ABOUT THE NEAR NETWORK
Adeso together with other local and national NGOs came together to form a global network which was launched in May 2016 at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. The network, NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships.
POSITION SUMMARY
The purpose of the position is to ensure increased engagement with NEAR members while working closely with national and regional consortia. Each Regional Representative will also be a thematic lead within NEAR focused on Organizational Development, Innovative Financing and/or Evidence Based Research.
POSITION PURPOSE
The Regional Representative will set the direction and focus of NEARs work in one or more of the NEAR focused regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America or Middle East). The position works with a diverse membership and she/he engages between NEAR, its members and partners in NEAR’s four key focus areas, in order to strengthen principled and effective humanitarian action.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Member Support/Engagement
Strengthen the capacities of L/NNGOs in the region to engage in the humanitarian system;
Represent NEAR at the Regional bodies and promote engagement of members;
Responding to L/NNGO queries for information and advice;
Encourage member engagement in important events in line with the NEAR priorities;
Facilitate and organize meetings, workshops, discussions and debates for members/NGO Fora in the region to exchange experiences and information;
Develop and maintain relationship with NEARs members at a number of levels; in the region and at country levels;
Lead the implementation of NEARs membership strategy and work plans in your respective region with support from the Membership Coordinator;
Influencing/Advocacy
Ensure a strong and multi-faceted LNA voice from the region is reflected in key debates and decision-making forums in the region and at global levels that affect humanitarian action;
Bring LNA perspectives throughout Advocacy, Research, Financing and OD initiatives
Support members in the region to contribute to and influence the humanitarian policies and practices of key regional actors.
Facilitate increased L/NNGO access to important stakeholders, including multilateral partners (e.g UN agencies and the World Bank), Governments, donors, regional bodies, the private sector;
Programmatic
In alignment with NEAR Strategy and in collaboration with the NEAR Secretariat and members, be a part of designing programmes (log frames, work plans, budgets and any other relevant documents):
Producing, sharing and exchanging information, analyses and learning opportunities for members in the region;
Contribute to the NEAR Newsletter with regular updates on achievements and opportunities in the region;
With support from the Membership Coordinator, maintain national and regional mailing lists of members and partners, and communicate regularly;
Produce briefing papers on topics of relevance to the region;
Organise face-to-face or online learning events tailored for the region;
Monitor, analyse and keep abreast of the latest humanitarian policy development specific to the region,
Other
To be the content holder and lead coordinator on either Organizational Development, Innovative Financing and/or Evidence Based Research.
Lead in planning and preparing the project initiative including budgets and workplans for the region;
Identify potential funding opportunities in line with NEAR strategy and support work to pursue these by NEAR Senior Management;
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Advanced Degree in International Development, International Relations, Business, or its equivalent in relevant field.
Knowledge of the international humanitarian sector including the major current humanitarian policy issues and trends (especially related to NEARs strategic priorities);
Experience leading or supporting networks and managing diverse relationships;
Knowledge of the major humanitarian settings in the region;
Demonstrated experience in engaging with political, humanitarian and development actors in the region, including those outside the UN and NGO sectors;
Preferred experience working with national/regional-level NGO Networks/Fora;
Experience working in challenging environments and on complex issues under pressure.
COMPETENCIES
Honest, encourages openness and transparency
Excellent people management skills and good communicator.
Able to work effectively in multicultural environment
Proven ability to work in a team
Highly organized and self-motivated.
Ability to work under high pressure and prioritize tasks.
High standard of written and spoken English a must. Fluency in Spanish, Arabic, and/or French will be an added advantage.
