Position: Advocacy and Communication Intern

Location: Lusaka, National Office
Reports To: Executive Director and Programmes Manager

Organization Overview

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is a Christian, Membership, Non-Partisan, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to the empowerment of the community, especially women, youth, and children. YWCA contributes to the attainment of a just society through rights-based approaches and sustainable interventions. Since its inception in Kitwe, Zambia in 1957, YWCA has been at the forefront of social change and tackling gender injustices, including gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, and sexual reproductive health rights violations.

Position Summary

The Advocacy and Communication Intern will support YWCA’s advocacy agenda and help drive initiatives promoting gender diversity and equity in Zambia. The intern will work closely with the Executive Director and Programmes Manager, assisting in the execution of advocacy programs, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships aimed at building a more gender-diverse and skilled YWCA.

This internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advocacy, policy development, stakeholder management, and community engagement, contributing to the advancement of gender equity in Zambia.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development and Implementation:
  • Assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of advocacy initiatives under the guidance of the Advocacy and Partnership Coordinator.
  • Contribute to the development and review of policy briefs, position papers, case studies, and other advocacy materials.
  • Participate in meetings, workshops, and events promoting gender diversity and inclusion in various sectors.
  • Assist in the design and delivery of training and capacity strengthening sessions aimed at enhancing advocacy, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Support the creation, delivery, and management of press statements and social media content.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Support the coordination of engagements with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups.
  • Help identify and onboard Campaign Ambassadors and Champions to promote gender diversity messages within targeted sectors.
  • Develop and manage a stakeholder matrix to track contact details and partnership engagement.
• Campaign Implementation:
  • Lead and support the YWCA Communication Team in executing advocacy campaigns through social media, community outreach, and events targeting diverse audiences.
  • Collaborate with the procurement team to source and procure materials for campaign success and branding.
  • Design and manage campaign monitoring and tracking tools to evaluate progress, gather insights, and optimize future activities.
• Research and Reporting:
  • Assist the Programmes Manager in conducting research studies, surveys, and focus groups to gather data supporting advocacy efforts.
  • Analyze and synthesize research findings for reports and presentations.
  • Contribute to the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports tracking progress against advocacy objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, communication, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 months of experience in advocacy, policy influencing, stakeholder engagement, or a related field (including internships or volunteer roles).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and local languages.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
• Familiarity with gender diversity and inclusion issues is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic reporting tools.
• Experience in report writing and presentations is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Hands-on experience in advocacy, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Exposure to gender diversity initiatives within Zambia’s key sectors.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities to develop professional skills.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals in advocacy, project management, and gender equality.
• A certificate of completion at the end of the internship.

• CV
• Certified Qualifications in PDF format
• A cover letter detailing suitability for the role