.

• Contributes to internal and external communications and fundraising of the work of Oxfam International in Geneva on humanitarian reform and funding

What we offer :

This role will give you an opportunity to advocate for fundamental change of the humanitarian system, into one which is more fair, locally led and efficient. It will build contacts with local organizations and Oxfam staff across the humanitarian system to tackle key issues in meeting needs. At Oxfam, we believe that every aspect of our work can lead to a positive outcome. If you have the same opinion, together with the ability to meet the challenges involved, this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – as well as outstanding opportunities to develop your career.

How to apply :

Please upload an up-to-date CV and a covering letter Here, clearly explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted- usually within 2 weeks of the closing date.