About InterAction:
InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.
Position Description:
Position Title: Director for Humanitarian Practice,Humanitarian Policy and Practice (HPP) Unit
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Washington, DC
This position is based in Washington, DC. Due to COVID-19, all staff are currently working remotely and following the InterAction COVID-19 policies. This position will be expected to work from InterAction’s office in Washington, DC once conditions for return are met. There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Job Role
Reporting to the Vice President of Humanitarian Policy and Practice, the Director of Humanitarian Practice leads coordination and advocacy on critical issues relating to current humanitarian crises, works closely with the Director of Humanitarian Policy and Director of Protection to define the InterAction’s humanitarian policy and practice priorities and strategy. The Director of Humanitarian Practice plays an important role within the team’s engagement with the HPP Advisory Committee and is the main interlocutor for InterAction members Emergency Directors. Externally, this position liaises with InterAction members, U.N. Agencies, U.S. government representatives, and other humanitarian actors.
Key Responsibilities and activities
Representation
Represent InterAction members in the IASC Emergency Directors Group (EDG) and related bodies such as Peer-to-Peer.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with relevant USG counterparts, with a specific focus on USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the State Department’s Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).
Contribute and support InterAction’s work on the IASC’s Result Group 1 dedicated to “Humanitarian Operations, including possibly leading workstreams.
Conduct at least two field missions yearly to support NGO coordination bodies in the field and overall NGO engagement with the broader humanitarian system, including participation in EDG or P2P field missions.
Be the main contact for bilateral engagement on humanitarian operations with UN humanitarian agencies, with a specific focus on OCHA Operations and Advocacy Division.
Represent InterAction and its member with relevant media outlets on humanitarian issues, as requested.
Maintain and strengthen the strong partnership with other NGO consortia on issues related to humanitarian response and NGO coordination.
Engage on the Saving Lives Together (SLT) Framework on behalf of InterAction members.
Management
Oversee and support the management of all country Working Groups and specific crisis responses.
Oversee and provide strategic direction to InterAction’s support to field- based NGO Forum.
Explore ways to further engage with relevant academic institutions on matters of humanitarian curricula and humanitarian practice.
Manage a team of 6 high performing staff focusing on humanitarian practice priority areas.
Serve as an active member of HPP’s Directors team and support the VP, as requested, in various InterAction representational duties.
Ensure strong linkages with HPP’s Policy and Protection work.
Support work with InterAction’s Communications and Global Development, Policy and Learning teams, as appropriate.
Oversee and lead on fundraising and grant management of humanitarian practice related activities and awards, in close coordination with VP and other Directors Oversee.
Provide opportunities for growth and learning to all members of the Practice team.
Competencies and Requirements
Masters degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience;
At least 10 years experience managing humanitarian operations in the field, preferably with NGOs.
Substantial experience working within the humanitarian architecture and in partnership with UN agencies.
In-depth understanding of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee structures and roles within humanitarian response, at country and global levels.
Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy decision-making processes and the offices and functions of the National Security Council, the Department of State, and USAID;
Ability to communicate clearly, succinctly and accurately on complex ideas and issues, borth verbally and in writing;
Strong interpersonal skills and experience building trust among diverse stakeholders and representing the interests of diverse constituencies.
Experience in interacting/communicating with high level stakeholders and policy makers in the humanitarian system
Experience in organizing and leading collective NGO action
Experience managing a small high-performing team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Compensation: InterAction provides competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
Expected Start Date: Mid-August / early September 2020
Reports to: Vice-President, Humanitarian Policy and Practice
Travel: Estimated 15-20% of time for international travel
How to apply:
To Apply: Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to jobs@interaction.org with subject line containing title Director for Humanitarian Practice. Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before 10 August 2020 are preferred. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period. Due to the volume of applications, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please!