Sense

Job Description

Post: International Advocacy & Policy Manager

Reporting to: Director of Sense International

Location:Sense Head Office, 101 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross,

London N1.

Salary: Sense pay points 41 – 44

Hours:30-37.5 hours per week to be worked

1.0Job Summary

  • The International Advocacy & Policy Manager will identify and co-ordinate a series of responses to a range of policy initiatives from the UK government (DFID) and Parliament, the European Union (EU) and appropriate agencies such as United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO) etc.
  • The post holder will be responsible for leading and developing Sense International’s positions on advocacy and policy, linking agencies and common interests and will link with Sense International colleagues in London and country wide Directors, analysing and providing information.
  • As a small NGO representing a minority group, it will be important to work with coalition groups as appropriate.
  • There will be a need to have a close working relationship with Deafblind International.The post will also link with our specialist international agencies such as The World Federation for the Blind, European Deafblind Network etc.
  • The post will co-ordinate and assist in European and other international activities such as co-ordinating Deafblind International’s Networks.
  • The post will assist, as required, with joint project activities across countries. Some support to the CEO will be required in her role on Deafblind International, Council and Management Committee.

2.0Post objectives

  • To position Sense International as an influential and credible INGO within UK and European INGO sector.
  • To lead Sense International’spolicy work and to identify opportunities for advocacy across country boundaries.
  • To proactively seek opportunities to raise the profile of Sense International and to establish, maintain and build collaborative partnerships with other organizations for the benefits of deafblind people.
  • To be aware of relevant European policy work and work with other deafblind and disability organisations to raise issues as and when is appropriate.
  • The post will support the Sense CEO in DbI Council responsibilities.
  • The post will collaborate with Sense policy team to identify joint opportunities for campaigning on behalf of people who are deafblind.

3.0Key Responsibilities

Sense International

  • Building on the strong advocacy work of the country programmes, create, implement and monitor a coherent, global advocacy strategy with specific country objectives.
  • Mentor and support colleagues in SI country programmes, bringing them together in regular group meetings and also working with them on a one to one basis.
  • To lead SI advocacy work in response to the policy initiatives of the UK government and parliament, the UN and WHO and other related agencies.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with UK parliamentarians and government officials to raise relevant issues and the profile of Sense International and deafblindness.
  • Take an active role in coalitions such as Bond DDG, GCE and IDDC, to lobby on common issues around disability and development.

Deafblind International

  • To act as Deafblind International’s Networks Co-Ordinator. Gathering reports from networks, providing support and information as required and providing a overall report to Deafblind International twice a year.
  • To assist with DbI Network and conference planning as required.
  • To encourage and co-ordinate publication of articles in DBI’s review in order to increase Sense and Sense International’s profile and reputation.
  • To assist the Sense CEO in strategic planning and the general advocacy work of DbI.

European Policy Work

  • To support the EDBN advocacy and campaigning work, including preparing papers, liaising with colleagues working jointly on projects and providing and organising information.
  • To work with colleagues in other disability NGOs(both UK and EU level) to respond to relevant policy issues at a European level.
  • Any other responsibilities commensurate with the nature and grade of this post.

4.0Key Contacts

Contacts include deafblind people, family members, employees of Sense, Sense International,Sense and SI Board members, members of the public, representatives from other charities, international colleagues and agencies.

5.0Values

Openness and honesty

Respect

Value individual worth

Plan on the basis of individual need

Accountability

Sense – Person Specification

International Advocacy & Policy Manager

Education and Training
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Understanding of key international development policy issues related to disabled people in the UK, EU and internationally. / An understanding of deafblindness and related issues.
Knowledge of parliamentary processes and public policy formulation.
Ability to analyse, summarise and précis information .
Ability to give formal presentations.
Willingness to develop and use deaf/deafblind communication skills and be trained in the production of information in a range of accessible formats.
Achievements and Experience
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Proven understanding of key international development policy issues related to disability and development. / Experience of campaigning to change public policy (at a local, national or international level)
Experience of working or mixing with deafblind people or other sensory impaired people in the UK and internationally
Experience of campaigning to change public policy (at a national, European or international level).
Proven experience of working with internal and external stakeholders in a professional manner; developing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Previous experience of managing a small campaigns budget
Skills & Abilities
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Commitment to equal opportunities and to civil rights for deafblind people. / An understanding of deafblindness and related issues
Ability to be non-partisan when dealing with politics (the post is not politically restricted, but political neutrality when at work is absolutely essential).
Innovative, energetic, solution-orientated approach to work, with the ability to take on a varied workload
Ability to motivate/inspire others with ideas
Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and information in a clear, coherent and persuasive manner face to face (English or British Sign Language) and in writing.
Strong organisational skills: ability to prioritise and manage own time and workload, ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to represent the organisation in a variety of fora internationally and in the UK
Ability to represent Sense to outside audiences in a professional manner.
Computer literate, including Word, Excel, Internet, Outlook and Powerpoint

Notes:

1.The post will undertake much of the work remotely but some overseas travel will be required, and the post holder will be required to undertake at least 4overseas trips per annum:

  • 2 trips to Europe of 1-2 days duration
  • 2 trips to our overseas programmes of 2 weeks’ duration

International Advocacy & Policy Manager ProposalFebruary 2014 – Page 1 of 3