Policy & Advocacy Assistant

Job Title: Policy & Advocacy Assistant

Department: Advocacy

Division: NPUS

Duty Station: Washington D.C., U.S. (hybrid)

Administrative Line Manager: U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager

Technical Line Manager: U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager

Line Management Responsibility: N/A

Position Type: Part-time, non-exempt

OVERVIEW

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) reimagines security and civilian protection in areas most impacted by conflict by working alongside communities to interrupt and prevent violence. NP is a global civil society organization that works with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and by helping to transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

Since 2020, NP has worked alongside local communities in the U.S. to interrupt cycles of violence and build bridges across polarized communities. Responsive to community needs, NP builds relationships with community members, leaders, and organizations to identify risks to safety and ways to work together to keep communities safe through nonviolent strategies. These strategies include protective presence, training, safety planning, and rapid response. This work takes us to demonstrations, marches, courts, voting centers, health facilities, pantries, and other public spaces where people may face violence and intimidation. In partnership with local organizations we help build stronger protection networks, coordinate responses to emerging risks and advance the practice of nonviolent community-led approaches to protection in communities across the country.

JOB SUMMARY

Nonviolent Peaceforce U.S. (NPUS) is seeking a Policy and Advocacy Assistant to support NP's Advocacy team within the External Engagement function. The Policy and Advocacy Assistant will support NP’s advocacy to the U.S. government and the broader work of the global Policy and Advocacy team, with a special focus on the federal appropriations process. Under the supervision of the U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager the Policy and Advocacy Assistant will represent NP in coalition meetings, submit congressional appropriations requests, and meet with congressional staffers to educate on the importance of key foreign assistance funds. The role will support NP’s mission and advocacy for the use of UCP methodologies through legislative, policy, and other advocacy opportunities. Training and feedback will be provided.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Federal Advocacy

• Complete research on the impacts of U.S. government foreign aid funding
• Submit federal appropriations requests to key congressional offices
• Educate congressional staffers on the roles of key foreign aid accounts
• Draft advocacy materials based on NP’s program and policy work
• Track legislative developments and relevant committee hearings
• Reviewing and summarizing key policies, statements, and other documents related to given conflict contexts

Coalition Engagement

• Represent NP in meetings and events with civil society. Take notes and prepare meeting readouts.
• Support NP’s programmatic teams in participating in broader civil society organizing efforts

Administrative Support

• Support preparation for events
• Assist with data management tasks
• Format public documents
• Additional advocacy projects as needed

COMMITMENT TO NP PRINCIPLES

All NP employees are expected to uphold work in alignment with the organization’s guiding principles:

• Nonviolence
• Non-partisanship
• Primacy of local actors
• Civilian-to-civilian action
  

These principles and beliefs guide our actions and relationships, supporting our mission to protect civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies

QUALIFICATIONS

• Well-versed in advocacy strategies and forums

• Understanding of U.S. Government legislative process

• Knowledge of current events and social issues, an interest in civilian protection and nonviolent methods

• Current or recent graduate student preferred

• Previous experience with U.S. congressional appropriations process is a significant advantage

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Independent Judgement/Analytical
• Ability to manage information with discretion
• Ability to set priorities, solve problems, and analyze information
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal
• Flexible, energetic, and adaptable
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships
• Information Technology
• Ability to use the MS Office Suite, email, and the internet proficiently
• Strong communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills in English
• Experience working with multicultural teams
• Ability to clearly articulate complex ideas to policymakers and colleagues
• Clear, concise writing skills
• Able to follow written and verbal directions well, able to work autonomously
• Commitment to work cooperatively and grow personally
• Commitment to the mission of Nonviolent Peaceforce

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and/or printer.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to work in small or enclosed spaces.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

NP's Commitment

• Mentorship & Feedback
• Supervision
• Opportunities to participate in meetings and projects aligned with the candidate's interests

Experiences Offered

• High-level policy analysis skills and exposure to advocacy strategy
• Work with and contribute to an international nongovernmental organization
• Deeper understanding of humanitarian protection principles and programming
• Belong to a community committed to learning and growing together
• Work in a professional atmosphere

This is a temporary part-time hourly position expected to run January 2027-May 2027. Selected candidate will be expected to work 15-19 weekly with at least one day a week in-person at NP’s DC office.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is Wednesday November 4, 2026.
• The anticipated start date for this role is Monday, January 11, 2027.
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritize ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organization.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.