CONCORDIA Sozialprojekte Gemeinnützige Privatstiftung (CONCORDIA Social Projects) is looking for an International Advocacy Coordinator (full-time).
CONCORDIA is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families facing hardship in Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Kosovo and Austria. Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through advocacy, support systems, and empowerment.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated colleague to support our international programme team.
Job Title: International Advocacy Coordinator
Location: Flexible in Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova or Kosovo Reports to: International Programme Director
Position Overview:
The International Advocacy Coordinator will lead CONCORDIA's international advocacy efforts in close collaboration with the project countries and the DACH offices. This role focuses on advancing the current advocacy priorities of CONCORDIA, e.g. child protection, youth empowerment, and child poverty reduction, by influencing global, European, and national policies. You will play a critical role in shaping our international advocacy strategy and agenda, developing advocacy campaigns towards international stakeholders, coordinating with internal and external key actors, participating in relevant national and international events and promoting meaningful child and youth participation in decision-making processes and support the technical capacities in advocacy in the CONCORDIA countries where this need is identified. This position requires expertise in advocacy, child and youth rights, and cross-departmental and cross-country collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- International Advocacy Strategy & Implementation:
- Develop and lead the implementation of CONCORDIA’s global advocacy strategy, currently focused on child protection, youth participation, and poverty alleviation.
- Engage with national advocacy teams in their efforts on national, regional and international platforms.
- Identify emerging topics relevant to child, youth, and family policy and shape CONCORDIA’s response.
- Policy Analysis & Campaigns:
- Monitor and research relevant policy developments across CONCORDIA’s regions (Romania, Bulgaria, Republic of Moldova, Kosovo, and Austria) and internationally.
- Lead advocacy activities, campaigns, and events, aligning them with national and global movements and EU policies.
- Draft and disseminate policy briefs, position papers, and reports to key stakeholders, including the EU institutions.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Representation:
- Mapping of the stakeholders of the organisation for advocacy efforts;
- Represent CONCORDIA in international networks, coalitions, and working groups, fostering partnerships with other civil society organisations.
- Engage with the European Commission, Parliament, and Council to influence policies supporting vulnerable children and families.
- Facilitate child and youth participation in advocacy activities, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest policy levels.
- Technical training on advocacy:
- Conduct and/or organise advocacy training sessions for national staff, partners, children and youth, equipping them to participate in policy discussions and campaigns.
- Coordinate seminars and webinars for internal teams and external stakeholders to build understanding of advocacy strategies and policy developments.
- Collaborative Leadership:
- Work cross-departmentally and cross-country to support CONCORDIA’s communication efforts, ensuring advocacy goals are reflected in external communications, media, and digital platforms.
- Collaborate with fundraising teams to align advocacy objectives with project funding applications and overall programme development.
- Track and report on the effectiveness of advocacy efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Prepare and present policy proposals and advocacy strategies to CONCORDIA’s International Leadership Team and board.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in international relations, political science, social work, or a related field.
- Proven experience (3+ years) in policy advocacy, preferably within an international NGO and/or organisation working with children, youth, and families.
- Knowledge of European and international institutions, human rights frameworks, research and social policies.
- Knowledge of the political and social contexts of the project countries.
- Strong understanding of child protection, youth participation, and poverty reduction policies.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement advocacy strategies at national and international levels.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience in public speaking, writing policy briefs, and representing organisations.
- Ability to work in cross-cultural settings, with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
- Fluency in English required and an additional language (e.g., Bulgarian, Romanian, Albanian, German).
- Ability to travel frequently.
- Experience in managing advocacy campaigns, monitoring legislation, and coordinating multi-stakeholder events.
- Familiarity with digital advocacy tools and platforms is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
At CONCORDIA, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children, youth, and families. You will be part of a passionate, collaborative team working across Europe to influence change at the highest levels. We offer flexibility, growth opportunities, and the chance to lead meaningful advocacy efforts on a global scale.
How to Apply:
Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivation to eva.okonofua@concordia.or.at by November 22, 2024. Please include "International Advocacy Coordinator Application" in the subject line.
