Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 31 Jul 2016
Organization: ICVA
Location: Geneva (with regular travels abroad)
Starting date: September 2016
End date: March 2017 (with possible extension).
Founded in 1962, ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies) is a global network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work collectively to promote and facilitate NGO engagement in the development of the humanitarian sector and its policies.
ICVA’s mission is to promote and facilitate NGO engagement and partnership with a variety of key actors and bodies (e.g. IASC, UN agencies, donors, members states, international and political bodies, and emerging players) and to positively shape the future of humanitarian assistance, promoting more collective, principled and effective action.
While historically based in Geneva, in 2013 ICVA expanded its presence in MENA, Asia, and Africa with the aim of extending representation to regional or global humanitarian and political actors based in these regions, and ensuring closer proximity with its members in these regions.
In line with the ICVA’s Strategy and Road Map, ICVA wishes to further engage with in-country humanitarian NGO Fora, acknowledging the key and increasing role that these bodies play in the humanitarian sector and system, especially in severe humanitarian crises.
ICVA and humanitarian NGO Fora
The main objective of this new initiative is to provide further support to in-country humanitarian NGO Fora and to increase their influence, as a collective body, at the global level.
i) Support to NGO Fora:
This programme aims to provide further support to humanitarian NGO Fora in terms of:
Governance;
Human Resources;
Strategy, advocacy and engagement with the humanitarian system;
Emergency response.
ii) Advocacy and representation at global level:
This programme aims to:
Raise awareness and create momentum at the global level around the key role of NGO Fora;
Bring NGO Fora’s concerns to decision-makers at global level and in global forums (i.e. IASC, Emergency Directors Group-EDG);
Participate in shaping humanitarian global operational policies (mainly through the IASC Emergency Directors Group-EDG- and Humanitarian Coordination Pool), ensuring NGO Fora perspectives are captured.
ICVA NGO Fora and Humanitarian Coordination Consultant
Objective
Under the management of the ICVA Director of Partnership and Policy, the consultant will be responsible for setting up this programme, and designing and sustaining its long term strategy, in close collaboration with the ICVA team, NGO Fora, InterAction and other key partners.
Main Responsibilities
Ø Design of the programme framework and strategy:
- In close collaboration with the ICVA team, NGO Fora and key partners, the consultant is responsible for developing the programme’s framework and its long term strategy.
Ø Fundraising
- The consultant will coordinate and lead the fundraising approach for this programme.
Ø Support to NGO Fora
She/he will provide support to NGO Fora on the 4 main issues identified as part of this programme (governance, human resources, advocacy and strategy, emergency response);
She/he will coordinate ICVA 2016 series of regional workshops for NGO Fora in Asia, Africa and MENA.
Ø Advocacy and representation at global level
The consultant will coordinate ICVA’s work of collecting and bringing NGO Fora’s voices to the various forums where ICVA sits (starting with the IASC Emergency Directors Group - EDG);
She/he will participate and support the ICVA team in shaping humanitarian global operational policies (mainly through the IASC Emergency Directors Group-EDG- and Humanitarian Coordinatora Pool), ensuring NGO Fora’s perspectives are captured.
Ø Coordination and collaboration with InterAction and other key actors:
As part of this programme the consultant facilitates good coordination and collaboration with InterAction and other key partners;
The consultant proposes way to ensure that the long term strategy of this programme is centered around a collective approach with key partners.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education:
- Advanced university degree in relevant field, such as humanitarian assistance, international relations, political sciences, or related academic field.
Experience:
A minimum of 7 years’ work experience in the area of humanitarian action (including with NGOs);
Demonstrable experience in working with NGO Fora (as coordinator, secretariat staff, steering committee members, etc.);
Experience in writing proposals and fundraising;
Demonstrable experience in representation and advocacy;
Demonstrable experience in influencing external partners;
Demonstrable experience in working collectively or with networks or alliances;
Experience of working in remote management team work.
Knowledge
Extensive knowledge of the humanitarian sector and policies;
Extensive knowledge of NGO Fora and NGO coordination issues.
Competencies and skills:
Understanding of NGO Fora’s roles and missions;
Understanding of ICVA’s mission and NGO contributions to the humanitarian sector;
Fundraising skills;
Proven ability to work autonomously;
Proven ability to work in a team;
Proven ability to work under pressure and be flexible, including the ability to cope with deadlines, multiple tasks, and competing and changing demands;
Ability to set her/himself and others challenging, but realistic targets;
Well-developed communication, presentation and representational skills appropriate for different audiences, including the ability to influence people;
High capacity to chair meetings and workshops;
Quick analytical thinker who understands contextual developments and can link them to (potential) implications for ICVA;
Fluent in English and excellent writing skills;
Fluency in French is a plus.
How to apply:
Applications:
A cover letter and CV, including 2 references, should be sent to recruitment4@icvanetwork.org indicating “NGO Fora consultant” in the subject line.
The deadline for applications is 31st of July 2016, but candidates will be considered as applications are received.
Starting date***:*** September 2016.
Please note that, although all candidates will receive confirmation of receipt of their application, only short listed candidates will be contacted.
