Job Description

Purpose:
The Advocacy Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing effective advocacy strategies that align with the organization’s overall goals. This will involve conducting in-depth analysis of the policy landscape, identifying key stakeholders, and crafting compelling messages to advance the organization’s objectives. The Advocacy Officer will also play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the impact of advocacy initiatives to ensure they are contributing to positive development. Additionally, the Advocacy Officer will need to collaborate effectively with other departments or teams within the organization to ensure that advocacy efforts are aligned with broader organizational goals. Furthermore, they will be expected to have experience in responding to crises or challenges related to advocacy issues, such as negative media coverage or setbacks in policy reforms.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Strengthen and support lobbying and advocacy initiatives and engagements with government, local authorities, civil society, private sector, media, academia and citizens.
- Identify relevant networks, platforms and stakeholders, develop and maintain stakeholder relationships, and attend, convene and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings.
- Prepare and facilitate multi-level and multi-stakeholder meetings, policy dialogues, workshops and trainings, as required.
- Conduct in-depth policy research and analysis, develop evidence-based recommendations and key messages, prepare and dispatch a variety of credible advocacy materials (reports, policy briefs, position papers etc.), and make presentations to relevant audiences.
- Monitor the operational environment, track relevant policy development/implementation processes at local, national and international levels, and support management and project staff in identifying opportunities and challenges for policy influencing.
- Support management and project staff in designing and implementing high impact advocacy projects, strategies and frameworks with S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound).
- Design and implement communication campaigns/strategies and arrange and conduct media engagements to promote the work and key messages of the organisation.
- Develop and disseminate tailor-made information content to a variety of stakeholders, the media and wider public (e.g. press releases, project updates, stories of change, newsletter).
- Regularly update and share engaging content on the website and social media handles, attract relevant audiences, and track and analyse content engagements and interactions.
- Guide and support project staff in collecting, compiling, editing and packaging information and media content required for communications purposes.

Qualifications and Experience

Requirements (Qualification, Experience and Skills):
- Degree in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other relevant fields from a reputable institution
- At least 3 years relevant work experience in civil society or the public sector, with proven experience in advocacy/policy influencing.
- Knowledge and experience in natural resource governance, right to food and food systems, local governance, irrigation scheme governance and/or conflict management are an added advantage
- Skills and experiences in communications/media editing are an added advantage
- Excellent analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, diligence and integrity
- Excellent communication skills and good team player
- Strong time-management skills and ability to pro-actively set targets and self-organise work
- Well spoken and written English

How to Apply

- Well spoken and written English

If you are interested to work in a small team of dedicated colleagues and have the necessary qualification, experience and attitude, we are looking forward to receiving your CV and application letter via email by the 2nd of September 2024. In your application letter please indicate the position you are applying for, outline your motivation and the special attributes, skills or work experiences which distinguish you from other applicants. Credible references are essential. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Kindly email your application to [email protected]