Director, Government Relations and Public Policy, LAC

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is seeking a talented professional for the role of Director, Government Relations and Public Policy, LAC. This position will be remotely-based within a country in the Latin America region where Habitat has an entity to legally hire (Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica), and the employee can legally work on a local contract.

Responding to the Senior Director Programs, this position leads the development, planning and execution of government relations and advocacy strategies aimed at transforming policies, systems, and attitudes to eliminate barriers to adequate housing in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In alignment with Habitat’s strategic priorities, this role includes leading the development of capacity in National Organizations to initiate, strengthen or expand their advocacy efforts and contribute to greater Habitat for Humanity (HFH) influence. Additionally, the position involves direct engagement with regional and sub-regional stakeholders, including multilateral organizations, governments, coalitions, academia, development agencies and private sector bodies, to promote a housing sector that better responds to the people in need of adequate housing.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead LAC government relations and advocacy strategy: Oversee the development, planning and implementation of a government relations and advocacy strategy and agenda for HFH in LAC, in alignment with regional and global strategic frameworks and influencing priorities.
• Foster locally led advocacy: Ensure capacity building within Habitat entities in LAC to initiate, strengthen or expand their advocacy efforts, driving greater HFH influence and impact. This includes supporting entities to integrate advocacy into their strategic planning and facilitating capacity development to influence federal and local governments, the private sector, peers, advocates and communities, according to local contexts.
• Lead regional influence: Take responsibility for Habitat’s strategic engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders at regional and sub-regional levels, including but not limited to multilateral organizations, international development agencies, academic institutions, coalitions, business chambers and impact investors.
• Promote HFH positioning: Continuously monitor and leverage opportunities to position HFH as a thought leader an expert in affordable housing in the region. This includes securing public speaking opportunities for senior leaders and experts, publishing articles, co-hosting events, among others.
• External relations: Develop and maintain strong relations with key regional advocacy organizations and networks to ensure that HFHI is well positioned as a credible and influential player in the region
• Advocacy metrics, reporting and monitoring: ensure adequate reporting of advocacy-related activities within the region according to HFHI tracking and reporting systems. Monitor progress against established goals and lead adaptive actions when necessary.
• Ensure integration to HFHI network: Engage and coordinate with various HFHI departments (Government Relations and Advocacy, TCIS, Comms, Program Effectiveness, Area Offices, and others) to ensure alignment with global initiatives and effective use of global resources.
  
  

Education, Qualifications, and Experience

Minimum Required

• Master’s degree in related fields, such as International Development, Public Policy, Economic Development, Public Relations, etc.
• At least 10 years of related experience in multi-country environments, with demonstrated expertise influencing key system actors in development sectors.
• Strong knowledge of the housing ecosystem in the region
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience speaking at conferences and forums.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, play leadership roles in convenings and facilitating groups.
  
  

Preferred:

• Knowledge and experience in housing policies
• Experience working in global organizations with a federated network.
• Training and experience in systems thinking and systems change
• Proficiency in Portuguese.
  
  

Active support of HFHI Values:

• Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
• Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
• Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
  
  

Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.