About US:
The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa – SIHA Network – is a coalition of civil society organisations from Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland and Uganda. Founded in 1995, the organisation advocates for social change and gender equality in the Horn region and works specifically on protecting women’s human rights, promoting women’s access to justice, supporting economic empowerment and activating women’s political participation. SIHA’s secretariat/HQ is located in Kampala, Uganda and SIHA maintains field offices in Sudan and South Sudan.
Job Summary: The Advocacy and Research Officer will work within the framework of SIHA’s current and future project activities. The ARO’s primary responsibilities will be to support advocacy, research, and communication products related to SIHA’s programs and projects in the Region. Specific project documentation will be made available to the ARO upon agreement to this contract. The incumbent will be SIHA’s main coordinator for all advocacy and written communication elements of the project occurring in and around the countries of operation in addition to being involved in regional activities as requested by the SIHA Secretariat.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Advocacy and Communications:
Work closely with program and fundraising officers to develop and support advocacy components of SIHA’s current and future projects.
Work with SIHA country offices and area coordinators to elevate advocacy priorities and stories from the grassroots.
Oversee the development of SIHA newsletters, initiate preparation of press statements, research papers, media releases and updating of SIHA Twitter page and official website.
Keenly monitor local media in all SIHA countries of operation and document statements and news that involves violation of women’s rights.
Render support in the development of all SIHA publications e.g. SIHA Journal (Women in Islam), manuals and guides, among others and coordinate launch events.
Maintain awareness of security considerations.
Research:
Provide input into SIHA’s current and future research projects.
Actively contribute to research publications related to all countries of operation, including formal research reports as well as position papers, briefings, and other smaller publications.
Keenly review and edit research and project reports; use reports to inform advocacy efforts and priorities.
Through working with area coordinators and SIHA country project officers, regularly identify needs and opportunities related to prospective research that is relevant to current needs in the countries and to SIHA’s strategy.
Monitor relevant calls for papers/research and alert SIHA to potential opportunities to carry out research or present research.
Coordinate research paper launch events.
Visual Products:
Lead coordination of SIHA’s current and future visual and creative products, including documentaries and films, visual media, and campaigns.
Work closely with SIHA country offices and areas coordinators and support their efforts to find creative ways tell their own stories; use visual and creative means to represent women’s perspectives and needs in connection with SIHA’s advocacy and research priorities.
The incumbent will identify opportunities for SIHA to creatively engage in current issues in the Region related to advocacy and research priorities.
Create and maintain an active, detailed database of designers, production houses, artists and videographers who have supported or can support SIHA’s work in the Region.
Other:
Assist with other job-related duties as required by SIHA management and colleagues.
Work closely with SIHA Regional programme Officer and provide assistance and support as needed.
Participate, as requested, in SIHA meetings, trainings, and events.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate must hold a University-level with post graduate degree in human rights, women’s rights, project management, development / humanitarian studies, gender studies, law, or a related field;
Previous exposure and experience working on advocacy and/or research in the human rights / non-governmental organization sector, with ability to provide relevant references;
The candidate for this position should have strong knowledge and understanding of the Horn of Africa, specifically, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Show commitment to women’s rights and the principles of gender equality and interest in social movements is essential, with proven track-record on right-based programming being a precondition for shortlisting.
Show commitment to indigenous civil society organizations and their essential role in promoting the improvement of conditions for women and girls across the Horn of Africa.
Keen interest in gender and women’s rights / empowerment and improving conditions for women and girls in the Horn of Africa;
Hard-worker, with ability to put in extra hours during peak periods of activity;
Proven knowledge of local-level political / social / cultural dynamics;
Proven knowledge of local-level stakeholders, persons of influence, and the ability to liaise with these actors in reference to SIHA work in the region;
Ability to travel regionally as required;
Punctual, attentive, and enthusiastic;
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send a current CV and cover letter via Email to: humanresourcesiha@gmail.com with the subject line indicated as “Application Materials: SIHA Advocacy and Research Officer.”
Deadline: 30th April 2017 by 5:00pm