JOB VACANCY: Regional Advocacy Associate

Start Date:     As soon as possible

Duration:        3 months with possibility of extension

Location:        Remotely working 26 hours a week   

Reports To:    Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer

About SIHA

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a coalition of civil society organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Somaliland. SIHA was founded in 1995 by a collection of women’s groups with the view of strengthening the capacities of women organizations in the Horn of Africa countries. SIHA advocates for social change and gender equality for men and women in the Horn region and works specifically on: gender equality, women rights activism, women economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting human rights, peace building and conflict transformation, enhancing women’s leadership and political participation and the production and dissemination of knowledge. More information about SIHA is available at sihanet.org.

Job Summary

The Regional Advocacy Associate will report to the Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer and will work with the entire regional team at the SIHA secretariat. The ‘RAA’ will serve as a critical member of the Regional Advocacy team, supporting the staff on the team including: Regional Director, Regional Programme Coordinator and the Regional Advocacy and Communications Officer. The ‘RAA’ will also provide broad support to the other members of the team, and provide general support and handle other communications and advocacy duties as necessary.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the SIHA team on the understanding of the political, social and cultural analysis of the region incorporating this into statements, briefs and material that can be shared widely;
• Support SIHA’s advocacy and communications function in the implementation and monitoring of all campaigns being conducted within the Horn of Africa region;
• Support all advocacy activities to enhance SIHA’s visibility at both national and international level;
• Support the development of communication materials, including briefing materials and press releases, for SIHA events in coordination with relevant staff members;
• Contribute to the development of policy papers, press statements, gender alerts and briefings required for SIHA advocacy, as well as occasional contribution to public statements, press releases, and other outreach communications;
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the quarterly SIHA Regional newsletter and assist the different Area Coordinators in development of the in-country bulletins;
• Support the development, planning and organization of advocacy activities for SIHA and joint SIHA campaigns;
• Support development of messaging on issues on women rights, challenging all forms of violence against women and girls, and gender equality – as laid out in the SIHA strategy and approaches of programming;
• Support in drawing campaign strategies and work-plans with monthly highlights following the different regional and in-country campaigns schedule;
• Support in collaboration with network members and stakeholder partners on coordination of advocacy and campaign activities;
• Support in the creation of advocacy activities and campaign production schedules, including social media, monitor activity and notify stakeholders of relevant outcomes and plans;
• Contribute to creation of messages and productions to be used in the media, outreach and commemorative events;

Profile

• Strong command of the English language preferably have English as her/his mother tongue

• The candidate for this position should have strong knowledge and understanding of the Horn of Africa, specifically, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia.
• Strong writing skills, A commitment to women’s rights and the principles of gender equality and interest in social movements is essential; SIHA will be interested in individual applicants with commitment to indigenous civil society and in growing and inclusive civil space in the Horn and eastern of Africa and it is essentiality in facilitating and enabling  women’s rights and development across the Horn of Africa. Be up-to-date with global, continental, regional and national (including at local level) issues on gender equality to ensure proper and immediate advocacy response;

Other Requirements

• Strong combination of studies and work experience in the fields of women, human rights and development in the African context, East and Horn of Africa;
• Strong political orientation and understanding of the regional dynamics
• Have at least 3 to 5 years of work experience in the field of gender and/or development cooperation preferably within civil society, human rights NGOs or donor organizations, with preference being focused work in the human rights field and similar sectors;
• Strong academic background, with a bachelor’s education preferably;
• Flexibility and ability to shift priorities based on changes of context;
• Good understanding of the Horn of Africa political and social context, and knowledge of the regional and international mechanisms/dynamics influencing the region;
• Strong writing skills – fluency in written and spoken English is a prerequisite, with knowledge of other regional languages an added value;
• Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills;
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Have the willingness to travel around the region, often in areas affected by conflict or instability;
• Previous exposure to international and/or multicultural /multilingual environment –Able to function effectively within a multi-cultural team;
• Strong sense of initiative and creativity is desirable;
• Curiosity, willingness to ‘learn while doing’ and a strong and genuine interest in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Horn women and girls and their strengths and challenges, is essential;

SIHA is committed to offer a fair remuneration based on qualifications and experience

To Apply

Interested Candidates are asked to provide their current CV and Cover Letter, expressing her/his motivation in applying and relevant experience/expertise, to SIHA’s Human Resources Department humanresourcesiha@gmail.com by 12^th June 2019. Please enter “Application Materials: SIHA Regional Advocacy Associate” in the subject line.

We thank you for your interest in joining SIHA!