Policy Director

Policy Director

Job description

The Bank Information Center (BIC) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Washington, DC that advocates for transparency, accountability, sustainability, and inclusion in development finance. We partner with civil society in developing and transition countries to monitor and influence the policies and operations of the World Bank Group and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDB). In partnership with international, regional, and local civil society organizations (CSOs), BIC conducts research and advocacy aimed at reforming and improving MDB policy and practice. BIC is a wholly independent civil society organization, not part of any MDB and does not receive funding from any MDB or government.

BIC is seeking a passionate and dynamic Policy Director to lead its policy work on issues related to transparency, accountability, sustainability and inclusion at the MDBs. The position will have responsibility for directing BIC’s policy work across the organization and leading BIC’s engagement with the US Government, particularly in Congress. The Policy Director will work closely with the Social Inclusion Director and Environment Director, and other staff to develop clear policy asks that are consistent across the organization and are backed up by well designed advocacy plans.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct BIC’s Policy work across programs with support from the Executive Director. This includes:
• Work with staff leading campaigns on child protection, forest conservation, education, health, social inclusion, accountability, etc. to develop policy asks that are consistent across the organization, 
• Work closely with staff to prepare publications and policy documents that are coherent and effective 
• With support from staff, monitor ongoing policy reviews at the IFIs to identify opportunities for BIC to engage and to provide timely policy analysis to enable effective advocacy for all of our campaigns
• Provide support to BIC staff that are working with partners to monitor MDB funded projects to raise concerns identified in these projects to decision makers and to turn lessons learned from project monitoring into broader policy asks
• Cultivate lasting relationships with policymakers and stakeholders. This includes:
• Lead BIC’s engagement with US Government and Congressional offices
• With support from BIC’s Executive Director, develop relationships with advisors in offices of key MDB Executive Directors and decision makers within MDB management
• Serve as co-chair of a working group of NGOs engaged on issues related to International Financial Institutions and US Government
• Coordinate BIC’s engagement in a wide range of coalitions
• Serve as a member of BIC’s  senior management team, reporting to the Executive Director and managing 2-4 staff

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years experience engaging in policy and advocacy campaigns with at least two years playing a leadership role
• Experience with, understanding of, and interest in working on issues related to International Financial Institutions
• Experience carrying out advocacy aimed at US Government and Congress
• Masters degree or equivalent in relevant field including international relations, law
• Understanding of policy analysis and how to build a successful policy campaign
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build coalitions of organizations with diverse interests
• Self-starter who is able to take initiative and independently manage multiple workstreams
• Ability to work in the United States
• Openness to travel up to four weeks per year, when doing so is deemed safe and appropriate by public health officials
• Enthusiasm and dedication to BIC’s mission