ACORD's response to the challenges of Africa is firmly based on a belief that people themselves are the agents of change and actors of their own development. People's ability to take action on the causes of poverty is what will transform Africa's future. This belief underpins ACORD's practical work, its research methodologies and policy advocacy. ACORD works in partnership with local civil society and communities and in alliance with other organizations in Africa and the rest of the world.
Job Summary
This position is located in London and part of the ACORD Programming Team. The aim is the implementation of the policy and advocacy plans designated for UK and Europe in general in close collaboration with the Pan-African programme team based in Nairobi. Under the supervision of the Head of Policy & Advocacy, the Policy and Advocacy Advisor will play a role of leadership in development of agreed research and advocacy agenda in the UK and more broadly in Europe. This includes research, intelligence gathering, media, partnership and alliance building, popular mass mobilisation and lobby work, as well as capacity building, learning and knowledge management. The Policy and Advocacy Advisor shall lead this work in close collaboration with the rest of the policy and advocacy team in Nairobi, and in country and regional programmes across Africa.
Specific Responsibilities
PROGRAMMING
In close collaboration with the Head of Policy & Advocacy, develop a clear strategy of positioning the agreed Africa Led policy and advocacy agenda in UK and Europe in general; and an implementation plan for its efficient delivery;
Develop and implement an Annual Operational Plan and budget as part of the process of achieving the annual milestones towards the outcomes and objectives of the Pan-African Program;
Keep abreast of Research and policies development and debates in Europe, relevant to the issues pertinent to ACORD, particularly issues of food sovereignty, gender justice, HIV & Aids, conflict and relevant linkages, and maintain a regular process of feeding the ACORD Pan-African Program Team and Area Programmes;
Keep abreast of Research and policies development and debates in Europe, relevant to the issues pertinent to ACORD, particularly issues of food sovereignty, gender justice, HIV & Aids, conflict and relevant linkages, and maintain a regular process of feeding the ACORD Pan-African Program Team and Area Programmes;
Develop and maintain sustained Partnerships and Alliances with Civil Society Organisations and Social Movements in the UK and Europe in general to advance the advocacy agenda of ACORD, especially those engaged on the same issues as ACORD, and support relevant links with the pan African movement;
Develop and implement a lobbying and advocacy strategy and plans towards critical actors and "change makers" in the UK and Europe;
In collaboration with the ACORD policy and advocacy team based in Nairobi, support the preparation of advocacy materials, including policy briefs, position papers, communication messages, position statement and any other material relevant to the ongoing campaign;
Raise sustained public profile of ACORD and its agenda through creating, developing and maintaining good relations with the media in Europe;
Be part of the CSOs and other social movements' processes that are relevant to ACORD policy work and position ACORD agenda and partners. These would be in priority the UK and European food groups, the trade justice movement, gender justice, conflict and gender movement;
Represent ACORD in UN ECOSOC processes and others as an accredited member and keep abreast and position ACORD agenda in the forum;
Facilitate farmers, partners and staff of ACORD in Africa to engage in relevant processes, and policy debate in Europe
FUNDING AND MANAGEMENT
In collaboration with the Partnership Development Unit, search the external environment and contribute to mobilize sufficient resources for implementation of the Pan-African Program through participation in concept and proposal writing;
Manage the approved budget for the Pan-African programme allocated for the Northern area within the approved annual work plan (as agreed with the Head of Policy & Advocacy on an annual basis);
Produce regular monthly update and bi-annual, annual narrative and financial report for the Pan-African Program.
Support any additional donor reporting activities for the Pan-African program in compliance with agreements between ACORD and donors;
Promote information sharing in relation to the food sovereignty initiative;
Download:
Job description | Application form
Competencies and skills requirements
Masters in Social Sciences, Sustainable Development or Agricultural Sciences; International Relations or Communication, Law or related field
Minimum of 4 years of experience in advocacy program in the NGO sector and social movement with international NGOs or institutions;
Sustained experience in popular mobilization and Policy Advocacy work at International level especially on issues related to economic justice, other relevant issues;
Relevant experience in policy analysis, lobbying and media work;
Experience in networking and partnership and capacity in partnership management
Bilingual: English-French spoken and written is an essential requirement for the position
Excellent Communication (written and oral) and Public Relations skills
High level of conceptual, strategic thinking and analysis;
Very good understanding of economic and gender justice at the level of Policy influence in the European and international arena and good understanding of African realities
Highly conversant with Civil Society and Social Movement approaches on issues economic justice and gender justice
Good organisational, research, negotiation and analytical capabilities
Please complete an application form and e-mail it with a detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to recruit@acordinternational.org with the job title in the subject box.
Closing Date: 2nd May 2011.
Apply to:
Human Resources & Organisational Development Manager
ACORD Nairobi, ACK Garden House,
P. O. Box 61216, 00200, NAIROBI, KENYA
Complete information is also available from:
http://www.acordinternational.org/acord/en/about-us/about-us/vacancies/policy--advocacy-advisor/
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