Advocacy Specialist at Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN)

Main Responsibilities

• Take lead in the development of NEPWHAN Advocacy Strategy and ensuring stakeholder consultations on how this advocacy strategy will support the network and people living with HIV;
• Carry out advocacy activities to major stakeholders, CCM, GON, PEPFER, UNAIDS, etc.
• Initiate and Lead advocacy efforts on specific advocacy priorities, representing NEPWHAN at meetings organized by policymakers, CSOs, think tanks, the public and other key partners;
• Ensure relevant linkages are made between NEPWHAN’s thematic and regional programmes and Global Advocacy Objectives; Collect first hand data from the communities, analyses the data and interpret the data for advocacy planning
• Carry out Advocacy campaigns in line with the donor guidelines- GNP+, Global fund, UNAIDS etc.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings with the key stakeholder involved in the CLM implementation
• Act as a liaison person between the communities based organizations and the health facility.
• Participate in training and mentoring the community based data collectors in the use of the GLOBAL FUND/GNP+/UNAIDS/PEPFER CLM client feedback survey tool.
• Support the community based organization in adhering to the standard operating procedures for data collection.
• Work closely with the facility In-charges and data collectors during data collection.
• Ensure all client feedback survey forms are well documented and entered into the DHIS2 once off event tracker.
• Conduct community and facility engagement meeting in collaboration with the CBOs.
• Support the CBOs in ensuring all reporting tools are available in hard copies on time.
• Participate in the Donor’s client feedback meetings.
• Compile and submit monthly activity report and any other report as may be required by the supervisor.
• Ensure that Media and Communication products reflect advocacy priorities and consider the local context and sensitivities in the PLHIV communities, in close collaboration with the Program and M & E Team,
• To work, directly with people in the communities to both advocate for them and teach them to advocate for themselves at local, state, and national levels.
• To handle community outreach and raise awareness. This can help bring in more advocates and speed up processes. Additional advocates may coordinate events, speak before government entities and other stakeholders
• Ensure that all advocacy messages, documents and strategies are evidence-based, drawn from field experience and assessments, of high quality and are effective
• Manage and execute partnership and advocacy strategy.
• Map and management of stakeholders and partners to cultivate new opportunities for external brand marketing, media outreach, advocacy and fundraising.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Communications, English, Public or Business Administration or an equivalent University Degree is desirable.
• A Certification in Advocacy will be an extra advantage.
• At least five (5) years of experience as an Advocacy Specialist in an NGO or INGO.
• Demonstrated experience in Advocacy and reports to both government and private funding sources.
• Experience with an international or multilateral organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of donor regulations including GNP+,UNAIDS, The Global Fund and/or other foreign government development agencies, and other multilateral development agencies.
• Ability to negotiate/support negotiations effectively with donors, troubleshoot issues, and take proactive approaches to improving financial and budget management processes.
• Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zones, as needed.
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of their status, religion, ethnicity, class or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Personal commitment to NEPWHAN’s mission and goals
• Good oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial, compliance and operational issues into layperson language.
• Collaborative, flexible and solution-oriented. Ability to work under pressure, maintain balance when under stress and meet strict internal and donor deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of effective Advocacy.
• Knowledge of effective project management techniques.
• Knowledge of educational institutions and policies and procedures.
• Skill in designing, writing, and editing complex grant documents including reporting requirements.
• Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and apply government regulations and proposal guidelines.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures/rules and regulations in a clear and non-threatening manner.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and coordinate the work of teams.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage and prioritize projects effectively to meet office and advocacy deadlines.
• Ability to work with an ethnically and culturally diverse population.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing result
• Ensuring the Effective use of resources.