Protection Policy Advisor , Goma, Nord Kivu

GBP23,018+ net per annum plus competitive benefits Goma, Nord Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

The context in DRC is more dynamic than ever. Renewed regional cooperation between Rwanda and DRC as well as Uganda and DRC in early 2009 gave rise to hopes for lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region. However, this cooperation took a mainly military form with joint operations against the FDLR and the LRA, associated with appalling human rights abuses, including many committed by the Congolese army (FARDC). As such, the security and humanitarian situation (particularly in eastern DRC) remains critical. Overall, 1.3 million men and women are internally displaced and thousands continue to be newly displaced having been forced to flee. Although there are periods/pockets of stability, Oxfam continues to scale up and scale down emergency responses depending on the situation and, when possible, works during the transition period. With more than 70% of the country in a post-conflict situation, many opportunities for transition and development programmes exist.

In 2006, DRC held its first democratic elections in more than forty years. With a relatively new governance structure in place, the great challenge remains of how to reverse a culture of impunity, instil principles of accountability to the elected government in order to provide for citizens’ security and basic services, develop the capacity of the population, and do all of this in a context where people feel empowered, secure and have the basics needed for their daily lives.

Oxfam GB has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo for more than 30 years. The current programme is based in the provinces of Kinshasa, Equateur, North Kivu, South Kivu and Province Orientale. For the period 2008-2011, following a process of countrywide consultation, Oxfam GB in DRC has identified four areas of strategic priority for programme focus: • Support transition to more stable governance through support to existing structures at various levels to deliver basic services (particularly education and public health). • Protection of the population ”from threats of violence (GBV and other violent targeting of civilians), coercion (forced displacement or prevented return), and deprivation (of access to basic services and security). • Deliver high quality and timely humanitarian response to meet emergency needs (particularly in public health but also livelihoods) - this area has been particularly reinforced in the past 15 months and needs further strengthening. • Support access to markets and resources for increased food and livelihood security - this area is pending a strategic decision to pursue or not.

We need a professional to create and deliver effective policy and advocacy to specific audiences in accordance with the organisational policy and advocacy strategy.

The role • Provides specialist policy advice and contextual analysis on humanitarian protection (including peace-keeping and SSR) to line management, DRC programme colleagues and Oxfam International lobbyists. • Analyzes and communicates complex and sensitive information in a variety of ways according to different objectives and audiences, within the frame of Oxfam’s protection approach. • Represents in coordination meetings, such as the protection cluster and lead on in-country lobbying on humanitarian protection and with visiting delegations alongside other Oxfam staff. • Plays an active role on advocacy issues through building advocacy networks and co-ordination with allies, both in-country and international with humanitarian operational organisations and human rights advocacy organisations. • Management of significant relationships, particularly with partners and external contacts. • Expert knowledge of relevant communications environment and programme context. • Provides creative/innovative solutions to wide range of problems/tasks/projects - some new/some routine. • Forward planning & management of development of strategy within own specialism. • Contributes to strategic development at a wider level within the programme. • Provides technical advice and specialist guidance on appropriate policy solutions across the affiliate at all levels – possibly also OI-wide. • Is responsible for shaping work which has potential major impact on public image.

Key responsibilities: • Serves as the Oxfam’s DRC Protection Policy Adviser and leads on developing and delivering Oxfam’s DRC humanitarian protection policy analysis, strategy and messages through close consultation and coordination with: o The DRC senior management (including Oxfam Quebec, Solidarité and Novib) and programme team (Programme Managers and Technical Coordinators) o The Regional Humanitarian Policy and Campaigns Advisor and the Regional Communications and Media Officer o Oxfam GB’s global advocacy team o Oxfam affiliates and international offices in Brussels, Geneva, Paris, New York, DC, Oxford, Montreal and Addis o The protection cluster and other humanitarian forums in Goma and the national protection cluster in Kinshasa o Appropriate civil society partners, including overseeing the management of the protection advocacy partner network. • Undertakes vigorous networking, investing in relationships in Goma and programme locations across eastern DRC as appropriate to continually inform, challenge, and improve advocacy messages and tactics; • Conducts systematic representation and lobbying when required with local, state and national Government of DRC; the UN; visiting officials; and donors, in line with agreed division of labour with management; • Plays active role in the protection cluster and other humanitarian forums by providing specialist advice on DRC policy issues and concerns by participating in meetings and briefings. • Works with the Senior Management Team and other programme staff to ensure the integration of advocacy into programme planning and implementation. • Liaises with the DRC media and campaigns officer to engage with national and international media outlets and support the development of media products. • Provides in-depth analysis of political and humanitarian context to inform the work of the DRC Senior Management Team and programmes. • Undertakes the development policy products, such as regular briefing papers on humanitarian protection for various target audiences, ranging from national to international state actors and regional and international government organisations. Undertakes the commissioning of policy research as appropriate and agreed with line management. • Supports the national humanitarian advocacy officer with the management and capacity development of the protection advocacy network of local partner organisations and supports • local partner capacity to conduct protection advocacy at the territorial and provincial levels. • Supports provincial coordinators to develop protection advocacy strategies for their province and provides technical support and advice on how to deliver these, working closely with the protection programme. Undertakes regular travel to the provinces in order to do so.

Skills and competencies: Essential • Experience in emergency and development work with a demonstrated understanding of context, dilemmas, challenges and ways of working. Experience can be management but with a track record in advocacy. • Extensive experience in influencing government, donors, and other organisations through representation and advocacy, especially foreign governments, donors, UN bodies and the AU. A strategic thinker, who can identify new opportunities for influencing in a fast paced policy environment and keep track of a complex and ever-changing power analysis. • Proven track record of understanding of humanitarian principles, civilian protection and how it relates to both international peace-keeping and SSR during and in the aftermath of conflict. • DRC/Great Lakes knowledge required and strong ability to analyse the context in question and manage sensitive information and programme risk effectively. • Excellent teamwork skills and ability to build good relations internally and externally and create alliances with national and international counterparts alike. • Behavioural role model for peers and fellow team members. • Analytical, with an ability to crystallise issues in complex situations. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and excellent at building and sustaining networks. • Ability to think strategically and beyond the local/country context. • Sensitivity to cultural differences. • Thorough understanding of and active commitment to promoting gender equity issues and interests of marginalized people in all advocacy related work. • Ability to work independently when necessary and at times with minimal supervision. • Fluency in written and spoken English and French. • Willingness to travel at short notice and live in difficult circumstances sometimes subject to travel restrictions and insecurity.

Desirable • Knowledge or experience of Oxfam's programme work is an advantage. • Knowledge or experience of the protection cluster and other relevant humanitarian forums is an advantage. • University education in political science, international law, international development, communications or an equivalent qualification. • Experience in eastern DRC very desirable.

How to apply:

To Apply

If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, please submit your application online atwww.oxfam.org.uk/jobs using reference INT5290.

Closing date: 1 April 2013.