Consultant -Policy and Advocacy Advisor

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. We help people overcome poverty and conflict. Working with communities, we leverage local logic to help people transform their lives. To grow more food, earn higher incomes and ultimately advocate for their needs. We see global challenges as an invitation to pioneer innovative, sustainable solutions

JOB SUMMARY

Required Experience & Skills: A BA/S or equivalent is required with 3-5 years’ work experience; a degree in a relevant field such as political science, human rights, humanitarian or development studies, law, or public policy preferred. Proven ability to communicate effectively in English and Arabic, both verbally and written is required;  Knowledge of the Sudan context, including the Sudan humanitarian response is preferred.  Ability to work independently as well as work with teams to complete tasks with minimal supervision. Proven ability to work under and meet multiple deadlines, sometimes under very short notice.  Ability to engage with external stakeholders including peer agencies and donors.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Update the Mercy Corps Sudan Advocacy Strategy and Key Advocacy Messages based on current context analysis, priorities and recommendations, in close consultation with relevant team members, and keep the Advocacy Calendar and Sudan Contact Database up to date.  Ensure the Advocacy Strategy is implemented and reviewed bi-annually, drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience and program expertise. Proactively coordinate with relevant Mercy Corps Sudan team members including DoPs, program and PAQ managers, communications and Crisis Analysis-Sudan to enhance linkages between PA and other teams. In line with objectives and indicators identified in the Sudan Advocacy Strategy and collective advocacy strategies and efforts by the different fora, collect information from Mercy Corps’ programs to use for policy and advocacy purposes to ensure Mercy Corps’ advocacy is informed by field-based evidence. Attend Sudan-related events/webinars etc. and share notes with CD, DoP and others. Closely monitor policy issues, access and security, regional politics, humanitarian coordination and other issues that may impact the humanitarian situation and response in Sudan, and prepare Mercy Corps positions as determined fit by the Country Director.  Ensure that team members in the country are on message with our advocacy key messages and/or particular positions and support senior management engagements with donors on policy and strategic issues for Sudan’s response  Establish relationships with other humanitarian actors and stakeholders for cooperation on messaging, advocacy and influencing in Sudan.  Propose and lead events, roundtables or other advocacy opportunities to inform and influence humanitarian actors, UN, donors and policy makers.  Coordinate and manage the design, dissemination and logistics of relevant advocacy/influence events and initiatives.  Facilitate regular trainings and workshops for relevant country team members on advocacy, including how to develop advocacy asks and produce material that can be used for programmatic advocacy such as case studies, impact briefs, program recommendations, etc.  Represent Mercy Corps in relevant NGO forums related to the Sudan response including the Sudan INGO Forum, as well as in donor meetings and other external events.  Liaise with and coordinate policy and advocacy work with peer agencies, particularly through the INGO forum’s Advocacy Working Group. Provide comments and inputs on behalf of Mercy Corps on strategic materials produced by forums, donors, governments, etc. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

Policy drafting and development, Operative management, Reporting, Business development, Business strategy

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Diploma, Associate's degree