Advocacy Officer

MISSION:

The humanitarian aid organization Arzte der Welt e. V. is the German division of the international network Medecins du Monde/Doctors of the World (MdM). The 17 national members of the network implement domestic and international health care projects, currently almost 340 projects in 75 countries around the world.

MdM provides emergency medical aid in disaster and crisis situations, supports access to health care and, if possible, assists with reconstruction measures. The network is also active in risk reduction and preparedness as well as long-term development co-operations in neglected regions around the world that receive little public attention. MdM ensures that its health services are provided equally to the most vulnerable citizens, refugees, internally displaced people and host communities, regardless of their ethnic, social, religious or political background. 

MdM has been operating in Ukraine since 2015, targeting the most vulnerable communities and people by improving access and quality of health care services for the population. Since February 2022 MdM has restructured its setting in Ukraine and adjusted the programme accordingly. Currently MdM GE maintains a coordination office in Dnipro and field offices in Vinnytsia. The emergency response in Ukraine is currently implemented around two main components: direct delivery of services through multidisciplinary mobile units (including PHC, SRH, MHPSS and support to GBV survivors) to IDPs and strengthening the local health system through distribution of medicines and medical supplies to several hospitals and primary health care facilities. 

 GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE OF INTERVENTION:

The Advocacy Officer is based in Dnipro, with frequent travels to other locations within Ukraine

 ORGANIZATION CHART

Line Manager: Medical Coordinator . 

 JOB SUMMARY

:The Advocacy Officer is responsible for developing and implementing advocacy activities of MdM Germany in Ukraine, in close cooperation with other MdM chapters present in the country. 

 MdM is committed to realizing the right to health for all, not only by providing healthcare to marginalized and vulnerable populations, but also by advocating for the right to health vis-a-vis policy makers to ensure that the state follows its obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human right to health.

Development and implementation of the advocacy initiatives

• Act as a focal point for the advocacy activities of MdM Germany, with the aim to improve Ukrainian legislation related to healthcare rights of people of Ukraine.
  • Establish liaison with key national and local level governmental and non-governmental healthcare stakeholders for the advocacy initiatives of MdM Germany, and, upon agreement, other MdM chapters.
  • Keep active dialogue with representatives of local and regional healthcare systems, to identify key advocacy issues at the respective local levels.
  • Compile and analyze national and international law related to healthcare rights.
  • Compile legal and administrative processes and practices in relation to the laws and regulation relevant to the protection of the healthcare rights of the people of Ukraine; write thematic reports on healthcare rights related issues in need for advocacy interventions
  • Systematically collect and analyze other information relevant for use in evidenced based advocacy and other purposes.
  • Identify key issues and gaps in policy or practice, mapping stakeholders (government, NGOs, donors, community leaders) to promote advocacy activities; prioritize target audiences and decision-makers.
  • Create and follow-up advocacy action plan for the MdM GE mission in Ukraine, in close collaboration with advocacy focal points of other MdM chapters working in Ukraine.
  • Initiate regular exchange with MdM staff on the key barriers to healthcare for all.
  • Elaborate evidence-based advocacy materials highlighting advocacy messages based on the field data of MdM Germany and other MdM chapters working in Ukraine, on the different areas of the strategy.
  • Draft and review position papers, legal recommendations, etc. as per requirements of the advocacy process.
    • Propose and contribute to media interventions when related to advocacy purposes: press briefings, press releases and statements targeting media.
    • Report on key advocacy issues to MdM advocacy staff in Germany and inform about issues that can be targeted through German policy makers.
    • Participate in the regular MdM inter-chapter meetings/calls, related to Advocacy.
      • In coordination with the MdM HQs advocacy focal points, HQs Communications departments and communication focal points at field level, support drafting of press releases and social media content designed for advocacy purposes.
      • Contribute to defining advocacy goals and objectives of MdM mission in Ukraine.
      • Provide inputs to project proposals and reports. 
      • Support in information dissemination and outreach activities to ensure active participation of the people of concern in the advocacy process.
      • Organize and contribute to round tables and other advocacy events.
      • Cooperate with UN agencies, INGOs and national NGOs as needed.

 Capacity building

• Sensitize the field teams about advocacy work and involve them in advocacy actions, such as briefings, and train the field teams to collect testimonies.
• Support and capacity building MdM local partnerships, especially in advocacy.
• Encourage the field teams to participate in and produce communication material.
• Provide advocacy, humanitarian principles and IHL training for the field teams.

  Other Tasks/Responsibilities

• Represent MdM GE in external coordination meetings and establish/maintain good relationships and regular contacts with national/regional stakeholders.
• At the request of the General Coordinator, provide support during assessments, surveys and/or field visits.
• Contribute to the monthly situation report (SITREP).
• Participate actively in regular MdM meetings.
• Contribute to the compliance with security rules on the mission and share all information related to security with the General Coordinator.

Candidate requirements:

• University graduate/post-graduate degree in Law or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of working experience in Ukraine.
• At least one year of working experience with an NGO or UN agency, in a position directly related to advocacy.
• Solid knowledge of Ukrainian legislation in the healthcare sector.
• Proven experience of working with laws and other legal documents.
• Full working proficiency in English and Ukrainian.
• Analytical mindset and good writing skills.

• Ability to work quickly, under pressure, and with short deadlines
• Necessity to manage priorities and to adapt them daily according to the context
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment-
• Ability to listen and share opinions if asked
• Good communication skills
• Team player
• Alignment with principles and ethics of Arzte der Welt

AVAILABILITY

Incorporation date: ASAP

Fixed term contract with possibility of extension depending on funding

Only applications submitted in English will be considered.

If a response to the application is not received within 15 days, such application shall be deemed rejected.

Our organisation welcomes people with disability to apply and be part of our team. The candidates with disability will be given an advantage during the selection process compared to the candidates with the same level of qualification.

Please note:

Doctors of the World promotes equal opportunities for all people. We adhere to a policy of positive regard for people who, due to a functional difference or social and/or cultural backgrounds, belong to groups that are underrepresented in the positions offered.

Therefore, no candidate who meets the professional requirements will be excluded from the selection process based on functional differences, social or cultural origin, race or ethnicity, sex, gender, or any other social or cultural characteristic.