The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) works with partners across Africa to support communities implement processes that enhance their lives and protect the ecosystems in which they live. As a network, ABN builds the capacity of its partners so that they can work effectively with communities and support their advocacy work. The Communications and Advocacy Officer (CAO) will be responsible for the overall co-ordination and further development of the Advocacy programme that seeks to influence policy and legislation in the region and beyond, and internationally. This position is aimed at strengthening the continuing work of ABN in accompanying communities to rebuild their resilience against climate change and other external challenges.
The suitable candidate will keep track of emerging issues relevant to ABN’s Community of Practice (CoP) synthesise them and with support of partners and communities, develop a common understanding within the network. S/he will also strengthen the evidence-based documentation and advocacy within the network.
The ideal candidate should:
• Possess a relevant third-level qualification in community development, agriculture, and social sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Have 3 years’ experience of advocacy, lobbying or influencing policy in regional environment and agriculture work, preferably in an international setting;
• Have a sound understanding of the global environment and food issues and the current political framework that this operates within, especially African and global contexts;
• Have a good knowledge and practical experience of issues that affect small scale farmers, the grass-root communities and have the experience to support community-led advocacy and influencing actions;
• Have an understanding of current debates and directions in global environment and food issues and an ability to leverage these to drive outcome-focused results for Africa’s small-scale farmers;
• Have experience and ability to work in a team and in a multi-cultural set-up;
• Understand how networks function and can be creative in advocacy strategies and can communicate the ABN’s messages and concerns to media, policy makers and the wider world using the relevant mediums;
• Have the ability to write clearly and succinctly in English (French will be an added advantage), for a range of audiences, from lengthy formal reports to short articles for social media or blogs;
• Have good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Have proven experience and skills in resource mobilization, including fundraising, donor liaison, proposal and report writing.
Other Attributes
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple tasks, with a high level of attention to detail
• Self-motivated with demonstrable personal commitment to international development and poverty issues;
• Good team player
• Good all-round communication skills;
• Willingness and ability to travel.
Please send your written application, stating expected salary, detailed resume and contacts for at least 3 referees by email to: abnsecretariat@africanbiodiversity.org. The position can be carried out from any country in which the ABN has a partner.*
Deadline for applications is Thursday 30 January 2020, 5pm EAT. ABN is an equal opportunities employer.
* Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
