Myanmar: Programme and Advocacy Coordinator (INGO Forum) (Re-Advertisement)

The INGO Forum is a growing association with a current membership of over 100 humanitarian and development-oriented international NGOs operating in Myanmar. Founded in late 2007, the INGO Forum functions as a platform for coordination, strategic discussions, development of common strategies, and provides an opportunity for collective analysis and mutual learning between INGOs. The INGO Forum also aims at coordination with local NGOs and civil society groups, UN agencies, donors on operational humanitarian/development matters. INGO Forum is currently hosted by Oxfam.

Oxfam is a leading International NGO with a worldwide reputation for excellence and over 70 years of experience. It’s not unfortunate that people live in poverty. With enough wealth in this world to go around it’s unjustifiable. It’s not just their problem. It’s ours too. Our humanitarian, development and campaigning projects change lives around the world, and with the right support, we can beat poverty and injustice. Thousands of people already commit their time and talents to our campaigning, humanitarian and long-term development projects. Now we’re looking for yours.

The role: Program and Advocacy Coordinator will support INGO Forum Members with developing common advocacy and positioning, and implementation of its Advocacy Strategy. They will as well strengthen the INGO Forum Secretariat voice towards donors, UN agencies, Myanmar Government, local organizations, and other humanitarian/development stakeholders. Secondly, they will engage and coordinate different initiatives and programs of the INGO Forum, have an advisory role for members on operational and programmatic issues, and insure transparent information sharing.

Level: International, C2

Employment term: Fixed – Term (2 years)

Report to: INGO Forum Director

What we offer: Respectful and empowered working environment,

Life insurance, Medical+ dental + optical benefits,

Competitive salary and Career advancement opportunities,

Generous leave entitlement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

è Advocacy and common positioning

· Liaise with Forum Members to shape, implement and revise the INGO Forum Advocacy Strategy.

· Consult with Members and the Steering Committee to shape the INGO Forum’s Advocacy Priorities and to liaise with relevant members and stakeholders to support on influencing activities and advise on and help implement advocacy initiatives. Develop common positions and advocacy/communication products.

· Pro-actively attend, contribute to or convene strategic discussions and meetings on key humanitarian and development issues in Myanmar in line with Members’ objectives and the Forum Advocacy Priorities. Report back on discussions to the INGO Forum Coordinator and the full membership when relevant.

· Support INGO Forum Working Groups and provide guidance or technical support to resulting advocacy initiatives when requested.

· Retain an overview of and suggest ways to pro-actively respond to key developments in Myanmar such as significant political, humanitarian or development issues, with particular focus on the areas identified within the Advocacy Priorities and sub-national contexts.

· Lead on Forum engagement and coordination with sub-national offices to maintain a good understanding of issues and initiatives in the region and ensure that advocacy efforts and messages are coordinated and aligned at national/sub-national level and informed by insights from operational staff.

· Coordinate with external stakeholders such as the UN, donors and national NGOs to align advocacy and influencing activities when feasible.

· Consult with external stakeholders and experts to inform advocacy messages and activities. Commission and oversee research to build an evidence base for key advocacy issues and initiatives.

· Pro-actively engage with advocacy fora or mechanisms in Myanmar, such as the Humanitarian Advocacy and Communications Group.

è Representation

· Support strengthening of the INGO Forum Secretariat voice towards donors, UN agencies, Myanmar Government, local organizations, and other humanitarian/development stakeholders. Attend meetings as a representative of the INGO Forum as agreed with the Coordinator, and when requested present agreed INGO common positions or messaging.

· Serve as alternate INGO Forum representative to high level bodies in the INGO Forum Coordinator’s absence when agreed upon by the Coordinator and the meeting organizer.

· Liaise with diplomatic and donor missions, UN agencies, academic institutions and other experts both inside and outside Myanmar as agreed with the Coordinator.

è Membership advisory and information sharing services

· Ensure dissemination of information among Members through preparation of a weekly newsletter, updating the website and ad-hoc communication.

· Support organization of INGO Forum meetings and ensure documentation of regular INGO Forum meetings and Steering Committee meetings, as well as other relevant meetings.

· Respond to requests or enquires from Members and relevant external stakeholders and carry out member briefings.

· Support member engagement on safety and security issues, including liaising with UNDSS.

· Organize elections to select INGO representatives amongst the Members, and liaise with them to ensure reporting back to the Member Body.

· Oversee translation of relevant documents.

è Organizational development and program management

· Support and provide input into the review of the INGO Forum Strategy, ToR and other ways of working

· Contribute to organizational development and professionalization of INGO Forum and staff members.

· Carry out program management for donor grants, including preparing donor proposals, writing narrative reports and liaising with relevant donor counterparts.

· Support design of funding strategy (when needed).

· Act as an INGO Forum Coordinator in case of her/his absence.

· Oversee the Secretariat staff in the absence of Coordinator or upon her/his request

· Perform other duties as requested by the INGO Forum Coordinator.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCE:

Required qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience working in humanitarian assistance or international development, with advocacy and program experience.
• A university degree related to development studies, humanitarian affairs, political science or other relevant social sciences.
• Significant experience in shaping advocacy strategies, implement advocacy work plans and developing key messages, statements and other products.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong diplomatic and networking skills, ability to influence and liaise effectively with key stakeholders.
• High level interpersonal and communications skills.
• Knowledge and experience working within humanitarian or development coordination for a.
• Ability to work with others to develop strategy into action and communicating and influencing this to a wider audience.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work proactively and flexibly, with good problem solving skills.

Desirable qualifications

· Public policy analysis, advocacy and research experience

· Ability to represent the organization /the program in high profile environments (external and internal).

· Experience working in Myanmar or other Southeast Asian contexts

· Burmese or other Myanmar ethnic language skills an asset

· Experience working in other NGO/INGO coordination fora an asset

· Experience managing donor reporting and proposal writing

· Experience managing internal and external communications, such as newsletters and websites

Please state applied position in email subject line and send CV and cover letter to Human Resources Department through myanmarhr@oxfam.org.uk

(OR)

Oxfam office, No. 34, Corner of Aung Taw Mu Street and Golden Hill Avenue Street, Golden Valley Ward 2, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

Phone: +95 (0)1 539986, 539987, 539958, 539189 and 504918

We regret that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.