Organization: SOS Children's Villages International
Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 05 Mar 2019
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
HEAD OF ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATIONS /IOR ESAF**
(Job Ref: SOS/19/2)**
Head of Advocacy and Communications
Position title: Head of Advocacy & Communications
Working location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Supervisor: Regional Director of Programme Development, ESAF
Region: East and Southern Africa (ESAF)
Context of the position
Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a dynamic, international social development organization working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children without parental care and those who are at the risk of losing it.
Within the Eastern and Southern Africa region, SOS CV International is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and has member associations in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia/Somaliland, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Angola and Madagascar.
Job Summary
The Head of Advocacy and Communications is responsible for leading and managing the implementation of SOS Children’s Villages International Advocacy and Communications strategies in ESAF (Eastern & Southern Africa). Under the general direction and leadership of Regional Programmes Development Director (PDD), the incumbent ensures excellence in SOS CVI Internal and External Advocacy and Communication in full alignment with the Country Strategy in ESAF and SOS Children’s Villages global programme strategy. S/he manages work with PD Director, CVI Representatives, and PD Advisors and with other relevant IOR ESAF & IO offices mainly International Office Programme and Strategy (PS) Liaison & Advocacy unit to develop key advocacy messages, defining effective strategies and strategic partnerships, leveraging the SOS brand strength to mobilize support and raise awareness in ESAF and also externally with donors.
She/he will ensure a consistent and effective flow of information pertaining to SOS Children’s activities, keeping relevant teams up to date on all developments both internally and externally.
She/he works closely with the Africa Union (AU) Representatives and other regional agencies in order to build, maintain and strengthen relationships with key decision-makers, Member States and networks to influence AU, UN agencies and other regional body policies and positions to include and address the right of the SOS target group to be respected, protected, and empowered.
Main Clients
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International Director of Region (IDR)
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Regional Programme Development Director
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Regional Programme Development Advisor
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SOS Children’s Villages International Representatives (CVI Reps)
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Regional Function Directors
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National Directors (NDs)
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National Advocacy Advisors
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IO PS Liaison and Advocacy unit
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership:
Provide strategic and technical leadership to design and implementation Advocacy and Communication strategies in line with the overall SOS CVI global, Regional and Members Associations (MA) strategy by coordinating and engaging with the staff and partners, taking an integrated approach to policy change, campaigning and communications.
Ensure that there is a strong linkage between Advocacy, Communications and Programmes so that advocacy is evidence based and programme driven and projects are further strengthened and improved through advocacy and communications
Regularly review and update the Regional Advocacy and Communications Strategies as appropriate in response to the global strategy and the evolving country context and programme design.
Build a strong advocacy & communication team at regional and national level and encouraging staff to contribute to networks, influencing, campaigns, advocating and communicating within the country, region and at global levels.
Guide and support the Member Associations (MAs) on key communication and advocacy issues, which includes developing position papers, managing potential communication risks and leading on a range of cross-organizational priorities and strategies.
Build strategic partnership with relevant organizations and key stakeholders that will assist the Regional Office in meeting its strategic agenda & outcomes.
Make sure that platforms are in place for learnings and share of good practices on Advocacy and communications as part of capacity building and problem solving in the Member Association as well as in the Regional Offices.
Supports the International Director for the Region (IDR) and Programme Director in building a strategic network among the regional humanitarian hubs, regional bodies and agencies and public relation initiatives, child rights alliances, etc.
Work closely with the AU Representatives and other regional bodies to lead the conception and implementation of strategy and priorities of SOS CVI towards the regional bodies, UN agencies, AU and also implement the Pan-African Strategy. And also together with the AU representative to make recommendations to IORs and IO how/ when to engage in advocacy to impact policies and laws affecting the SOS target group in ESAF
- Advocacy and Policy:
Develop/revises existing Advocacy Strategy, in coordination with the IO PS Liaison and Advocacy Unit, MAs & partner organization aligning with the Regional and Global priorities.
