Policy & Research Manager – HQ

Organisation Background 

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international non-governmental organisation that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training.   

INSO provides daily support to more than 1200 NGOs operating in 17 of the world’s most insecure countries. INSO is registered in the Netherlands with its headquarters based in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice.   

Overall Purpose of Role

The Policy And Research Manager is responsible for implementing INSO’s research agenda in support of INSO’s global advocacy strategy by developing and supporting the development of priority research and policy papers, reports, briefing notes, statements, presentations and talking points. The Policy and Research Manager is responsible for ensuring that INSO’s policy and research products are informed by INSO’s field presence, expertise and internal data as well as common research principles, methods and practices.

The Policy and Research Manager is a key member of INSO’s new Policy, Advocacy and Communications Department and will contribute to the delivery of evidence-based policy change within the humanitarian sector at a global level.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Policy

• Monitor policy developments within and across NGOs, the UN, other international organisations and research institutions as they pertain to humanitarian safety and access.
• Produce or support the production of high-quality policy reports, position papers, statements, briefing papers, presentations, key messages and talking points for internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce bespoke policy analysis for external stakeholders on specific issues challenges related to humanitarian safety and access.
• Ensure that INSO’s policy positions are informed by INSO’s field presence and expertise through regular consultations with INSO Country Offices
• Provide tailored support to INSO Country Offices to strengthen operational advocacy.

Research

• Conduct and manage research projects, focused on adding value to the sector, on key issues of concern pertaining to humanitarian safety and access.
• Develop credible research methodologies in coordination with relevant INSO departments for new and ongoing research projects.
• Oversee the research cycle, including reviewing TORs, methodology notes, tools and final products.
• Liaise with INSO’s Analysis Team to ensure and reinforce the continuity and consistency between INSO’s consolidated internal data and INSO’s policy positions and external advocacy products.
• Work with INSO’s communication officer to develop and implement dissemination strategies for INSO’s policy and research products.

Networking and Representation

• Develop and maintain impactful partnerships with think tanks, universities and research institutions in pursuit of shared policy, advocacy and research goals.
• Identify and cultivate a network of contacts within the broader humanitarian community and beyond to expand INSO’s global visibility, membership, exchanges and coordination.
• Represent INSO in various policy and advocacy forums including with United Nations, NGOs, donors and coordination forums.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in a similar policy, advocacy or research role within the humanitarian and/or security sector.
• Familiarity with social science research methodologies and experience delivery research projects to timeline and budget.
• Recent experience working in complex humanitarian emergencies or situations of armed conflict.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Good working knowledge of the humanitarian policy eco-system including key stakeholders, policy processes and working calendar.
• Demonstrable interest in and familiarity with the current state of debate around humanitarian safety and up to date on recent literature.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to tight deadlines.
• Fluency in English

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of INSO and its mandate and activity in the field.
• Fluency in French, Spanish or Arabic
• Published research on issues related to the humanitarian and security sector.
• Experience in public speaking

Personal Attributes

• Conceptual, critical and creative thinking
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised and diligent work ethic
• Empowering and inclusive team player
• Cultural and situational sensitivity
• Principled professional

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy 

 INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process.  

 Terms & Conditions 

 Fixed-term (renewable) contract based in The Hague, Netherlands, EUR 5,800 per month plus 8% vacation pay (vakantiegeld), 2.5 days annual leave per month. We provide Basic Premium Health Insurance from ONVZ.  This post is eligible for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa and relocation allowance. 

 How to apply 

 Please send applications to jobs@hq.ngosafety.org and reference “Policy & Research Manager ” in the subject line of the email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please include the following in your application: 

• An up-to-date CV (2 page maximum). 

• A cover letter explaining your motivation and interest in the position. Please explain how you meet the minimum requirements of the role. 

 Please do not send any additional information.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.