Our client, an International Non-Profit Charity Organization whose function is to promote cooperation and harmonize the work of member states in the Africa Region, is looking for a seasoned individual to join their team in the position of Regional Policy and Advocacy Officer. The ideal candidate will be committed to strengthen the voice of the Catholic Church in Africa on issues of social justice; they will be a clear communicator, relationally focused and able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. They will have experience in policy development and advocacy at grassroots and continental level and will be able to develop, deliver and monitor advocacy work across a broad and diverse network.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy Strategy Implementation

• Develop the organisation’s 2024-2027 Regional Strategy on Advocacy and harmonizing it with the organisation’s strategy.
• Coordinate the implementation of advocacy strategies in key areas (democratic governance and leadership responsive to human rights; public debt management, food systems and climate change; human mobility (international, internal, economic migrants, asylum seekers, all included).
• Monitor and evaluate the Organization’s Advocacy Strategy, including development of appropriate tools.
• Coordinate the development of the organization’s policy positions including statements and policy briefs.

Organizational Representation

• Represent the organization’s policy positions externally through participating in international meetings/conferences across Africa or internationally.
• Regular participation in conference calls and webinars.
  Represent the organization in other meetings as delegated.

Advocacy Accompaniment

• Accompany different member organization’s and focal points both remotely and in person in advocacy strategy development, implementation and monitoring as well as policy formulation.
• Organizing meetings, conferences and training sessions as needed.

Desired Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have a Masters’ Degree or equivalent experience in international development, Diplomacy, International Relations, or related field.
• Evidence of at least (5) five years’ experience in international policy and advocacy targeting decision makers in the African Union, European Union, he UNFCCC, Governments.
• Experience in NGO multi-sector program design for advocacy, including rapid assessment.
• Experience with advocacy team leadership, program design, proposal development, administration and financial oversight, campaigns coordination.
• Proposal development (proposals and reports) writing skills.
• Proficient in security protocols and management of advocacy programs in insecure environments.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for coaching, mentoring and on the job training.
• Proven facilitation, planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically and physically stressful environments.
• Ability to cultivate good relationships of fraternal cooperation with the local church structures, the representatives of the sister member organizations, the 46 member organizations and other partners sharing the vision, mission, work values and principles of the organization.
• Experience working with local partner organizations; faith communities and civil society networks.
• Good knowledge of ecclesial networks.
• Have professional demeanor and preventability, with the ability to professionally interact with the leaders of the clergy.
• Ability to live and work in disaster affected areas.
• Ability to deploy on short notice (within 48-72 hours) when needed.
• Successful candidate will be based in their home country working remotely or in the regional/country office based in their country.
• English language proficiency (spoken and written). Ability to communicate in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Valid Driver’s License and Passport.