Role profile Basic information Job title Department Location Reports to (Job Title) Matrix manager if applicable (Job Title) Senior adviser - private sector Policy and Public Affairs London Principal Adviser private sector Direct reports (Number or ) 0 Overall people management responsibility (Number or ) Matrix management responsibility (Number or Not applicable) Budgetary responsibility (Amount or ) Child protection clearance required (If applicable, Standard/Enhanced) Expected travel per annum On call/unsocial hours Not required Up to 30 days Occasional Role definition Role purpose To assist Christian Aid s Principal Private Sector Advisor to serve as part of a team which is Christian Aid s (CA) focal point for institutional relations with the private sector in relation to changing core business practices for poverty eradication & corporate advocacy priorities working within the framework of CA s extended private sector framework; developing policy & identifying potential business allies, building partnerships & corporate relationships & designing & managing innovative joint initiatives with the private sector; where necessary identifying effective advocacy targets within the private sector & processes to influence policy formation; to design, manage & implement advocacy strategies on corporate priority issues to the business community & related professional associations; to advise the organisation & ensure sound influencing strategies in relation to the private sector are appropriately integrated into other areas of policy and programme work; and to ensure that a rigorous understanding of power dynamics is incorporated into our private sector policy & advocacy work. Role context Christian Aid believes poverty can be ended & that to do so, unequal power relations need to be changed. To that end Christian Aid supports local organisations working on effective responses to poverty and climate justice in our country programmes around the world. Equally essentially, fair and pro poor business practices & policy frameworks are fundamental to achieving an end to poverty. We engage actively with key northern actors governmental, civil society, private sector & international 1
to ensure that their influence promotes rather than hinders justice for the poor. - This position leads in developing & managing institutional relationships & influencing key decision makers in the business community on Christian Aid s priority themes and partnerships working to make the private sector a positive actor in development. It works in an integrated way across policy and advocacy functions, shaping our work into effective policy positions, as well as the advocacy team & cross organisational group working to ensure coherence and linkages of all Christian Aid s policy & advocacy in relation to engaging the private sector & influencing its practice. Key outcomes Rigorous analysis of the political and policy context to inform Christian Aid s effective engagement with the private sector Innovative partnerships and joint initiatives that change core business practice for poverty eradication developed with business Effective advocacy strategies and tools to the private sector and related bodies. Also effective lobbying and influencing to relevant businesses. Staff including the Directorate are equipped to articulate / represent Christian Aid's policy positions Christian Aid's role and reputation as a leading and credible agency within the business community and with relevant UK and other networks and coalitions is established and enhanced Strategic alliances and partner relationships are managed to maximise impact towards Christian Aid s corporate goals and objectives Role requirements Relationships External Helps to fosters high level contacts with the business community and relevant government bodies. Works with external NGOs, civil society organisation networks, government regulatory bodies and the media. Helps the Principal Advisor to manage the relationship with partners working in this area. Works with external PS networks and seeks to establish critical new alliances Internal Works closely primarily with Policy and Public Affairs Department, sitting withing the policy team on relevant issues. Participation in cross organisational group(s) working on engagement with the private sector. Works closely with colleagues in corporate fundraising and philanthropy Works with International Department colleagues to ensure that their experience and perspectives inform corporate policy and advocacy positions, and to support programme understanding of corporate advocacy priorities. Decision making 1. Provide relevant policy advice to the Policy and Public Affairs Department, the International Department Senior Management Team, the Directorate, media, campaigns and other functions and teams. 2. Lead cross organisational policy positioning and strategies to further Christian Aid's objectives and 2
work goals in relevant thematic areas. 3. Represent CA as required, at the highest levels. 4. Initiate and commission research in line with corporate priorities and ensure that it goes through the agreed internal procedures. Analytical skills 1. Strong analytical skills combined with proven experience of managing and commissioning policy and advocacy projects. 2. Ability to analyse complex situations and look beyond the surface to the underlying causes. 3. Ability to analyse and synthesise information to understand issues, identify options and support sound decision making. Developing self and others 1. Responsible for influencing and directing work of others, helping to set corporate policy and corresponding advocacy strategy in particular areas of private sector specialisms. 