Senior Advocacy Advisor – International Financial Institutions
Contract: Permanent, Full time
Location: The role can be based in the United Kingdom, London or United Stated, Washington or other locations can be considered subject to right-to-work eligibility in the respective country.
Salary & Benefits: Salaries and benefits for different countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience. See further details below:
- United Kingdom, Grade 3: £45,000 to £50,000 with excellent benefits
- United States: Grade D: Salary range, to be discussed with the successful candidate
About WaterAid:
Want to use your skills in influencing World Bank and IFIs to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?
We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.
Join WaterAid as our Senior Advocacy Advisor on International Financial Institutions to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good. On top of that you’ll be joining a 2020 Great Place to Work® award-winning organisation.
About the Team:
The WaterAid International Affairs team The Global International Affairs team plays a leadership role across the WaterAid Federation to drive the design and delivery of WaterAid’s major influencing with key donors, international and multilateral institutions to achieve SDG 6. The team’s purpose is to convince influential political decisionmakers to prioritise water, sanitation and hygiene in their policy and funding agendas, and to create the conditions that enable everyone, everywhere to access WASH by 2030.
About the Role:
As our Senior Advocacy Advisor on International Financial Institutions you will increase and strengthen our advocacy and capacity to influence global development finance institutions, particularly the World Bank but also be informed on major developments in other IFIs, e.g. recent Paris Summit and Global Financing Pact. We want to ensure our engagement is systematic, impactful and builds up an increased evidence base for influence on the institution.
In this role, you will will employ a range of strategies to advocate for changes in the policies, standards and practices of the World Bank particularly as it relates to water sanitation and hygiene particularly in the context of the twin climate change and global health crises. This position will include a focus on the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice and the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership, as well as also support WaterAid Country Programme teams and partners to influence the World Bank’s operations at the country level.
You’ll also:
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies designed to influence the policies of the World Bank and other relevant IFIs on water sanitation & hygiene in line with WaterAid’s globally agreed policy and campaign priorities, and in coordination with allies.
- Build a network of contacts and relationships, including relevant IFI/ World Bank staff and Executive Directors, gather information, and advocate with the Board and staff of the World Bank on particular country operations and key policy areas
- Build technical knowledge and understanding of the Bank’s policies and practices in relation to the WASH sector, including the activities of the International Development Association (IDA) and how these relate to countries in which WaterAid has CPs
- Keep abreast of complex and fast changing political debates and monitor emerging trends internationally, across the Bank’s key donor governments to inform WaterAid’s political positioning, ensuring the organisation’s advocacy is responsive and relevant;Actively participate in and contribute to the political influencing and campaign strategies for the Global Advocacy Priority campaigns on WASH & climate and on WASH & women’s health.
- Engaging with the networks and coalitions for relevant IFI advocacy.
- Liaise with WaterAid Country Programmes, the Pan-Africa Programme, Federation Members to strengthen collaboration and further WaterAid’s advocacy towards IFIs;
About You:
- Excellent understanding of the World Bank and other IFIs, including their policies, lending practices, mandates, ways of working, and how to influence them.
- Expert understanding of international aid and development finance as it relates to health, climate and inequalities.
- Demonstrated experience in effective advocacy and policy influencing, with strong skills and track record relationship building and networking for advocacy impact. (including institutions, teams, individuals)
- Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work well and support international teams and country-based colleagues as well as working with international coalitions.
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies designed to influence the policies of the World Bank and other relevant IFIs on water sanitation & hygiene in line with WaterAid’s globally agreed policy and campaign priorities, and in coordination with allies.
- Build a network of contacts and relationships, including relevant IFI/ World Bank staff and Executive Directors, gather information, and advocate with the Board and staff of the World Bank on particular country operations and key policy areas
- Work with the Pan-African advocacy lead and staff in key regions to leverage IFI relationships.
- Integrate a range of disciplines and innovative tactics to achieve political change and build momentum towards the achievement of SDG 6;
- Represent WaterAid at meetings/conferences, speak publicly and give media interviews.
How to Apply: To see the full job pack, please click ‘Apply’.
- Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter into one document in either Word Document or PDF format.
- Please indicate your location and the right to work eligibility in your Cover letter.
Pre-employment screening: In order to apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective country.
All our UK-based vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.
Closing date: Applications will close at 23:59 on 25th September 2023. Availability for the interview is required from the week commencing 2nd October 2023.
Our Commitment
An inclusive workplace:
We are committed to being an organisation where everyone is included, respected, and empowered to be their best. We represent and celebrate our staff, partners and everyone we work with, and create a culture where everyone can reach their full potential.
Equal opportunities:
We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.
Safeguarding:
We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.