Working with the world’s poorest people to transform their lives.
Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries. We work in partnership with the very poorest people in these countries, directly enabling them to improve their lives, as well as using our knowledge and experience to influence decisions made at a local, national and international level that can significantly reduce extreme poverty.
Job Title: Food & Nutrition Policy Officer
Reports to: UK Head of Policy & Campaigns
Direct reports: Interns
Liaises with: • Republic of Ireland Advocacy Team • Desk Officers and Program Support Officers • Technical Advisors (UK and ROI) • Country office advocacy staff • UK Communications Team • UK Parliamentary & campaigns Officer
Contract Length: 6-month contract (with possible extension)
Job Purpose: 1. To lead Concern Worldwide UK’s policy and advocacy work on food and nutrition security, focusing on a multi-sector approach to under nutrition.
- To support Concern Worldwide UK’s policy and advocacy on community resilience to food and nutrition security crisis, linking the nutrition and community resilience policy and advocacy agendas.
Main duties & Responsibilities: Research • Conduct and/or manage consultants to deliver qualitative or quantitative research. Disseminate research findings through meetings, conferences and events. • Build relationships with academic institutes and think tanks that work on food security and nutrition policy and/or resilience.
Policy & Advocacy • Monitor policy developments relating to areas of interest for Concern Worldwide UK. • Work closely with technical advisors and academics on policy analysis and formation, developing positions and messages. • Represent Concern in networks and working groups, scrutise external policy and deliver submissions to consultations. • Proactive networking to inform, challenge and improve policy positions and messaging. • Write policy reports, lobby briefs, consultation submissions, letters and joint statements in consultation with program staff. • Liaise with civil servants and UN officials sharing Concern Worldwide’s perspective on pre-identified issues.
Communications • Provide policy support to communication projects as required. • Be a media spokesperson for Concern on food security and nutrition and/or related resilience policy as required.
Other • Work with Concern Worldwide UK’s Parliamentary & Campaigns Officer to support public and parliamentary engagement in advocacy. • Contribute to the overall work of the policy and campaigns department • Perform other duties as necessary at the request of the Head of Policy & Campaigns.
Person specification: ESSENTIAL
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience: • Experience of working as part of a research team and practical knowledge of mixed research methodologies. • A track record of policy analysis, development and influencing. • Commitment to and comprehensive understanding of food and nutrition policy issues, in particular multi-sector approaches to under nutrition. • Self motivation and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with team members, other staff at Concern and other NGO’s. • Experience of working for an international development NGO, donor or UN agency in a policy position. • Ability to produce clear, simple, accessible reports on a wide range of subjects. • Sound judgement and ability to work to (often tight) deadlines. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, in particular Word, Excel and Outlook.
Skills, Abilities, Personal Qualities • Excellent written and verbal English • Excellent analytical and research skills • Excellent time management and punctuality • Ability to work under pressure • Willingness to travel overseas when required. • Active commitment to promote diversity, equity and the interests of marginalised people.
DESIRABLE • Good French language skills • Knowledge of food and nutrition security in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. • Experience of advcoacy strategy planning
How to apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter clearly stating how you meet the person specifications toukhrenquiries@concern.net before closing date: 22 September 00.00 GMT (midnight) 2013. Please read the full JD attached before applying.
All candidates who are short-listed for a interview will be notified via email after the application deadline.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in UK at the time of application.
