About Sonke
Founded in 2006, Sonke is a womxn’s rights organization that is committed to feminist principles, using a rights-based and gender transformative approach to achieve human rights and gender justice. Our vision is a poverty-free world in which womxn, children, men, and gender non-conforming individuals enjoy equitable, caring, healthy, and happy relationships that contribute to the development of gender just and democratic societies. Sonke strengthens governments, civil society, and citizen’s capacity to advance gender justice and womxn’s rights, prevent gender-based violence and reduce the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS, and in this way contributing to social justice and the elimination of poverty.
About this Position
The RPN Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will provide technical support on Sonke and MenEngage Africa’s (MEA) Regional Advocacy work. The Coordinator is a member of Sonke’s Regional Programmes and Networks unit, which plays an influential role in building the MEA movement. This position is responsible for developing and directing the regional policy and advocacy agenda. This position also supports the Media and Communications team in implementing a visibility strategy and positioning the organisation effectively.
Key Performance Areas
Regional Campaigns Work
Support MEA Regional campaigns work:
- Within the context of the overall MenEngage Africa campaign’s strategy and in close consultation with theLine Manager, provide support on the development and / or implementation of a regional campaign’s strategy on work with men and boys to end FGM and child marriages, and SGBV in the region.
- Support MEA partners in the implementation of the national campaign strategy, including supporting the development and design of campaign projects, country advocacy plans, to provide a comprehensive and integrated platform of activities by MEA partners and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate the development of campaign material and tools to support the campaign rollout and implementation.
- Provide capacity building to partners where necessary on areas related to MEA’s campaigns and advocacy.
Advocacy and writing
Support regional advocacy work including:
- Provide inputs into MEA‘s policy advocacy reform efforts in various platforms at a regional level and support country partners efforts at national level.
- Conduct policy scans and analysis on engaging men and boys in various policy documents on thematic areas forming part of MEA’s work.
- Preparation of policy briefs, press statements, newsletter articles, project reports.
- Coordinate preparation and development of accountability reports such as shadow reports on regional and international instruments such as CEDAW, Maputo Protocol, etc by MEA partners
- Research articles supporting campaigns work.
- Submission of conference abstracts highlighting the different campaign initiatives with MEA partners.
Support research and analysis across the organization
- Conduct and coordinate research and policy development in line with relevant literature and policy development on SGBV, FGM, SRHR, Peace, and Security to support MEA’s strategy and campaigns.
- Prepare relevant materials (abstracts, papers, presentations) for presentation at conferences, meetings, and other relevant platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement and Strengthening
- Develop and maintain key partnerships with strategic organizations working on GBV, FGM, Peace, and Security including representing MEA in various coalitions.
- Meet and engage with relevant stakeholders (partner organizations, duty bearers, policymakers, etc.).
- Support joint national and regional policy advocacy activities with identified strategic partners on human rights, SRHR, peace and security, LGBTI, GBV, and child rights.
Organizational support and representation
- Be available to assist with advocacy work in the region.
- Attend to ad hoc activities, as agreed with the supervisor.
General
- Participate in activities and events hosted by agreed strategic partner organizations at a regional and national level.
- Participate in internal project reviews and planning in the year (bringing staff together from across offices).
- Assist with the writing of funding proposals when necessary.
- Submit monthly reports, timesheets, and M&E reports.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human rights, Social Science, Public Affairs, development or social sciences; a post-graduate degree is an added advantage.
- 5 years of relevant experience at the regional or international level in public relations, advocacy, campaigning, or international development.
- Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory.
- Experience in global advocacy, international law, human rights, or a related field, with strong expertise in gender.
- 5 years of working in the field of sexual and reproductive health rights, human rights, preferably with a focus on gender and engaging men for gender equality.
- Experience supporting field-based policy advocacy strategy development, including providing technical guidance and learning strategies. Working knowledge of existing regional policy work and research being done in Africa will be an advantage.
- Understanding of theoretical and practical applications of working with men and boys around gender justice-related work.
- Demonstrated experience with various accountability processes, including universal periodic review (UPR), peer review mechanisms & country reports. Prior experience in conducting policy advocacy with regional bodies.
- Excellent networking, representation, and presentation skills. Experience in public speaking and/or event management would also be an asset.
- Excellent writing skills with keen attention to detail
- Analytical skills, able to read and review dense text
- Able to prioritize work and manage deadlines
- Reflective and open to learning
- Fluency in English and French and excellent verbal and written communication skills; additional proficiency in another widely spoken African language is desirable
To Apply
- Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details your experience, the contact details of three referees, to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at hiring@genderjustice.org.za. Closing date 24 May 2021.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The position will be based in Johannesburg. Non-South African nationals have the responsibility to obtain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
- Sonke is committed to racial and gender transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged individuals to apply.
- If you do not hear from us by 30 June 2021, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- The organization reserves the right not to make an appointment.
