The Elders: Policy and Advocacy Director

The Policy and Advocacy Director will report to the CEO, lead the three-member policy team and work in collaboration with all members of The Elders' team. S/he will guide and coordinate the implementation of the Elders' overall policy agenda and advocacy activities; work with the CEO on creating new policy and advocacy strategies; and be the lead policy officer on research, strategy development, coordination and implementation of several Elders' peace-building and thematic initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to The Elders' three-member policy team
• Work with the Director of Communications to ensure coordination and integration of policy, advocacy, communications and media activity
• Carry out the full range of policy work on several of the Elders' peace-building and thematic initiatives - from research through implementation. This includes monitoring of developments in these areas; producing briefings for the CEO and the Elders; consulting and coordinating with key partners and external contacts; supporting the Elders in developing their advocacy strategies; facilitating planning and research visits by the staff team as well as Elders visits; and overseeing teamwork in the implementation of initiatives
• Contribute to the organisation's overall effort to build relationships with governments, civil society, opinion-leaders, parliamentarians, academic institutions and think tanks that will promote and further The Elders' work
• Work with the CEO on the exploration and development of new Elders' initiatives, prioritisation of activities, preparation of meetings and events of The Elders and their supporters
• Contribute to further team development by encouraging reflection on its effectiveness and efficiency

Requirements:

• Seasoned, hands-on professional who is used to working with a high level of energy and enthusiasm and has affinity with the mission of The Elders
• Demonstrated policy and advocacy experience on global issues and conflict/crisis situations in the (inter) governmental or non-profit sector
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage international policy initiatives and advocacy strategies
• Experience in collaborating with a range of organisations and high-profile individuals to influence policy
• Analytical and research strength including the ability to understand, interpret and present complex and sensitive information from a variety of sources
• Keen political antennae, agility across cultural environments and world views, and diplomatic finesse
• Experience of serving a multi-member governance structure in support of its agenda
• Flexible, collegiate leadership style and willingness to work in a "flat", collaborative team
• Experience with matrix-style project management a plus
• Ability to motivate and encourage staff, take wise team decisions and deal with competing demands, multiple priorities, time constraints and unanticipated external events
• Excellent written and spoken English including writing and editing documents for high-level audiences
• Keen eye for accuracy and detail
• Fluency in other languages desirable

Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate including private pension, life and medical insurance.
To apply, submit a succinct cover letter and CV, explaining your qualifications and interest in the position, to jobs [at] theelders [dot] org, clearly stating "Policy and Advocacy Director" in the subject line.

Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more about The Elders, refer to www.theelders.org.