2. Required to work on own initiative, providing support and advice and specialist knowledge to internal and external colleagues. Person specification Applied skills/knowledge and expertise Essential Graduate qualifications, in business, ethics, political science, law or other relevant social science, or development studies Excellent knowledge of the business community, its professional bodies and its networks, both nationally, and internationally. Excellent experience and knowledge of private sector business strategies in the developing world Substantial knowledge and experience of NGO networks and coalitions working on private sector issues in the context of international development Knowledge of broader policy debates around poverty eradication, inequality and civil society mobilisation Some experience in advocacy, communications or similar experience in environmental, development, economic justice or related setting. Proven experience of effective lobbying of decision-makers, in the business community, and, preferably, at UK government and multilateral level Experience of representing policy and advocacy positions to various audiences and knowing how to optimise private sector influencing opportunities. Proven experience of building constructive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Experience of leading cross-organisational projects and /or strategies Excellent verbal and written communications experience especially the ability to communicate complex issues simply 3
Proven ability to deal sensitively and discreetly with relationships and information Proven ability to work to deadlines, and to prioritise work effectively Public speaking to a variety of specialist and general audiences, including the media. Desirable Experience of working in an NGO, in policy, advocacy or fundraising work Experience of working with civil society organisations in a developing country Sound and informed knowledge of how advocacy works, including contemporary theories of change IT competency required Intermediate Competency profile LEVEL 3: You are expected to be able to: Build partnerships Manage teams or lead projects supportively, involving others in discussing how to take work forward, helping people feel part of the team and treating everyone equally. Influence others to develop shared understanding and work cooperatively and collaboratively towards common goals where there are different personal or organisational agendas. Develop and maintain new relationships with individuals and organisations to further Christian Aid s aims. Recognise and value differences in people; be ready to challenge assumptions, beliefs or attitudes in self or others. Manage expectations and adhere to what s agreed, by doing what you say you re going to do. Communicate effectively Reflect the needs of different audiences, adapting style, media, timing and pace to communicate effectively. Show understanding of how personal and external factors affect others communication style and needs and seek to manage these differences to ensure that all voices are heard. Clarify expectations and anticipate others interests and potential issues, to help them get involved in debate and dialogue. Steward resources Accept accountability internally and externally for the effective use of Christian Aid resources. Before using or commissioning new resources, look for ways to achieve more effective outcomes by using existing resources in a new or different way. Manage resources and workloads to ensure your own and others goals are achieved. Deliver results Create plans with key milestones and measurable outcomes: track progress and adjust to meet the objectives, ensuring others are aware of changes and reasons for them. Ensure individuals and teams understand and agree to work to the overall goals, specific objectives and quality standards. Make recommendations or decisions in the best interest of Christian Aid, involving others as needed both within and beyond your work area. 4
Be willing to take action or make recommendations or decisions in difficult or ambiguous situations. Commit to your decisions and be accountable for them. Show willingness to adapt if your initial decision did not produce the expected result. Realise potential Demonstrate continuing commitment to your own professional and personal development. Use coaching and mentoring skills to support others to develop. Encourage others to give their best by discussing goals and aspirations and recognising achievement. Provide an appropriate level of supervision according to need; know when to provide help and when to give others space to learn. Give constructive and timely feedback to others on difficult or contentious issues. Deal with poor performance directly and sensitively, seeking appropriate and timely advice and support if needed. Strive for improvement Be open to radical suggestions. Evaluate the benefits and risks of new ideas and ways of working and identify ways to reduce risk. Find and implement ways to better support internal knowledge- and information-sharing. Coach others on dealing with resistance to change. Seek and evaluate a range of viewpoints, internal and external, about how Christian Aid could do things better. DATE CREATED (dd/mm/yyyy) 27/01/2014 Further details of specific tasks and duties will be agreed with the line manager as part of the performance agreement. Any reasonable duty may be assigned that is consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility. This role profile is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key behaviours the role-holder requires to be successful in the role; the key behaviours and responsibilities are subject to change. Any changes will be made in consultation with the role-holder. You will be expected to abide by the Code of Conduct, policies and procedures within Christian Aid which may be updated from time to time. You must be in sympathy with the aims, beliefs and values of Christian Aid as it seeks to work on relief, development and advocacy for poverty eradication. 5