Advocacy and Programme Officer – Nairobi, Kenya (2024)

Position: Advocacy and Programme Officer

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Job: Temporary Contract (1 Year, with Possibility of Extension)
Job Category: Advocacy, Policy, and Programme Management
Reporting to: Senior Advocacy and Partnerships Officer
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024

About FAWE

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to promoting gender equity and equality in education across Africa. With operations in 34 National Chapters, FAWE is committed to fostering positive policies and attitudes that enable girls and women to access quality education. Through its transformative advocacy and programmatic work, FAWE aims to empower girls and women to develop the skills needed to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their societies.

FAWE’s Vision and Advocacy

FAWE is a leading thought leader in girls’ education and gender equality in Africa. The organization champions gender-responsive approaches in education systems to equip girls with the competencies necessary to navigate modern challenges and opportunities. By advocating for inclusive policies and promoting gender parity, FAWE plays a pivotal role in bridging education gaps and advancing sustainable development across the continent.

Position Summary

FAWE seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Advocacy and Programme Officer to join its advocacy team at the Regional Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya. This role requires strategic oversight in policy advocacy, program implementation, and partnership development. The Advocacy and Programme Officer will be instrumental in positioning FAWE as a key advocate for quality education and gender equality at national and regional levels.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Partnership and Advocacy Initiatives

• Coordinate the implementation of advocacy programmes and projects, ensuring compliance with work plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
• Design and execute creative advocacy campaigns, including lobbying, influencing decision-makers, and building public support for FAWE’s initiatives.
• Lead the planning and execution of events for International Days on Education, such as developing concept notes, organizing webinars, and collaborating with National Chapters.
• Prepare comprehensive advocacy team reports, donor correspondence, and FAWE activity documentation, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Collect, document, and disseminate successful advocacy interventions by developing policy briefs, issue papers, and outcome reports.
• Serve as the focal point for selected FAWE demonstrative models and advocacy groups at the regional level.

2. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Conduct research on key advocacy and policy issues, staying informed of developments at global and regional levels.
• Facilitate partnership-building initiatives, including collaborations with institutions like the African Union, EAC, SADC, ECOWAS, and national ministries of education and gender.
• Assess and recommend capacity-building strategies for FAWE National Chapters, focusing on enhancing advocacy efforts.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Support

• Provide technical support to FAWE’s National Chapters, helping them engage with advocacy stakeholders and execute targeted interventions.
• Expand and mobilize stakeholder networks to align FAWE’s efforts with global trends such as SDGs, EFA, GES4CESA, and Agenda 2063.
• Strengthen connections between global, regional, and national advocacy processes to enhance education outcomes for women and girls.
• Organize workshops and forums to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders.

4. Programme Development and Management

• Provide administrative support for advocacy and partnership activities, including drafting memos, agreements, and scheduling meetings.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts by pitching ideas to potential development partners and contributing to funding proposals.
• Collaborate with resource mobilization and program units to integrate advocacy components into broader FAWE programmes.
• Participate in programme meetings to develop research-based advocacy messages and provide updates on advocacy progress.
• Support other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure seamless execution of FAWE’s mandate.

Qualification Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Education, Political Science, Philosophy, Gender Studies, Law, Project Management, Journalism, or Public Relations.
• A Bachelor’s degree combined with at least four additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in place of a Master’s degree.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ work experience, with at least 4 years in international environments involving fieldwork.
• Proven experience in advocacy and human development work within NGOs, including strategic partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with working alongside entities like the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, and national government bodies is an added advantage.

Skills

• Strong programme management capabilities, including process management, scheduling, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and public speaking abilities.
• Expertise in advocacy, particularly influencing policy and promoting gender equality.
• Exceptional networking, team-building, and organizational skills.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in French is an added advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work that influences policy outcomes.
• Adept at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Passionate about promoting gender equality and education access for girls and women.

Application Procedure

To apply for the position of Advocacy and Programme Officer, please submit the following documents:

1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
2. A cover letter addressed to the Executive Director, explaining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Send your application via email to recruitment@fawe.org with the subject line: “FAWE Advocacy and Programme Officer” no later than Friday, December 20, 2024.

Note: Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received. Early submissions are encouraged, as FAWE reserves the right to fill the position before the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement
FAWE is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, or disability status. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply Now for Advocacy and Programme Officer
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