Application Deadline: July 31, 2020 midnight (GMT)
The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
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 has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry.
The Advocacy Manager has responsibility for executing the strategic advocacy initiatives of OSIWA at the regional and country-level through the office of the Executive Director. This includes contributing to the design of the strategy with the Program Team, coordinating execution of the design and plans, and identifying opportunities for executing OSIWA’s advocacy strategy. The Advocacy Manager’s tasks will be both program-related and administrative.
Organizational relationships: The Advocacy Manager will report directly to the Executive Director.
Key program-related responsibilities and tasks
- Coordinate and support the advocacy of goals of OSIWA by preparing messaging for the ED and teams as required and arranging campaigns, meetings and/or events in furtherance of OSIWA’s advocacy goals in West Africa
- Provide technical leadership for advocacy in the countries where OSIWA works and across the region in accordance with OSIWA’s strategy and focus including tracking and documenting advocacy gains and lessons and engaging and recruiting external stakeholders
- Design and oversee the implementation of OSIWA’s regional advocacy plan and be an integral part of program planning and strategy design
- Undertake policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy messages and update advocacy briefing materials to reflect new data/research findings/news reports where reliable
- Develop evidence-based advocacy messages and/or materials in consultation with Country Officers, Program Managers and the Communications Officer
- Prepare original policy recommendations, briefing materials, op-eds, articles in furtherance of advocacy goals and advance OSIWA’s position and/or recommendations using established contacts with key decision-makers within the region and influential organizations
- Maintains a broad network of relationships with high-level officials in regional/continental institutions such as ECOWAS and AU and within West African countries
- Work with Communications Unit on the dissemination of advocacy messages through the office of the Executive Director.
- Proactively collaborate with other regional advocacy managers in Africa and across the OSF network as required
- Arrange and lead in advocacy training for OSIWA staff and partners
Key Administrative Tasks:
- Participate in in-house working groups designed to uphold the values and foster healthy inter-office communication and working culture
- Perform any administrative task related to the Advocacy Manager’s role and responsibilities
- Perform other related duties as delegated by the Executive Director
Required Competencies
Technical skills
- Excellent written and oral proficiency in English and French
- Knowledge of other local West African languages desirable
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and computer research
- Relevant master’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Policy expertise in at least two of these areas: human rights; criminal justice; voting and elections; health care; economic justice (trade/budget/tax/consumer finance/wages); civil liberties; media; government ethics; regional/continental/international geo-politics
Knowledge
- Familiarity with OSIWA and the West African context
- Deep knowledge of and experience working on West African political, economic and social issues and a pan-African perspective on international relations;
- Deep understanding of the continent and regional institutions, particularly the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS, and how to engage with them and other similar institutions;
- Broad and deep contact base with West African institutions and government
Professional skills
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- 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
- Ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis
- 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
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues
Expected behavioral attributes
- Compliance with professional standards of conduct and OSIWA values
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Flexibility
- Sound work ethics
- Consistency and fairness
Desired work experience: At least 8 -10 years relevant work and policy experience with non-profits, multilateral institution or government in a senior role
Note: OSIWA reserves the right to make any necessary modification to this position in light of changes that may occur.
To Apply: Send resume (in English), cover letter, detailed CV including 3 references, and salary expectations by midnight (GMT) July 31, 2020 to: osiwarecruitment@osiwa.org. No phone calls, please.
OSIWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
