Job: Oxfam IBIS is looking for a Senior Advisor on Private Sector Engagement

Private sector’s role in implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and sustainability in general, is crucial. How private companies are managing their businesses is very important for achieving the SDGs. Through engagement in inclusive and sustainable  business models the private sector can provide a very important contribution to sustainable development and socially balanced practices, including integration of equal rights on the labour market, with special attention to women’s’ equal rights.

Oxfam IBIS is engaging in dialogue and sharing of knowledge with private sector stake holders in programme countries, in Denmark and internationally, and with institutional investors as part of our ambition to defining concrete solutions to tackling development challenges and achieving the SDG’s.

As Oxfam IBIS’ Senior Advisor on Private Sector Engagement, you will be responsible for developing and implementing Oxfam IBIS’ overall strategy and concrete initiatives related to engaging and influencing private sector and institutional investors in selected programme countries, in Denmark and internationally on strategic focus areas  such as responsible investments, corporate accountability, taxation, and human rights.

The successful candidate will lead our private sector engagement initiatives in programme countries, in Denmark and internationally in coordination with the wider Oxfam. Further, the candidate will play a key role in our Tax Dialogue project in Denmark and in our research of emblematic cases of major private sector investments in developing countries, analysing development outcomes and assessing compliance with human rights, tax payments, and social and environmental standards. Based on evidence from research, you will support civil society’s dialogue and influencing strategies vis a vis private sector, governments and other institutions, and upon request play a key role in capacity building, influencing, communication, fundraising, and documentation of best practices.

Background
Oxfam IBIS has more than 50 years of experience working with international development. Oxfam IBIS forms part of Oxfam International, one of the most influential INGO, known for effective development programmes in 70+ countries, for being an important humanitarian actor and for its high-end capacity to analyse, communicate and influence.
Oxfam IBIS is in a growth scenario and has a strong track record for making a significant difference in our strategic priority areas. Oxfam IBIS focus on three thematic areas: Education for Active Citizenship; Economic and Social Justice; and Peacebuilding, Rights and Inclusion with a strong focus on gender and youth and a rights based approach. Further, Oxfam IBIS is developing a new humanitarian programme. In Africa, Oxfam IBIS works in six countries in West Africa, in three countries in East Africa, in three countries in North Africa, and in Mozambique, and furthermore has a broad historical engagement in Latin America. Engagement with, and influencing of private sector and investors is increasingly important within all Oxfam IBIS’ focus areas. 

Your key responsibilities and tasks

• Engage and influence Danish and international companies and institutional investors on responsibilities related to Oxfam IBIS’ strategic focus areas such as responsible investments, taxation, corporate accountability, youth employment, and human rights.
• Within Oxfam IBIS and in partnership with relevant Danish and international stakeholders, coordinate with the private sector and develop strategic influencing approaches towards private sector actors.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, reporting and learning of the Tax Dialogue project (Denmark, Ghana, and Kenya).
• In collaboration with Management, Board and relevant colleagues, develop and strengthen Oxfam IBIS’ private sector engagement profile and strategic positioning in Denmark and internationally.
• In close collaboration with the corporate and foundations fundraiser, cultivate and establish joint partnerships with companies and establish constructive dialogues aiming at increasing social responsibility. 
• Elaborate and coordinate strategic research, positions papers and advocacy processes in support of Oxfam IBIS’ and Oxfam international’s agenda on business and human rights in close coordination with partner organisations and Oxfam colleagues.
• Representation on private sector issues, in Danish and international networks, the media, on expert panels as well as within the wider Oxfam International.
• Coordinate and develop joint strategies with the Danish private sector, researchers and NGO networks, in Denmark and internationally.
• Organising high level conferences and meetings with the private sector, investors, civil society, Danish embassies and politicians.
• Lead the development and project management of strategic research and policy briefs in support of Oxfam IBIS’ and Oxfam international’s agenda on business and human rights. 

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in political science, business and politics, development studies, law, or similar areas and a minimum of 5 years working experience.
• Profound understanding of developing countries’ challenges in relation to inequality and poverty, responsible investments, taxation and human rights.
• Deep understanding of the international frameworks and principles guiding private sector responsibilities, e.g. UN Guiding Principles for Business & Human Rights, Danish and European CSR legislation and guidelines, IFS’s Performance Standards, Global Compact; and OECD guidelines for multinational companies.
• Expert liaison, advocacy and engagement skills in relation to private sector actors.
• High level policy analysis, and strategic thinking
• Experience in working with a variety of stakeholders and partner organisations, and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Profound knowledge of the SDG agenda and experience with influencing policy change at Danish and international level.
• Experience with programme cycle and budget management, including working with indicators and results frameworks and donor reporting
• Fluency in Danish and English. Fluency or proficiency in French and/or Spanish will be considered an advantage.
   

Organisation
The position will refer to the International Programme Director and be part of and coordinate closely with Oxfam IBIS’ team on Economic and Social Justice. The successful candidate will coordinate closely with Oxfam’s private sector network, the Tax and Extractive Industry specialist, the Corporate and Foundations Fundraiser, Programme managers for Africa & LAC, colleagues in Public Engagement, and Oxfam’s country offices.
 
Conditions for the employment
The work place will be in Copenhagen at Oxfam IBIS’ headquarters. Travel of up to 60 days per year can be expected.
Salary and working conditions is based on present collective agreement. Pay grading will be based on the level of experience.
Starting date: October  1st 2018.

For further information about the position, please contact Team Coordinator Morten Bisgaard on mail [email protected], or Director of International Programmes Niels Hjortdal [email protected]
 
Application
Please submit your application via the ‘send application’ button and include your motivation letter and CV.
Application deadline: August 15th 2018 at 12.00 AM. Expected interview date: August 23th, 2018.

Please note that only applications received using the link provided will be taken into consideration.
 
Applicants must be nationals of a European Union member State or have a valid work permit for the European Union.
 
Oxfam IBIS is committed to equal employment opportunities and we therefore encourage everybody – irrespective of age, gender and of religious, sexual, national or ethnic affiliation – to apply for this position.