OPEN SOCIETY INITIATIVE FOR WEST AFRICA (OSIWA) ADVOCACY OFFICER The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is an advocacy and grant making foundation that forms part of the global Open Society Foundations Network. OSIWA is based in Dakar, Senegal and works to support the creation of open societies in West Africa marked by functioning democracy, good governance, rule of law, basic freedoms, and widespread civic participation. It also has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry. OSIWA seeks to recruit an ADVOCACY OFFICER based in its Dakar Office to provide strategic direction and advisory support on advocacy at the regional level, this includes identifying opportunities, planning and developing Advocacy strategies for OSIWA. 1. Main Duties and Responsibilities include o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Design and oversee the implementation of OSIWA’s regional advocacy plan; Identify, build, and manage relationships and networks with policymakers, opinion leaders, and partners in West Africa; Undertake policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy; Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials; Prepare policy briefs; Prepare briefing materials for advocacy to regional institutions; Analyze policy debates within the region to feed into regional advocacy strategies; Analyze governments' policies in specific and significant areas; Update briefing materials to reflect new data/research findings/news reports where reliable Provide support for international advocacy Work with diverse social media and technology tools for dissemination of messages, monitoring of official conduct and mobilization of public opinion Provide technical support to Country Officers and partners on advocacy at national, regional and international level. Generate ideas and discussions on new advocacy or research projects that will make substantive contributions to policy in West Africa. Contribute to developing advocacy strategies and related materials to move government policy on specific issues through effective public engagement and contacts with key decision-makers; Work closely with other organizations and OSIWA partners to help build effective coalitions on the local and regional and international levels; Provide support and training to key partners to enhance advocacy capacities and assist with development of organizational advocacy strategies; Contribute to producing a range of documents, including articles, issue briefs, reports, memoranda, Opeds, blog posts, and other written and electronic content; Work with the communications and programme teams outreach and other related issues.
2. Qualification/Knowledge/Experience o o o o
Excellent communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing in English and French. Excellent research skills, including the ability to find, analyze, synthesize, and present information; Exceptional analytic capacity and skills Excellent listening and communication skills
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o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Familiarity with OSIWA work and the West Africa context Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and computer research Flexibility and willingness to work as a team member and independently, with a high level of self motivation Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced working environment Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and show discretion Excellent coordination, networking and facilitation skills Poised and works well under pressure. Attentive to detail and can work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects Extraordinary initiative, creativity and capacity to think strategically Excellent interpersonal skills, pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition Integrity, confidentiality, and professional discretion essential Appreciation of difference and diversity in the work place Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people with diverse backgrounds throughout a complex organization Proven commitment to OSIWA’s mission and values.
3. Education/Experience: Graduate degree and at least six years relevant work experience in policy fields, advocacy and government relations and excellent knowledge of political processes and experience working with civil society and NGOs to advocate for change. Salary & Compensation: Commensurate with experience with full benefits. Start Date: February 1st 2016 To Apply: send resume (in English), cover letter, brief writing sample and salary requirements, by cob January 7th, 2016 to: osiwarecruitment@osiwa.org Note: Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by OSIWA. No phone calls, please. OSIWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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