Policy & Advocacy Officer

The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the policy, advocacy influencing and stakeholder engagement work and will work closely with other staff to ensure effective delivery of the results and objectives.

The incumbent will also be expected to facilitate joint planning, implementation and integration

with other Wetlands International projects and work closely with other staff in the Wetlands International Network.

Reporting Lines:

This role reports to the Programme Coordinator, Ethiopia.

Work Relationship:

Internal Context:

Within Wetlands International: Project Managers, Eco-Regional Lead Rift Valley, Programme Officer - Central Rift Valley, Technical Coordinator Central Rift Valley, Project Officers, Regional Policy & Advocacy Officer

External Context

Non-governmental organisations, government agencies (national) and research organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and corresponding work plans to achieve policy change at the national and regional levels.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with national and regional level policymakers, governments and ministerial officials and staff, and strategic partners and develop structures to provide policy advice to the Ethiopian federal and regional governments.
• Provide technical and policy advisory support on environmental (wetlands, forests) IWRM, Climate change and WASH issues.
• To undertake research on the projects and programmes, primarily to produce policy briefs on behalf of and in conjunction with other project staff.
• To gather, analyse, and ensure the exchange and circulation of information on Wetlands International projects and the Ethiopian government activities related to the project objectives.
• Contribute to strategically relevant policy areas and identity emerging policy issues.
• To help develop and coordinate policy advice to Wetlands International projects and programmes related to government departments and administrations.
• To liaise with and support the project partners on behalf of Wetlands International as required.
• To attend Ethiopian Governing Bodies and regionally and internationally important events, including related representational work, producing research and briefings as required.
• Organise policy debates related to wetlands policy to create opportunities for dialogue and influence of policy-makers
• To plant, organise and present at events as required for the Wetlands International projects and programmes.
• To contribute to improving Wetlands International projects and programmes effectiveness and relevance to the International Development agenda.
• Actively engage in joint platforms and other networks to support, and widen the WIs representation and membership and strengthen the existing memberships;
• To deputise the Programme Manager as required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Identify and work on policy and advocacy activities to influence positive change for the WI Ethiopia program activities.
• Provide technical and policy advisory support to project interventions.
• Plan, organize, attend and contribute to the projects meetings and platforms organized in national, regional and international events.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships with key stakeholders including local, regional and national government bodies, CBOs, Consortium partners.

Department :Programmes

Supervised By :Programme Coordinator, Ethiopia.

Supervises :None

Professional Qualifications

• Advanced (Masters) degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, natural resources management, rural development.

Relevant Experience

• At least (7) seven years of relevant practical experience in policy, advocacy and influencing, especially on the environment and climate change.
• A minimum of five years of relevant and proven experience in project management.
• Sound knowledge of integrated water resources management issues, including WASH, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (ECO- DRR), biodiversity and other related fields.
• Interest in current environmental and development matters.
• Experience in high level capacity building activities and public speaking.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with government, NGOs and other development partners and the private sector.
• Experience implementing a development program with communities and governments in wetland settings.
• A good understanding of the environmental problems of Central Rift Valley.
• Prior experience with iNGOS is an asset.
• Commitment to Wetlands internationals mission, values and ways of working.

Essential Competencies

• Ability to communicate the benefits of sustainable ecosystems to stakeholders from different sectors.
• Project management skills including development of work plans, project financial management, monitoring and evaluation and effective reporting.
• Strategic thinker and innovator.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well and flexibly.
• Flexibility, adaptability and team orientation, the ability to work independently yet productively is essential.
• Ability to build relationships, networks and alliances.
• Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences in English.
• Comprehensive computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, Email and Internet packages.
• Proficient in using office applications (Ms Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and other web-based management systems.