The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) seeks to recruit a Program Manager, Advocacy to develop and lead the implementation of OSIEA’s advocacy strategy within the region as well as key policy centres in Africa and overseas. (For more details check www.osiea.org)
Overall job purpose
Reporting to the Executive Director, the program manager will work in collaboration with OSIEA’s strategic partners and other Open Society Foundations (OSF) offices. The programme manager’s core duties will entail the advancement of OSIEA’s programmatic goals in the areas of democracy and rule of law; human rights; social and economic justice; and equality and non-discrimination.
Key Responsibilities
Working together with program teams, lead the development and implementation of the overall advocacy strategy and sub-strategies;
Researching and regularly updating OSIEA staff and partners on key developments in the region pertinent to OSIEA programmatic priorities;
Writing high level advocacy materials including briefing papers and reports;
Supporting and liaising with key local, regional and international partners on their advocacy strategy development and implementation;
Engaging in direct advocacy nationally, regionally including with the East African Community (EAC) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and internationally based on the advocacy strategy;
Liaising, briefing, and supporting OSF advocates in different parts of the world;
Establishing and maintaining high level critical networks and partnerships at national and regionally level as part of an effective advocacy strategy; and
Training and mentoring OSIEA program teams on advocacy.
Person specifications
An advanced university degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated experience influencing policy makers, governments, inter-governmental organizations, donors and other actors in strategic decision making impacting on the enhancement of human rights and justice.
10 years working experience as an advocacy specialist.
Excellent networking and coordinating skills.
A very good understanding of a wide range of human rights protection; democracy and rule of law; social and economic justice; health and rights; and, equality and non-discrimination issues in Eastern Africa.
Experience working with a grant making entity will be an added advantage.
Extraordinary initiative and creativity.
Excellent analytical and writing skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse array of people.
Team spirit and respectful working style.
Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
