Independent Diplomat (ID) is a unique non‐profit venture in the world of international relations, diplomacy and conflict prevention. Staffed by former diplomats, international lawyers and experts in international relations, ID offers independent and confidential advice and assistance on diplomatic technique and strategy to governments, political groups, international institutions, and non‐governmental organizations. Our vision is to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable diplomatic system that responds to the needs and priorities of those most affected by crises and conflicts.
ID’s staff are at the forefront of some of the world’s most urgent international crises and foreign policy challenges. We are engaged in conflict resolution in areas including, but not limited to, Ukraine, Yemen, Mali, and Myanmar. Our staff are tackling major shared global threats: such as climate change and internet freedom. And we are seeking to make the system of diplomacy fairer through our effort to improve the working methods of the UN Security Council, ensure meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes, and assist refugees to lead global refugee policy development.
Our staff work day-to-day with the groups and governments with whom we partner, providing advice, negotiating support and strategy. ID currently has a presence in New York, London, Brussels, Washington D.C., Panama City, and Geneva.
Job Purpose
Independent Diplomat is recruiting a Policy Officer for its Refugee Project. Launched in 2016, ID’s Refugee Project works to fundamentally change the international system of refugee policymaking to ensure the systematic and comprehensive inclusion of refugees. This work is predicated on the idea that meaningful engagement of legitimate refugee voices in policymaking will enable lasting, systemic change to improve the global refugee response system, in the interest of human dignity and social justice. To do this, ID works in partnership with refugee-led organizations (RLOs) in six focus countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. We support our RLO partners to conduct diplomacy at local, national, regional, and global levels.
Role Description
The Refugee Project Policy Officer will work under the supervision of the Refugee Project Manager to provide comprehensive support to refugee partners across countries. This role is likely to include:
Policy and Strategy Development: Providing research and support to the Refugee Team. Supporting refugee partners in target countries. Draft background briefings, policy advice, talking points, strategy notes, and op-eds for clients.
Capacity Building: Working with refugee partners to implement Refugee Skill Up, a train-the-trainer capacity-building program that was designed in collaboration with refugee leaders around the world. This includes programmatic support as well as the development and dissemination of existing materials.
Communications Support: Providing support on communications and media engagement, through drafting media pieces, outreach to media contacts, and managing the team’s and partners’ social media to maximise impact.
Project Management: Coordinating support across different countries and regions, as well as across departments. This will likely include working with an M&E Consultant, country project teams, and ID’s finance team.
Programmatic Support: Manage contacts and communications across country contexts to ensure smooth operations and facilitate sharing of best practices. Includes maintaining and growing a master contact database.
Research and Analysis: Conduct and oversee political research relevant to clients. Keep tabs on relevant publications and share insights with the Refugee Project Team and refugee partners.
Management: Occasional management of interns, depending on staffing situation.
Skills & Abilities
* University degree in international relations, political science, international law, human rights, or a related field.
* 5-10 years of direct experience in a related field. Those with fewer years of direct experience (3-5 years) may apply if they can demonstrate wider relevant experience for the role.
* Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment, within and across departments/functions and develop positive relationships within diplomatic networks.
* A demonstrable interest in refugee policy, with a particular focus on participatory policymaking practices.
* Excellent analytical and research skills.
* Excellent writing and communication skills.
* Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
* Media savvy, with an ability to use communications to further diplomatic objectives.
* Preparedness to work with a geographically diverse team over different time zones.
* Personable and creative self-motivator with an ability to work independently, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work flexibly.
* Commitment to Independent Diplomat’s mission.
* Candidates must be fluent in English. Proficiency in other languages, particularly Arabic, French, Spanish, Turkish, Amharic, and/or Swahili, is a plus.
* Candidates with a background of forced displacement are particularly encouraged to apply.
We are a small and nimble team, and the successful candidate will bring enthusiasm and flexibility to the role.
Applications
Please submit a maximum two-page CV and one-page cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the position to sophia.petros@independentdiplomat.org by 26 July, indicating “[SURNAME] – Refugee Project Policy Officer” in the email subject line.
The cover letter should:
* Explain the reasons for your interest in this position;
* Demonstrate your suitability for the role;
* Indicate your available start date / notice periods with current employment.
* Indicate the location you are applying to work in;
The CV should include the names and contact details of two references.
Due to a large expected number of applicants, we regret that we are unable to confirm receipt of applications or provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
Independent Diplomat is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on qualification and merit. Our objective is to encourage diversity and have the best available person in every job. ID’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy), religion, marital status, familial status, age, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other unlawful consideration.
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