Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Advisor

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada•Ottawa, ON

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Advisor helps shape MSF Canada’s policy positioning and analysis on humanitarian issues in Canada that are relevant to MSF’s global medical-humanitarian priorities. This role also involves developing advocacy strategies to influence Canadians, especially policy makers and other stakeholders, to take actions that will positively impact MSF’s patients and operations around the world. The advisor draws on knowledge of international humanitarian contexts, the global aid system, and humanitarian policy at Canadian and global levels. Reporting directly to MSF’s Humanitarian Representative to Canada, the advisor will build relationships and work collaboratively with experts inside and outside of MSF to improve Canada’s response to global humanitarian needs.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in the humanitarian sector with experience in advocacy and/or fundraising/institutional funding
Experience in a role with specific responsibilities in developing advocacy strategies and actions within the field of humanitarian assistance
Knowledgeable of the Canadian policy environment as it relates to humanitarian assistance, foreign affairs, international assistance funding, and MSF’s work
Excellent strategic communication and advisory skills, preferably in a public advocacy environment
Diplomatic, with strong negotiation and communications skills
Analytical with the ability to synthesize complex and sensitive material accurately
Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues into public-facing messaging
Strong ability to manage expectations and secure buy-in on proposed solutions
Comfortable interacting professionally with counterparts in diverse settings (e.g. government, academic institutions, pharmaceutical industry, NGOs, etc.)
Familiarity with MSF’s humanitarian medical work, and principles-based advocacy and operational activities
Fluency in English (verbal and written)

Responsibilities

Act as a subject-matter expert on the humanitarian contexts around the world where MSF conducts operations
Act as a subject-matter expert on the principles-based international humanitarian system and the architecture of global aid
Act as a subject-matter expert on MSF positioning and advocacy messaging related to the operational contexts prioritized by MSF Canada
Act as a subject-matter expert on relevant Canadian policy and political developments
Develop relationships and networks both inside and outside of the global MSF movement to support the humanitarian advocacy work of MSF Canada’s Humanitarian Affairs team
Provide analyses of key updates from operational contexts to inform MSF Canada’s reporting, advocacy, representation and public communications
Develop advocacy and representation strategies that speak to the Canadian context given current operational events and conditions, under the strategic direction of the Humanitarian Representative to Canada