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.

CIVICUS Communication 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.

We have an exciting position in our communication team for a Communication Officer  that will carry out a variety of communication activities and provide advice and support to a range of projects. Our work is dynamic and exciting and to join our team you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have an active interest in civil society and citizen action.

Specific job objectives include:

• Provide communication advice and support for CIVICUS projects, and participate as a full member in project teams;
• Develop communication and media strategies for projects, campaigns and events;
• Write and edit copy for communication products, including media statements, op-eds, newsletters, reports, mailers, and other products for a variety of audiences;
• Contribute to media monitoring, analyse media coverage and identify media opportunities;
• Co-ordinate production of communication products including newsletters, brochures, reports and mailers;
• Generate social media output and guide staff and partners on the use of social media.
• Write and edit online copy and manage webpages through a content management system (CMS);
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and work to amplify the voices of civil society based on stakeholder needs;
• Develop and use innovative tools and promotional material for effective knowledge sharing, lobbying, campaigning, networking and resource mobilisation;
• Assist with event management;
• Assist with selecting and managing suppliers;
• Assist with other communication unit tasks as may arise.

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

Qualifications and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree with major subjects in either Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, a related field or related work experience;
• At least 5-6 years demonstrated experience across a range of communication functions (e.g. writing, editing, media, corporate communication).

Knowledge required:

• Job related knowledge includes public relations and media, branding and marketing, social/digital media, publishing (print and electronic), production, and impact monitoring;
• Knowledge and understanding of  civil society and the non profit or development sector.

Skills required:

• Job related skills includes excellent English writing, editing and proofreading, strategy/planning, social media and online communication, attention to detail, time management and MS office tools.

Desireable:

• 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.