START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally-led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to achieve this vision by making systemic-level shifts in the way humanitarian assistance is approached and delivered. To achieve this, we need a substantial change to the current structure evolving from the centralised structure of today to a dispersed, international network of hubs operating nationally and regionally. Our aims are to see:

LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises. 

NEW FORMS OF FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives. 

COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system. 

We are evolving into a decentralised “network of networks” in line with our vision. We are currently working with five national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations in Pakistan, DRC, Guatemala, India and the Pacific. They are developing locally owned ways of anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises. We aim to support the emergence and development of further hubs in the coming years. Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership and decision making to the hubs, while the central team transitions to become a service provider.  

For more information about our values and strategic priorities, please visit our website. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Network Engagement Officer works to help realise the emergence of locally-led humanitarian hubs around the world, connected by Start Network. It is at the heart of the transition we are making within Start Network to becoming a decentralised and locally-led Network of Networks.

This person will be responsible for coordinating the hubs and the people who drive them; supporting them practically and operationally through incubation into independent entities; and working to spread the word and share learning gained along the way.

Please note that currently we can offer a 12 months fixed-term employment contract but there is a possibility of extension, and more information will be provided during the interview stage.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Hub Operations, Management and Coordination

●       End to end coordination of the Hub Incubation Fund process and other Hub funding and support mechanisms

●       Internal operational coordination across Start Network teams on Hub-related initiatives, communicationsmn and Hub-managed funds

●       Support the Network Development Team on contracting, operational and compliance processes, including developing and maintaining contracts with Hubs, member agencies and consultants.

Hub Support and Engagement

●       In coordination with Senior Network Development Advisors, support hubs through the hub development process, with particular focus on operational issues

●       Work with Membership Officer to support Hubs to bring on board new members

●       Support hubs to engage with Start Network digital infrastructures, including training & sensitisation, and close engagement                                                                                                       

●       Management of hub related digital platforms and tools

●       Work closely with the Governance and Membership Team where needed to ensure strong coordination across Hub membership issues.

Communications, Learning and Events

●       Manage existing and develop new internal and external communications materials, in coordination with the Learning Advisor, Network Development and the Senior Network Development Advisor

●       Support the Learning Advisor, Network Development, with rolling out learning initiatives such as surveys or reflection meetings.

●       Communication with prospective hubs and enquires about the hubs, sharing materials, in coordination with Senior Network Development Advisor

●       Ensure hub members can fully engage with written materials and meetings by managing translation of hub-related content and meeting interpretation

●       Organise Hub related events and meetings

●       Support Hubs to navigate internal and external event logistics

●       Support internal communications, information sharing and advocacy around Hubs, and active engagement in internal and external meetings and fora

Start Network culture

●       To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children

●       A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values and approach

●       The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is part of our culture

PERSON PROFILE AND SKILLS

Essential skills and experience

·      Administration and project management

·      Adaptability, flexibility and patience, working as an empathetic team player, which may require working out of office hours to collaborate with people across different time zones.

·      Attention to detail and organisation

·      Creative thinking and openness

·      Cooperation and collaboration, particularly cross-organisational and cross-cultural engagement with a range of stakeholders  

·      Excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal tactfully and sensitively with a wide range of people in a large organisation, often at a distance

·      Excellent networking and relationship management skills

·      Administration experience

·      Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint

·      Experience of project and financial management; (experience of supporting specifically local and national organisations in managing projects and finances is desirable)

·      Working knowledge of one of the hub languages (desirable)

KEY COMPETENCIES

Communication

●      Flex communication style to convey complex information concisely to different audiences, avoiding jargon and using simple language

Strategic Thinking

●      Actively seek to understand how your role fits into the work of the team and network by asking questions and working on cross-team initiatives

●      Able to plan and deliver flexibly to take account of changing internal and/or external factors by reprioritising and asking for help

Collaboration

●      Clear on own role and responsibilities and can communicate this with others during day-to-day interactions, seeking clarity where needed

●      Embrace diverse perspectives by using collaborative language, recognising and taking account of power dynamics

Leadership of self and others

●      Seek to understand and act upon own areas for growth, reflecting and learning from things that have not gone so well by showing vulnerability and openness to change

Ability to adapt and learn

●      Able to reprioritise and shift focus in response to changing needs of the organisation or network by being aware of how your role sits in the system

 Getting things done the Start Network way

●      Overcome obstacles by taking initiative to identify issues, seeking help to address them and escalating appropriately

●      Make best use of all of available resources, including people, technology and money to enable increased automation, digitisation and value for money

Any offer of employment is subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy statement and candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering the Start Network as well as responding effectively should any harm occur.  We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. 

Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone.  We particularly welcome applications from disabled, black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and LGBT+ and non-binary candidates.  We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Skills section.