Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead - MENAU

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is looking for 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 is based in Amman or Beirut with frequent regional travel and occasional trips to New York, Washington D.C., London, Brussels and Geneva. Candidates must be located in Jordan or Lebanon and have the right to work there.

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 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 supervise country-level policy, advocacy and communications staff.
• Act as an IRC spokesperson with regional and international media and ensure consistent advocacy messages in press releases and spokesperson briefings.

Required profile

• University degree in Communications, International Affairs, Policy & Advocacy, Political Science or a 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; fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) with outstanding writing skills.
• Ability to persuade diverse audiences, strong analytical, presentation and reporting skills, and willingness to travel regularly within the region and occasionally internationally.

Required skills

• Solid communications and media relations experience.
• Keen understanding of the political complexities of the MENAU region.
• Ability to work in a multi-ethnic team and manage in partnership with colleagues.