Policy, Advocacy and Engagement Advisor (internationally recruited)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. With its Headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and United Nations Liaison Offices in New York and Geneva, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research and learning, as well as rule of law and justice programmes in countries through some 18 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.

The IDLO Office in The Hague (HBO) acts as a justice hub providing the organization with specialized expertise in priority thematic areas to support policy, advocacy, research, and programs. The Office maintains and builds strategic diplomatic and professional relationships with The Government of the Netherlands, a member party of IDLO, and with international organizations and tribunals, and other organizations in the justice and peace community in The Hague, as well as with other current and prospective partners in Europe.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of IDLO’s Branch Office in The Hague, the Policy, Advocacy and Engagement Advisor develops and supports advocacy strategies and campaigns that advance IDLO’s programmes, policy, research and learning objectives and profile globally. The incumbent will coordinate closely with colleagues, including in the Departments of Programmes, Research and Learning, and External Relations and Partnerships, as well as with IDLO’s United Nations representations in New York and Geneva, and Thematic Cluster leads. She/he will represent IDLO to external stakeholders and ensure adequate and regular coordination and communication internally across the organization.

The Policy, Advocacy and Engagement Advisor will have a specific focus on EU engagement, in particular European Union institutions in Brussels, and the Netherlands’ Government institutions in The Hague, international organisations, the diplomatic community, civil society organisations, the private sector, knowledge centers and other justice partners in The Hague, Brussels and other rule of law centers in Europe. 

• Contributes to the design of IDLO’s global policy development and advocacy engagement strategies and coordinates and executes them, in close collaboration with relevant colleagues.
• Designs, coordinates and executes IDLO’s policy, advocacy and engagement strategies with the European Union, the Netherlands’ government and major justice partners.
• Contributes to the internal awareness and buy-in for policy, advocacy and engagement as a valuable instrument to support and advance IDLO’s reputation, programmes and policy, research and learning, more specifically in further strengthening the work of the Thematic Clusters, including the Climate Justice Thematic Cluster.
• Designs and executes policy, advocacy and engagement strategies, tools and materials aimed at the Netherlands’ Government and European Union institutions, including in leading the expert level EU Team and as part of the EU Engagement Working Group.
• Coordinates and executes global policy, advocacy and engagement strategies, tools and materials in support of the Thematic Clusters, including the Climate Justice Thematic Cluster.
• Identifies advocacy audience(s) including key decision makers/influencers.
• Monitors and researches relevant decision-making arenas to identify timely opportunities for working together with key stakeholders in advocacy and engagement.
• Produces targeted policy advocacy materials for external and internal audiences including briefing notes, submissions and presentations.
• Plans and/or coordinates meetings/workshops/briefings with key stakeholders, including logistical details for meetings, pre- and post-meeting strategy sessions, debriefs with participating officials and reports for internal use.
• Drafts, and coordinates the approval of correspondence, presentations and formal policy submissions.
• Contributes to the internal awareness and buy-in for policy, advocacy and engagement to support and advance IDLO’s reputation, programmes and policy, research and learning.
• Carries out special projects, such as events and research projects, as requested.

Education and Professional Experience:

• Graduate degree in political sciences, law, international relations, public administration or related field. Post graduate degree in relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum of 08 (eight) years of professional experiences working for an international/multilateral organization, development agency with at least 05 (five) years in a directly Government Relations position is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in exercising protocol functions and working with government bodies /senior government officials is required.
• Extensive experience in servicing high level governance/ government meetings/ intergovernmental and inter-agency fora.
• Experience analyzing complex intergovernmental issues and opportunities; presenting and making recommendations to senior management and third-party partners.

Languages:

• Full professional competence of written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch are required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies:

• Solid understanding and knowledge of political system, government organizations, judicial branches and legislative processes in the Netherlands.
• Interest in and capacity to interpret political and policy developments at the national and international levels and to relate them to IDLO’s mandate and activities.
• Proven knowledge of multilateral governance mechanisms.
• Excellent writing, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge of key aspects of IDLO’s areas of work i.e. rule of law, access to justice, development and peacebuilding,
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work constructively with several internal and external stakeholders.
• Solid project management skills, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, and comfortable in working in multi-cultural settings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office package and other ICT and internet software.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO's mandate.
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to the field, including hardship countries.

For this internationally recruited professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an International Affiliate Contract of 24 months with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall offer a yearly basic salary of EURO € 72,000.- and benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%) health insurance, leave entitlements and relocation and installation support in accordance with the IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in The Netherlands. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline: 15 May 2024 (23:59hrs Rome time)