Job Description- Senior Campaigns & Advocacy Officer

Transcription

1 Foundation for Women s Health Research & Development Job Description- Senior Campaigns & Advocacy Officer FORWARD is the leading African women led organisation working on female genital mutilation, child marriage and maternal health in the UK and Africa. For over 30 years we have been committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of African girls and women. We do this through community engagement, grassroots partnerships, international advocacy, training and research. Title: Reports to: Senior Campaign & Advocacy Officer Head of Global Advocacy and Partnerships Salary: 26,293 Hours Tenure: 35 hours Two years Purpose of this Post The Senior Campaigns and Advocacy Officer will lead on FORWARD s campaign, policy and advocacy work with a view to influencing policy developments and debates at local, national and global levels. The role will provide strategic direction and develop an evidence base to inform targeted campaign and policy activities in line with the organisation s strategic plan. They will work closely with the UK, Africa and Communications teams, providing guidance and oversight. Key Responsibilities and Main Duties Policy and Campaigns To work with the Head of Global Advocacy and Partnerships to lead the design and development of FORWARD s strategy on policy and campaigns in line with our strategic plan. To develop and implement advocacy, policy and campaign activities within the organisation with the support of relevant programme teams to help achieve the strategic goals of shaping the agenda on our issues. Keep up to date with new developments in policy at national and local levels and prepare responses on government White Paper, evidence for select committees, parliamentary enquiries and related policy consultations on our issues.

2 Produce relevant policy and information briefs and advice for policy makers at national, regional and global levels. Develop and maintain good working relations with key government agencies, local authorities, policy makers, and relevant organisations and stakeholders at local and national levels. Lead on the development of relevant policy and campaign materials and resources including digital resources. Project manage advocacy and campaign actions for partners including support developing budgets. Develop and monitor relevant KPIs related to advocacy and campaigns. Representation, networking and profile building Maintain and strengthen existing partnership networks and support joint actions, including developing new partners to further our issues at national, European and global levels. Provide strategic support in the development of the African Diaspora Women s Forum (ADWF). Widely raise the profile and visibility of the event, and increase membership. Provide advice, training and support to members, including serving as the secretariat to the steering committee of the ADWF. Organise events including round tables and conferences in line with ADWF s work plan to influence policy and engage African women s organisations to address gender based violence, issues including FGM. Research and dissemination Undertake research and write policy position papers, briefs, factsheets, publications and policy responses. To carry out and/or oversee research to evidence and support FORWARD s policy and campaign actions at national and local level. To scope, commission, develop terms of reference and steer research in accordance with the work programme and strategic plan. Contribute to the production of promotional materials, articles, and reports for external and internal publication, including FORWARD s website. General Duties Contribute to internal policy and strategy development, annual work plans, fundraising targets and donor reporting. Line manage the Advocacy and Campaigns interns and volunteers, provide regular supervision meetings, set personal objectives and hold regular performance reviews. The post holder may additionally be called upon to undertake any other duties and tasks appropriate to the role and level of the position. To assist the Executive Director and Heads of Programmes on other matters, including answering general correspondence and queries from project partners and the general public on a wide range of issues. 2

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4 Person Specification Skills and experience Qualifications and Experience Essential Demonstrable experience in campaign and advocacy work, producing policy documents, developing policy positions, researching and writing on issues such as women s human rights and gender based violence, including FGM. Demonstrable experience influencing work on women s human rights, gender and development issues, in particular FGM and the civil and political participation of women Working with or supporting networks. A degree in social sciences, development studies, policy, or relevant discipline. Understanding of the challenges and opportunities in ensuring integration between organisational programming and advocacy. Skills and Knowledge Essential Experience and Knowledge Desirable Analytical skills and the ability to develop strategic responses. Knowledge of political processes at national and local levels including working with policy makers, parliamentarians, local authorities and statutory bodies. Strong social research, social policy and numerical skills. Understanding of research methodologies including participatory research. A high level of motivation and initiative. Excellent networker and public speaker, able to represent the organisation to a range of different audiences. Ability to work autonomously and develop own portfolio of work with minimum assistance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good IT literacy using Microsoft Office. Excellent campaigning and networking skills. Ability to analyse, interpret and present research findings for use in policy and strategic planning, both orally and in writing. Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team. Knowledge of quality systems and the principles of continuous improvement. Good organisational skills. Experience of working with BME women s organisations and networks. A postgraduate degree in social sciences, development studies, policy, or relevant discipline. Knowledge of UK parliamentary and policy processes. Knowledge of an East African language. Financial management, including programme budgeting and financial reporting. Running national campaigns. Managing staff (volunteers and/or permanent staff). 4

5 Personal Qualities Commitment to working in the charity sector, including on issues pertaining to gender based violence and rights of African women and girls. Commitment to and passion for international development, equality of opportunity, respect for cultural diversity including ethnicity, age, religion and gender. 5