Humanitarian Policy Advisor

Company Description

Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Job Description

COORDINTES WITH

Oxfam in Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel (OPTI), Conflict & Fragility Network, Humanitarian Department, Oxfam International (OI) Rights in Crisis Campaign.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Humanitarian Policy Advisor will provide advocacy support to Oxfam’s work in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel (OPTI) focusing on the role of the US government. In addition, the position will track and engage as appropriate on the protection of civilians, principled humanitarian assistance, the drivers of humanitarian emergencies, the arms trade and other human rights issues implicated in crises.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Implementation
•Monitor and analyze developments in OPTI and US foreign policy, defense policy, and humanitarian assistance policy and politics as they relate to OPTI.
•Monitor and analyze developments in US security assistance policy, including the arms trade, with a focus on the US-Israel security relationship.

Advocacy and External Affairs
•Support Oxfam America advocacy on humanitarian and conflict issues before Congress, the Executive Branch, and the media.
•Develop and maintain relationships within U.S. government institutions relevant to humanitarian assistance, conflict, civilian protection, and reconstruction policies in OPTI in collaboration with other policy advisors.
•Conduct analysis and draft policy and research briefings on OPTI, US policy toward OPTI, and US security assistance policy as needed.
•Develop and maintain key relationships with partner NGOs and NGO networks such as InterAction; represent Oxfam America in NGO coalitions and at NGO events.

•Write policy briefs, newsletter articles, draft media pieces (press releases, letters to the editor, op-eds, etc.) and articles for the website for use by Oxfam America and Oxfam International, as needed.
•Provide Oxfam testimony, questions for witnesses and other policy-related information for congressional hearings, as needed.
•Analyze and offer advice on international humanitarian law and other matters of public international law as they relate to the context in OPTI.
•Support Oxfam’s advocacy in New York, particularly focused on the United Nations, on an ad hoc/as needed basis together with Oxfam OPTI and NY offices.

•Support team, division, and organization leadership in their high-level external engagements by providing preparation materials including notes, briefing points, and context briefings.
•Ensure Oxfam America materials are in line with Oxfam signed-off messaging and go through proper sign off processes.

Support to Oxfam Programs and Counterparts
•Contribute to the development of policy and media briefings led by Oxfam in OPTI.
•Provide policy support to other Oxfam affiliates in their advocacy work on OPTI, as needed.
•Provide policy support to Oxfam in OPTI, as needed and agreed.
•Work closely with the DC-based NGO community to develop and coordinate policy positions.
•Participate in conflict/fragility, humanitarian department, and other Oxfam America meetings.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

•Will travel as needed to strengthen partnerships, develop analysis, and bolster the impact of advocacy in the US and stay current on necessary trainings.
•Will stay abreast of professional standards, trends, and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
•Will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problem-solving work culture treating all persons with dignity and respect and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America mission, values, and goals.
•Will have a fundamental understanding of gender justice and diversity within key areas of responsibility and a commitment to promoting gender justice, racial equity, and diversity in our workplace and programs.

•Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment to and be accountable for activities contributing towards a safe and accountable workplace environment, projects and relationships for staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

Hiring Range:  $68,000-$76,000

Qualifications

EDUCATION

•Certifications in related field(s), Associates Degree, some studies in pursuit of Bachelor’s Degree, or a combination of education and experience