Senior Policy Advisor, US Foreign Assistance

Oxfam America•Washington, DC

4h•$90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Senior Policy Advisor, US Foreign Assistance will support Oxfam’s longstanding work engaging the United States government on the need to strengthen and shift its approach to foreign assistance and use the current aid landscape to present a new vision for US foreign assistance that confronts power asymmetries and inequality, advances justice, and helps to better define the US role in the world through doing so. Oxfam US (OUS) already possesses a strong focus and capacity on humanitarian assistance, reform, and system transformation; this position will help Oxfam expand its focus beyond humanitarian and develop its vision for the future of US foreign assistance, centering economic justice and rights in dignity and crisis. It would engage the need for change premised on the significant developments of the last year and longstanding critiques of foreign assistance, alongside other leading organizations in this space. The position will also help lead Federal policy advocacy work for Oxfam on these issues. This position will work closely with the Government Relations and Public Policy team and with the Humanitarian and Economic Justice teams to ensure Federal policy advocacy aligns with existing Oxfam’s policy agenda and the future of foreign assistance policy development supports the organization’s broader global vision.

Requirements

Advanced degree in political science, government, international affairs, or a development related discipline or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
At least 4-6 years of relevant and progressive experience in policy, advocacy and campaigns.
Expertise in global, regional and national trends regarding US foreign assistance, human rights, and inequality issues.
Deep understanding with US government foreign assistance policies and institutions.
Understanding of perspectives and incentives of donors, Members of Congress, international NGOs, local NGOs, and contractors.
Demonstrated experience writing and executing advocacy plans with measurable milestones.
Familiarity with U.S. government foreign policy and practice and experience with developing policy positions and platforms.
Three (3+) years of project management.
Experience with monitoring, learning and evaluation.
Ability to communicate effectively, including strong writing and public speaking skills.
Ability to work cooperatively, in a fast-paced environment, and in a cross-cultural setting with a number of long-distance working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Comparative understanding of different approaches and policies of foreign assistance donors.
Experience or in-depth knowledge of at least one developing country or region, with a preference for Latin America and/or West, East and Southern Africa.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the design of updated OUS policy positions and lead the writing of a paper (or series of papers) on the future of US foreign assistance including funding and infrastructure; work to include conducting literature reviews, key information interviews (internal to Oxfam and externally), and convening internal discussions to ensure alignment with Oxfam’s broader policy agenda.
Serve as policy lead on US foreign assistance funding and spending, coordinating closely with Government Relations and Public Policy team and existing Humanitarian Policy lead
Continuously monitor policy landscape in order to inform Oxfam’s policy advocacy work in Washington, including helping ensure the highest possible funding levels of effective foreign assistance (especially lifesaving humanitarian aid)
Serve as Oxfam representative in coalitions to keep foreign assistance visible and popular in Congress and public dialogue, alongside existing Oxfam representatives in such spaces
Conduct lobby meetings and visits with Congressional offices as needed
Serve as occasional Oxfam spokesperson on USG policy on foreign assistance
Provide senior policy expertise across OUS and broader confederation spaces, supporting OUS advocacy and campaigning work, Government Relations coordination, the Humanitarian team, confederation aid discussions, and other relevant groups as needed
Facilitate coordination of internal working group that convenes key Oxfam staff for periodic discussions and planning
Demonstrate Continuous Learning: Stay current on developments in U.S. foreign assistance policy, funding trends, engagement strategies, and global humanitarian policy. Apply learning to strengthen OUS advocacy, policy, and external engagement.
Build Collaborative Relationship: Work effectively across functions and teams to support a unified, team-based work culture. Treat all people with dignity and respect.
Commit to Equity and Inclusion: Apply a working knowledge of gender justice, racial equity, and inclusive practices in all policy approaches and external engagement. Contribute to Oxfam’s mission to center equity in public engagement and leadership.
Promote a Safe and Respectful Environment: Uphold Oxfam’s safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct. Ensure staff experience a culture of safety, mutual respect, and accountability.
Support Strategic Engagement: Contribute to advancing OUS advocacy priorities by engaging with coalitions, policymakers and other stakeholders to elevate the importance of effective foreign assistance.
Travel and Availability: Willing to travel domestically up to 10% of the time. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.