CIVICUS Policy and Advocacy Officer

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is one of the leading and most diverse international civil society networks, with members and partners in more than 100 countries and a staff of 35 people from over 20 countries. CIVICUS implements a range of programmatic activities focusing on strengthening civil society and its role in governance and development worldwide. It also serves as a convener of global civil society leaders through its annual World Assembly.

CIVICUS is seeking to recruit a Policy and Advocacy Officer to facilitate CIVICUS’ policy development and advocacy activities. Responsibilities entail interpreting and synthesising information related to global political developments and major civil society concerns with a view to crafting policy positions and recommendations to decision-makers and key stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to engage in lobbying and campaigning activities to strengthen the space available for meaningful civil society engagement at local, regional and international levels in line with CIVICUS’ mission and strategic directions.

Specific job objectives include:

• Carry out critical research and analysis of policy debates and political developments at the global, regional and national level to craft organisational positions, briefing papers, statements, opinion pieces and editorials on behalf of CIVICUS;
• Assist with the coordination of CIVICUS’ Civil Society Watch project which tracks threats to civil society and human rights defenders globally with a view to carrying out strategic advocacy and solidarity activities;
• Consult with CIVICUS’ external stakeholders and internal units towards developing and refining organisational policy and advocacy priorities;
• Contribute to the development of CIVICUS’ lobbying and campaigning strategies and ensure their implementation at international, regional and national levels;
• Facilitate and support CIVICUS’ members and partners in their policy making and lobbying activities;
• Engage with policy makers and CIVICUS’ stakeholders at external forums and assist with CIVICUS’ representational activities.

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, knowledge, skills and work related experience:

Qualifications and experience:

• Masters degree in international law, development or social sciences;
• Minimum of five years working experience in the civil society sector;
• Demonstrated work experience include campaigning, lobbying and policy engagement, stakeholder management in civil society, project management, advocacy and representing an organisation at various levels.

Knowledge required:

• Job related knowledge includes public policy, international affairs, development issues pertaining to civil society, communications tools, and advocacy theories and principles.

Skills required:

• Job related skills includes negotiation skills, verbal and written communication skills, relationship building, analytical skills, presentation skills, time management, intercultural and interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure and to work with multiple agendas.

Desirable:

• French and/or Spanish language skills would be desirable.

Location:  Johannesburg, South Africa.

Start date: As soon as possible

Duration: Initially a 2 year contract will be offered

Job grade: Paterson, C Upper

Salary: Salary offered ranges between USD$35 314 – USD$40 211 per annum depending on the level of relevant skills and experience.

Application process:
Submit a motivational cover letter, a detailed CV and contact details of three current referees tohumanresources@civicus.org by Monday, 06 January 2014.  Confirm that you agree to the conducting of reference and background checks. CIVICUS holds reference reports in the strictest of confidence.

Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.