Director of Humanitarian Policy

About InterAction:

InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with 180+ members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.

To learn more about InterAction’s mission, DEI approach, values and more visit the link below:

Who We Are – InterAction

About the Position:

This position is based in Washington, DC. Due to COVID-19, all staff are currently working remotely and following the InterAction COVID-19 policies. This position will be expected to work from InterAction’s office in Washington, DC once conditions for return are met.

Reporting to the Vice President of Humanitarian Policy and Practice, the Director of Humanitarian Policy leads coordination and advocacy on critical issues relating to current humanitarian trends, works closely with the Director of Humanitarian Practice and Director of Protection to define InterAction’s humanitarian policy and practice priorities and strategy. The Director of Humanitarian Policy plays an important role within the team’s engagement with the HPP Advisory Committee and leads InterAction working groups on forced displacement policy, UN partnership and restrictive measures. Externally, this position liaises with InterAction members, UN agencies, US government representatives, and other humanitarian actors.

Key Responsibilities and activities

· Representation

· Represent InterAction members in the IASC Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG) and relevant task teams, leading relevant sub-groups focused on InterAction priorities as necessary.

· Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with relevant USG counterparts, with a

· specific focus on USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the State

· Department’s Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).

· Represent InterAction and the broader NGO community within the Grand Bargain process, Global Refugee Compact-related processes, UN Annual Partner Consultations, and other key policy meetings.

· Maintain and strengthen strong partnership with other NGO consortia on issues related to humanitarian policy processes and forums.

Policy Analysis and development

· Lead in the development of NGO policy positions and production of materials (reports, briefs, presentations) to communicate NGO perspective to relevant stakeholders in the humanitarian system.

· Ensure the Policy Team is aware of humanitarian trends, tracking humanitarian policy processes and developing/executing influencing strategies around key policy processes/moments.

· Serve as an expert for NGOs, including field-level consortia, providing support and guidance on and furthering member engagement and familiarity with humanitarian policy priorities.

· Conduct field assessments, both independently and within IASC processes, to strengthen the evidence base on the implementation of humanitarian policies.

Management

· Oversee and support the management of the Forced Displacement Working Group, UN partnership working groups and other relevant InterAction groups.

· Oversee a cross-HPP approach to engaging with all levels of the IASC and maximizing opportunities to shape IASC priorities and actions from the perspective of frontline NGOs.

· Explore ways to engage with relevant academic institutions and think tanks to further research objectives around humanitarian policy priorities.

· Manage a team of five high performing staff focusing on the humanitarian policy portfolio.

· Serve as an active member of HPP’s Directors team and support the VP, as requested, in various InterAction representational duties.

· Ensure strong linkages with HPP’s Practice and Protection work.

· Support work with InterAction’s Communications and Global Development, Policy and Learning teams, as appropriate.

· Oversee and lead on fundraising and grant management of humanitarian policy-related activities and awards, in close coordination with VP and other Directors.

· Provide opportunities for growth and learning to all members of the Policy team.

Competencies and Requirements

· Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.

· At least ten years’ experience, with a mix of field operations and policy-oriented positions desired.

· Substantial experience working within the humanitarian architecture and in partnership with UN agencies.

· In-depth understanding of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee structures and roles within humanitarian response, at country and global levels.

· Experience working with international institutions responding to forced displacement crises, including the UNHCR and World Bank

· Familiarity with US foreign policy decision-making processes and the offices and functions of the National Security Council, the Department of State, and USAID.

· Ability to communicate clearly, succinctly, and accurately on complex ideas and issues, both verbally and in writing.

· Strong interpersonal skills and experience building trust among diverse stakeholders and

· representing the interests of diverse constituencies.

· Experience in interacting/communicating with high level stakeholders and policy makers in the humanitarian system.

· Experience in organizing and leading collective NGO action.

· Experience managing a small high-performing team.

Compensation:

InterAction provides competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Expected Start Date:

Mid-February/March 2022

Reports to:

Vice-President, Humanitarian Policy and Practice

Travel:

Estimated 15-20% of time for international travel

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.