Work closely with the Senior Policy Director to define, develop, implement and lead Save the Children’s policy and advocacy on children in emergencies and crises, working closely with Save the Children teams and outside coalitions to support and advance Save the Children’s policy objectives on humanitarian crises and themes.
- Lead and contribute to the development and implementation of humanitarian advocacy strategies and action plans within Save the Children USA, the Save the Children Humanitarian Advocacy Working Group and other working groups to support and advance Save the Children’s objectives in priority humanitarian responses. Includes developing policy and drafting advocacy messages, strategy, plans, letters, policy briefs and other advocacy materials for public, government and internal audiences. 30%
- Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with key US policymakers and other external stakeholders to help advance Save the Children’s policy objectives promoting child protection, education and other issues affecting refugees and children in emergencies. Includes coordinating, supporting and participating in field and headquarter meetings with key policymakers, managing meeting follow-up communication and activities, and monitoring and advocating for federal and legislative initiatives that assist children in emergencies. 20%
- Represent child-focused refugee, emergency- and response-related policy views of Save the Children in meetings with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), helping to shape coalition initiatives and communiqués, and reporting on priority initiatives. Includes leading an InterAction working group or project on a core Save the Children priority. 15%
- Advocate and advance policy objectives on prioritized humanitarian advocacy themes, and play a leadership role on the humanitarian advocacy elements of relevant SCUS business teams. 15%
- Support the Senior Director in reporting, communications and coordination with the broader SCI and SCUS system; SCI, departmental and team planning; and the recruitment and management of interns. 10%
- When feasible, represent Save the Children’s policy team in the field during emergencies; participate in field efforts in order to improve the team’s understanding and ability to advocate on behalf of critical issues affecting children in emergencies and crises. 10%
- Ideal minimum of two years’ experience working in humanitarian advocacy, another relevant policy area, the US government or UN system on relevant issues.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully implement advocacy strategies targeting the US government and/or the UN system
- Strong representational skills and experience with both elite audiences and the general public in small and large settings
- Knowledge of and experience with the US legislative process, ideally around the appropriations process and humanitarian accounts
- Knowledge of issues associated with child protection and education in emergencies, humanitarian response, displacement and other topics affecting children in emergencies
- Understanding of current humanitarian policy issues, architecture, processes and challenges at both the US and UN levels
- Ability to identify, build and maintain relationships with key internal and external partners
- Research skills, specifically with internet search engines and Congressional/government websites and online services.
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills in both traditional and social media platforms
- Demonstrated ability to work across cultures and/or in a matrixed context
- Ability to work under pressure on a number of competing issues
- Computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, database maintenance, PowerPoint) and Outlook
- Strong project management skills and experience, including across various offices and cultures
- Proven in depth knowledge and experience working on the Middle East or another crisis-affected region desirable
- Commitment to Save the Children’s goals
Save the Children provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.
Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world's most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children's lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.
Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children is in contact. As a humanitarian agency, Save the Children is obliged to create and maintain an environment that aims to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and promote the implementation of its child safeguarding policy. All representatives of Save the Children – employees, volunteers, interns, consultants, Board members and others who work with children on Save the Children’s behalf – are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation.