IHL Advocacy Advisor

The Role

Oxfam International is looking for an IHL Advocacy Advisor focused on the UN Institutions (UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, UN Agencies and the UN Secretariat/Office of the Secretary General) who is responsible for policy and advocacy on protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law. The position will contribute to the Rights in Crisis humanitarian influencing and support Oxfam’s and its partners to influence global policy dialogues at the UN and Member States level on better protection outcomes for civilians in conflict areas. The role will develop policy and advocacy on international humanitarian law.

Who we’re looking for

{summary of essential criteria}

• A demonstrated influencer in policy and advocacy, with experience delivering change in policies and processes affecting civilians in conflict, including in multilateral fora.
• Practical experience of humanitarian work with a good understanding of context, dilemmas, risk management, challenges, and ways of working and how they relate to humanitarian and protection advocacy.
• Strong understanding of key global humanitarian, IHL and human rights issues and institutions relevant to protection mandates, particularly related to the UN Security Council.
• Strong analytical ability and ability to advise partners on effective influencing tactics in complex situations (e.g., conflict outbreak and escalation, deterioration in protracted crises).
• Ability to think strategically and connect evidence emerging from country programmes, partners, and communities with opportunities of international humanitarian diplomacy.
• Strong ability to build relationships, coalitions and coordinate positions across a range of partners.
• Understanding of gender issues in emergency settings and commitment to gender equity
• Experience representing an organization in external policy forums (ideally at UN level)
• Experience mobilizing a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly local actors, and co-designing policy and advocacy strategies.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) in English. Experience producing policy briefs, reports and/ or case studies.

What we offer

This role will give you an opportunity to act as a key contributor to our humanitarian influencing at the UN on protection of civilians. At Oxfam, we believe that every aspect of our work can lead to a positive outcome. If you have the same opinion, together with the ability to meet the challenges involved, this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – as well as outstanding opportunities to develop your career.

Oxfam is committed to providing a fair compensation package and to providing a flexible, supportive, working environment.

About us

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

That means we tackle the inequality that keeps people poor. Together we save, protect and rebuild lives. When disaster strikes, we help people build better lives for themselves, and for others. We take on issues like land rights, climate change and discrimination against women. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty.

We are an international confederation of 21 organizations (affiliates) plus the Oxfam International Secretariat, working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.

All our work is led by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam International Secretariat also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, if a job applicant has been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.