Country: United States of America
Closing date: 17 Mar 2017
About InterAction
InterAction is the largest alliance of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the U.S., with nearly 190 members working in every developing country. Members are large and small, faith-based and secular, with a focus on the world’s most poor and vulnerable populations. The U.S. public, foundations and governments support the work of our members who collectively invest and manage over $18 billion a year. InterAction’s own funds come from dues and generous grants from others, such as foundations, corporations and governments. Using its collective voice, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions as wide range of foreign assistance, relief, development, environmental and other issues that advance human dignity.
About the Position
Position Title: Director, Humanitarian Policy
Position Type: Full-time, long term
Location: Washington, DC
Travel: 20%-30% (primarily international)
Reporting to: Vice President, Humanitarian Policy and Practice (HPP)
Primary Relationships
Reporting to the Vice President of Humanitarian Policy and Practice, the Director of Humanitarian Policy works alongside the Directors for Humanitarian Practice, Protection and Security and collaborates to define the strategy for the humanitarian team at InterAction, and plays a role within the team’s engagement with the HPP Advisory Committee. Externally, this position liaises with InterAction members, U.N. Agencies, U.S. government representatives, and other humanitarian actors.
Key Responsibilities
Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain effective high-level representation of InterAction member NGOs in international humanitarian policy discussions.
- Ensure IASC policy development and discussions remain relevant to NGOs active in operational response.
- Serve as an ‘expert’ resource for NGOs, including field-level consortia, providing support and guidance on, and furthering member engagement and familiarity with humanitarian policy priorities.
- Develop advocacy positioning regarding NGOs in relation to the architecture of the international humanitarian system.
- Conduct field assessment missions, both independently and within IASC processes, to strengthen evidence base on the implementation of policy.
- Work closely with other HPP team members to ensure strong linkages between policy discussions and operational realities.
- Engage with InterAction crisis-specific and thematic working groups to inform on potential impacts of policy on their work, and vice-versa.
- Expand InterAction’s knowledge base on the changing nature of partnerships within the humanitarian system.
- Collate and develop InterAction members’ input into global policy processes such as the “Grand Bargain” and the “New Ways of Working”.
- Maintain strong and productive working relationship with key US Government officials.
- Supervise Senior Manager.
- Collaborate with other InterAction staff and teams, with members, and with other InterAction stakeholders.
Qualifications
- At least 12 years professional experience in humanitarian response, preferably at an operational leadership level with a member organization of InterAction;
- Knowledge of humanitarian reform and understanding of the issues impacting the humanitarian response environment;
- Understanding of the humanitarian architecture, including the IASC and its role, the policy frameworks, and the diversity of partnerships involved;
- Excellent briefing and representational skills, capable of both presenting on behalf of the collective, and preparing members and InterAction staff to do so.
- Strong written, organizational and verbal communications skills, including presentation experience;
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing and representing the interests of diverse constituencies;
- Demonstrable commitment to a collaborative approach;
- Availability for international travel;
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience;
- Fluency in one or more languages other than mother tongue is a plus.
Physical Requirements
There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Salary & Benefits InterAction provides competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
How to apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@interaction.orgwith subject line containing: Director, Humanitarian Policy. Cover letter and resume must directly address the above listed requirements. Position will remain open until filled but applications received before March 17th are preferred.
Due to the expected volume of applications, only finalists will be notified.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period of time.
No phone calls please.