Vacancies: Women’s Protection and Empowerment Advocate

Women’s Protection and Empowerment Advocate

Working For: International Rescue Committee UK

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading global humanitarian and post-conflict development organisation working in more than 40 conflict- and disaster-affected countries worldwide. IRC-UK – the European headquarters of the IRC global network – was established in 1997 as an independent British charity. IRC-UK contributes to programme management, fundraising for overseas programmes, and policy and advocacy in Britain and Europe on crisis-related issues.

IRC-UK is looking for an experienced advocate to join our policy and advocacy team to spearhead our work on women’s protection and empowerment. In addition to leading advocacy efforts, the WPE Advocate will provide technical policy guidance and contribute to IRC’s WPE strategy development and implementation.

Responsibilities:

• Inspire EU and UK donors and policymakers to increase their commitment to women and girls by advocating for funding and support for the most effective methods of providing relief for survivors and preventing further violence.
• Provide technical expertise in the UK and Europe to help guide and support better policy and practice among donors and practitioners. This may include writing or contributing to technical documents, and providing trainings, convening or participating in workshops or conferences.
• Take a leadership role on gender issues in key internal and external working groups with which the IRC UK is actively involved, notably the Gender and Development Network (GADNET), GAPS UK, and VOICE.
• Build awareness with the UK and European public about the plight of women and girls in conflict-affected states and in emergencies, working closely with fundraising, communications and media teams on WPE issues.

This position requires a candidate with significant experience of working with gender-based violence and/or Women’s Protection and Empowerment issues in an international development context. Experience working with donors and policymakers and an excellent understanding of humanitarian aid and relevant policy issues are also essential.

Closing Date: 10 February 2012

Interview/Start Dates: Interviews are expected to be at the end of February.

IRC-UK regrets that we are not able to contact unsuccessful candidates.