About Sonke
Founded in 2006, Sonke is a womxn’s rights organisation 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
Sonke is seeking to appoint a consultant as a policy specialist for a period of 2 – 3 months until the end of 31 December 2021, to commence from September 2021. The incumbent will be supervised by the PDA Unit Manager using their legal and policy skillset to develop and support Sonke’s policy, advocacy and research work, while supporting the Community Education & Mobilisation Unit, in particular, with case monitoring and legal support. It will also require planning and hosting one national stakeholder roundtable.
Key Functions
- Provide support to Sonke’s local government and case monitoring work on intimate partner violence and domestic violence:
- The consultant’s work will focus on implementing deliverables under Sonke’s grant under UNTF that are executed in Diepkloof, Gauteng with a focus on national and municipal policies
- Implement activities which will increase accountability and action from local level duty bearers in project countries to respond to gender-based violence (focus on Intimate partner violence and domestic violence) ; and creating an enabling legal and policy environment is crucial to sustaining and scaling up GBV prevention and response interventions. This entails scanning gaps in existing legislation and issues identified within communities to support them in taking action through the relevant accountability mechanisms.
- Educate and empower communities to engage with local government on planning processes, to monitor cases of GBV in their communities and to identify opportunities to mobilise themselves and engage in advocacy efforts to access justice for survivors/victims of GBV.
- Develop a tracking tool for monitoring of cases of abuse
- Assist communities in accessing justice and providing legal advice and guidance where appropriate
- Document case monitoring within communities and write up case reports as well as recommendations on gaps in the processes and policies
- Produce a scorecard based on the outcome of case monitoring and access to services for survivors based on the case management
- Hold local duty bearers such as police services, health clinics and relevant government departments accountable through relevant complaint mechanisms based on feedback from issues of community.
- Provide technical input on key pieces of draft legislation relating to gender equality and violence prevention, as these arise at national and provincial-levels, and make appropriate submissions where required.
- Plan and host a national stakeholder dialogue to discuss the issues identified within the policy analysis and lived experiences and present the scorecard of services to IPV and DV.
- Conduct research, support and conduct legal advocacy, including monitoring law, policy and court judgments.
- Plan and host a national dialogue with relevant stakeholders
Qualifications and Experience
- A law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) or any related degree which demonstrates experience in policy development
- A master’s degree with focus on subjects relating to gender, health and human rights is preferred but not essential
- 3-5 years of related experience in a related area of gender equality, community development and policy development processes.
- Familiarity with existing South African, regional and international laws and policies related to gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS.
- Good understanding of the criminal justice system and its related policies and laws particularly in relation to intimate partner violence, domestic violence and general -based violence.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing trainings and workshops for diverse groups
- Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, research and drafting submissions.
- Familiarity with the functions and duties of relevant Chapter 9 institutions, the Department of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women, Department of Social Development, and other relevant government departments and oversight bodies
- Familiarity with strategies and programmes aimed at gender-based violence, including responses and prevention
- Fluency in two South African languages
- Willingness to engage with media as required
Competencies and Skills required
- Ability to interact with staff at all levels, and communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues
- Strong research, writing and analytical skills
- Strong report writing skills.
- Drafting of press releases and social media posts – often under tight timeframes
- Ability to develop and deliver trainings and presentations
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and work self-sufficiently with some guidance
- Ability to work under pressure
- Willingness to travel
Personal qualities required
- Confident, assertive communicator who can work comfortably with diverse groups of people, across all levels and various forms of media
- Emotional intelligence
- Attention to detail and displays a high level of integrity
- Able to prioritise work and manage deadlines
- Innovative and creative, able to see new opportunities
- Planning and time management – meets deadlines
- Reflective, open to learning and to self-care
- IT proficiency
To Apply
- Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details your experience, the contact details of three referees, and indication of your daily rate via email to Sonke’s Policy Development and Advocacy Manager at kayan@genderjustice.org.za. closing date 17 September 2021.
- Only the successful candidate will be contacted.
- For non-South African nationals or permanent residents, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain 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.
- The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.