Analyze and advise the Regional Management Team (RMT) on the changing trends and opportunities on Child care and Protection in the national, regional and global policy landscape for appropriate interventions/planning.
Identify and define key advocacy opportunities, targets and strategies at MA levels and align programme and project design to these targets.
Ensure that all advocacy messages, documents and strategies are evidence-based, drawn from field experience and assessments and maintain high quality standards
Identify research opportunities and policy development, working closely and collaboratively with the Monitoring & Evaluation, Research & Innovations teams at International & Regional Office
- Media, Communications and branding:
Support and provide guidance in the development and implementation of Communications Strategy to promote SOS CVI vision & mission and International’s visibility in the Region (Eastern & Southern Africa), strengthening advocacy, programme effectiveness and fundraising opportunities in coordination with the MA Strategy as well as engaging SOS CV International wider federation.
Support in the development of high quality, well researched, and well written products. This may include, but not limited to: annual reports, success stories, tweets, blog and Facebook post, etc.
Make sure that there is a coherent and consistent brand image in the Region and ensuring all projects are aligned to the Global SOS CVI Branding Guidelines
Make sure that events calendar is managed leveraging national and international moments to maximize communications and advocacy opportunities.
Make sure that there is a cordial and positive relationship with all key media houses and proactively ensure consistent media coverage of events and development programmes.
- Mentoring and Coaching
Lead, manage and provide capacity building support to employees in Advocacy & Communication unit by ensuring clear goals and accountabilities are established and achieved
Ensure individuals’ performance and development needs are met, and employees are high performing and engaged
Identify capacity gaps in advocacy and communications work with the MAs and Region to address them
Foster a team environment, people management skills that includes diplomacy and also providing leadership and technical support as needed, support and evaluate direct reports regularly.
- Dealing with Problems:
This position is critical and very strategic, dealing with diverse demands and pressure from different parts of the organization to often tight deadlines: Member Associations (MA), Programme locations, Regional Office and International Office as well as key stakeholders and partners within the region
The ability to prioritize and maintain focus while still demonstrating high levels of customer orientation are thus key for this position.
- Knowledge, skills, abilities and behavioral competences:**
A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a human rights, children’s rights, international law, political science or international development related discipline
In-depth understanding of children’s rights, alternative care and protection and/or investment in children.
Solid experience in policy and advocacy work with a non-governmental organization or international organizations.
Significant experience of leading or coordinating advocacy and campaigns
Experience of international work environments and intercultural communication, including a strong understanding of NGO structures, the UN human rights system and how these operate
Networking skills
Knowledge and understanding of the African Union, European Union, UN and their role in social policies
Experience of creating networks of influence, and an ability to manage diverse professional relationships, thereby securing significant new opportunities for the organization
A demonstrable ability to speak and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to different audiences in different platforms.
Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in
7**Qualifications and Experience**
University Master’s Degree in in Social Sciences, Humanities, development studies, International Relations, Communications or its equivalent
Extensive knowledge of Pan African institutions, especially the AU, and a broad accessible network at Pan African level.
Extensive understanding of advocacy based programme approaches.
Extensive understanding of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) with a strong understanding of the African Charter on the Rights & Welfare of the Child
Ability to engage at a strategic level and build collaborative relationships with government, donors, media and peer agencies
At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in advocacy, campaigns, communications and government and stakeholder engagement mainly in Eastern & Southern Africa region.
How to apply:
How to Apply
If you believe you are the right candidate for the above position, please send your application letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and photocopies of academic certificates, and names and contact details of three referees as Single Document.
Applications that are late, or do not have CV or certificates attached, will be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. E-mail applications should bear the reference number of the position in the subject line of the email.
Email to: Applications including at least three traceable referees should be sent electronically to: ESAF.HROD@sos-kd.org
All applications should be submitted not later than 5 March 2019
