Policy & Engagement Advisor at IREX

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

The Policy & Engagement Advisor will engage public sector officials at the local, regional, and national level to understand, expand and improve efforts to design, adopt and enforce youth-centered government policy. The Advisor will track Ukrainian laws, regulations, frameworks, standards, and other government policies designed to support youth as civically and economically active citizens to ensure that all UNITY activities are compliant with current guidance, and to engage policy makers to identify areas of public policy improvement. S/he will collect best examples of effective youth policies and best practices of its implementation at local and regional level, identify applicable international good practices and advise on innovative approaches in youth policy. The Advisor will lead or coordinate UNITY advocacy efforts for the policy changes that support UNITY goals.

The Policy & Engagement Advisor will also work closely with the UNITY Research and Learning team to ensure that UNITY data and research aligns with the needs of Ukrainian policymakers who are responsible for laws, regulations, frameworks, standards, and other government policies designed to support youth as civically and economically active citizens. The Policy & Engagement Advisor will ensure that UNITY data and research is packaged and disseminated to reach and inform the maximum number of local, regional and national-level policymakers, and that appropriate trainings, workshops, and forums engage policymakers to build their skills in using reliable data for decision making related to youth policy. They will track how UNITY data is used by the public sector officials and the resulting outcomes.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, economics, sociology, political science, or similar field.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive job experience. or a master’s degree and 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience working at multiple levels of Ukrainian public sector is a plus.
• Strong background on governance and public sector is preferred.
• Experience on working on policy issues in Ukraine and strong advocacy skills.
• Experience in outreach and communication through social networks, media, as well as off-line channels.
• Proven experience managing multiple complex programming in a demanding, time-sensitive work environment.
• Able to work independently and as a team member with the ability to take initiative and be flexible.
• Strong representational and organizational skills.
• Proficient in relevant computer applications, such as MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel) and modern communications tools (internet, email, social media, and teleconferencing).
• Strong planning and organizing skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong command of spoken and written Ukrainian.
• Working level of English is preferred, strong command of English would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel.
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Ukraine.

Your Daily Tasks

• Develop a robust network of local, regional, and national public officials and engage them in UNITY activities.
• Coordinate development and adoption of participatory and data-driven youth policies, including youth development programs, at local, regional, and national levels.
• Support UNITY participating hromadas with developing and implementing quality youth programs.
• Track youth-focused laws, regulations, frameworks, standards, and other government policies designed to support youth as civically and economically active citizens, including but not limited to youth engagement in recovery and reconstruction efforts.
• Assist with presentation and dissemination of program data collected by IREX and UNITY partners to a public sector audience.
• Maintain effective communication with diverse public sector program stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels, from hromadas to line ministries.
• Translate UNITY practices into policies by drafting policy recommendations and opinion papers, reviewing, and providing feedback to policy initiatives and legislative documents related to youth.
• Participate in various policy development or policy implementation working groups.
• Identify changes and/or amendments to legislation and policies that facilitate an enabling environment for youth and advance UNITY goals.
• Identify and engage stakeholders and coordinate or lead national or regional advocacy efforts that support UNITY goals.
• Provide technical oversight of advocacy and policy related initiatives (implemented directly or by subgrantees).
• Contribute to development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Other support duties as needed.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.