Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead - MENAU

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is hiring a Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead for the Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine (MENAU) region. The role is a key member of the Regional Management Team, shaping the policies and practices of national, regional and global decision-makers and supporting country programmes. It reports to the MENAU Regional Vice President, with management in partnership to the Global Policy and Advocacy team, and is based in Amman or Beirut with frequent regional travel and occasional trips to New York, Washington D.C., London, Brussels and Geneva.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, alignment and implementation of the regional policy and advocacy strategy, in coordination with the Regional Vice President and the global Policy and Advocacy team.
• Develop and drive policy and advocacy products for policymakers, including talking points, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports, and provide policy review of organizational positions.
• Represent IRC in regional advocacy and coordination forums and at lobbying meetings in global capitals, the UN and elsewhere.
• Manage in partnership the Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Communications and the ECD Policy, Advocacy and Communications Lead, and support country-level policy, advocacy and communications staff.
• Act as an IRC spokesperson with regional and international media, ensure consistent advocacy messages and calls to action, and provide analysis for executive and regional leadership.

Required profile

• University degree in Communications, International Affairs, Policy and Advocacy, Political Science or another relevant field; a Master's degree is preferable.
• At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience responding to complex humanitarian crises and/or post-conflict situations, with a track record of impactful policy, advocacy and communications strategies.
• Previous experience working in the Middle East; fluent English and Arabic (written and spoken), with outstanding writing skills.
• Ability to persuade and influence diverse audiences, and to work with a multi-ethnic team; Arabic-speaking candidates from the Middle East are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required skills

• Solid communications and media relations experience.
• Analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to navigate organizational dynamics and to travel regularly within the region and occasionally internationally.