Monday, August 16, 2010

Policy / Advocacy / Washington DC / WaterAid America job

WaterAid is currently recruiting for the position of Head of Policy and Advocacy in our Washington, DC office. Please see the job description and details on how to apply below. Also, please forward this along to contacts who you think might be good candidates for the position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

WaterAid America
Head of Policy & Advocacy
July 2010

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the CEO of WaterAid America (WAA) and in close coordination with relevant colleagues throughout WaterAid, the Head of Policy & Advocacy is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating WAA’s policy analysis and advocacy work. S/he will also play a significant role in representing WAA, its work and public policy positions to high-profile external audiences and in adapting and disseminating policy and advocacy messages for various written and online communications, media, and fundraising purposes.

The Head of Policy and Advocacy is a permanent, full-time position and based in the Washington, DC office, with some time expected to be spent in WaterAid offices in New York. The Washington, DC office is a one person office with support from an intern. Additional positions may be added in the future, but this is contingent upon fundraising.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and evaluate WAA’s policy analysis and advocacy work.

• In coordination with the CEO, identify key goals, objectives, and activities to guide WAA’s policy analysis and advocacy work in order to further WaterAid’s global policy and advocacy agenda in the US context

• Undertake research and analysis on key policy issues related to international development, particularly US international water, sanitation, and hygiene policies and programs; track developments in the US policy environment, including ongoing assessment of Congressional actions, actions by the Administration, and related policy implementation processes

• Write and produce policy and advocacy outputs, such as reports, briefings, fact sheets and position papers.

• Serve as co-chair of a coalition of NGOs working on policy and advocacy related to water, sanitation, and hygiene; provide strategic guidance and oversight on priorities of the coalition; develop work plan for the group and lead on the execution of that work plan. This WASH working group is hosted by Interaction.

• Build effective relations with relevant US stakeholders, such as NGOs, think tanks, educational and research organizations

• Work closely with the policy and advocacy staff of other WaterAid members, specifically and predominantly with WaterAid UK, to ensure overall policy coherence and complementarity in advocacy activities

• Serve as a principal point of contact between WAA and other US advocates for water and sanitation, including the private sector, other NGOs, and the US government

• Work with WaterAid country programs as appropriate on policy research and contribute to country programs’ understanding of U.S. policies and processes

• Commission and supervise research undertaken by consultants, interns and students

• Build and strengthen relationships with relevant US government agencies and Members of Congress and their staff

• Work closely with WAA’s media and communications staff to communicate policy and advocacy messages; serve as a spokesperson for WAA when appropriate

• Support international and US campaigning activities, including liaising with the End Water Poverty Campaign.

• Represent WAA’s interests in selected national and international forums, as requested

• Manage the day-to-day activities of the WAA Washington, DC office

• Undertake other duties as requested by the CEO

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of and commitment to WaterAid’s vision, values and approach

• A strong working knowledge of US government international development policies and processes and of US political, legislative, and NGO institutions

• The capacity, maturity and poise to represent WAA with high-level constituencies

• An understanding of international debates in water and sanitation and of how to influence international development institutions and aid agencies in this area

• Demonstrated high level advocacy and/or negotiation experience with government departments and agencies, politicians and relevant sectoral interests.

• Proven experience in coalition building, negotiation, and influencing

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including excellent writing ability

• Media handling and public speaking skills

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, coupled with strong analytical acumen

• Proven leadership and management skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, multi-task, set priorities, and meet deadlines

• Post-graduate [or equivalent] qualification in one of the following areas: water, sanitation, hygiene education, community development, public policy, economics, social sciences or other relevant areas.

• Significant experience of working in the field of international development

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to Kay Frew at kfrew ((at)) wateraidamerica ((dot)) org with your name and “Head of Policy and Advocacy” in the subject field. No phone calls please. Deadline for applications is August 25, 2010.

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