Director, Global Policy & Advocacy

This position is remote, based out of NY, NY. Traveling to NY 1-3 times per week is required.   The Highlights: IGH advocates for an inclusive global definition of homelessness, standardized global measurement, and comprehensive policies and programs to effectively address homelessness. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director is primarily responsible for the strategy development, relationship building, coalition management, and day-to-day operations of this IGH program area. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director will manage the activities outlined within IGH’s Memorandum of Understanding with the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).  

The Global Policy and Advocacy Director must be based within commuting distance of New York City, with the ability to take frequent in-person meetings at UNHQ and Permanent Missions. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director will work closely with all members of the IGH professional staff, IGH Advisory Committee, and external partners. 
 

What You'll Do:

Strategy Implementation and Partnership Development 

• Serve as the primary liaison to and member of the UN NGO Working Group to End Homelessness (WGEH). 
• Serve as the primary liaison to UN-Habitat, ensuring close coordination of the implementation and activities of our joint MOU. 
• Develop relationships with national statistics offices and international statistical working groups, such as the UN Statistical Commission. 
• Establish and grow relationships with Member State delegations to the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. 
• Grow IGH's participation in relevant advocacy coalitions and working groups, serving as primary liaison to advocacy-related external partnerships appropriate and supported in their local advocacy efforts.  
• Partner closely with the Vanguard Program Director to ensure that Vanguard communities are highlighted in global forums as appropriate and supported in their local advocacy efforts.
• Develop and disseminate advocacy resources and materials for IGH's knowledge sharing efforts.

Strategy Development, Planning and Administration 

• Partner with the Executive Director and IGH Advisory Committee to expand the vision and strategy for deepening IGH's global partnerships and continuing our track record of achieving critical policy wins and raising awareness of homelessness within the UN ecosystem and other multilateral institutions.
• Provide regular program reports and flag key strategic questions for the IGH Advisory Committee.
• Monitor an annual program budget.                                                                                                           
• Participate actively in fundraising for the program, including contributing written content for grant applications and donor reports.

Organizational Duties

• Participate as a full member of the IGH professional team, participating in strategic and annual planning, attending weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with the Executive Director, and actively contributing to a positive team culture.
• Serve as thought partner to the Executive Director, proactively identifying areas where IGH's policy and advocacy products, services, and approach can be strengthened.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for IGH, representing the organization effectively in working groups, speaking opportunities, and forums. 
• Ensure that all contacts and key conversations are accurately and consistently entered in IGH's central database.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

What You'll Need:

• A minimum of seven years previous work experience in a professional environment 
• A minimum of four years previous work experience managing advocacy, external partnerships and relationships, and/or communications 
• Bachelor’s Degree or international equivalent preferred 
• Second language preferred 
• Lived experience of homelessness preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite; Google suite, including Gmail and Google Doc; and video conferencing software
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, dynamic environment and a willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from multiple cultures, contexts, and faiths
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage, working independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement and ownership of decisions
• Demonstrated ability to receive and relay criticism constructively; commitment to continuous learning and improvement  
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communicatio