Director of Policy & Partnership- The Wellbeing Foundation Africa Research And Development Unit at The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA)

Position Summary:

• The Director of Policy & Advocacy will lead WBFA's policy and advocacy efforts within the Research and Development Unit, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mission and strategic goals. This role involves developing and implementing evidence-based policy strategies, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and representing WBFA in various forums to influence health policies and programs beneficial to women, infants, and children. The Director will work closely with the Wellbeing Institute and other WBFA departments to ensure a cohesive and impactful approach to policy and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive policy strategies aligned with WBFA's mission and goals.
• Monitor and analyse policy developments at national and international levels related to maternal, newborn, and child health.
• Advocate for policies that improve health outcomes for women and children by engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Advocacy:

• Spearhead the development and execution of advocacy strategies to influence policy changes related to maternal, newborn, and child health at national and regional levels.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations, and media outlets, to advance WBFA's advocacy agenda.
• Form and participate in strategic alliances and coalitions with like-minded organizations to amplify advocacy efforts and achieve common goals.
• Design and implement impactful advocacy campaigns, utilizing diverse tactics such as public awareness initiatives, media engagement, and grassroots mobilization.

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research to inform policy positions and advocacy strategies.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and other materials to communicate WBFA's positions to various audiences.
• Representation and Communication:
• Represent WBFA at conferences, workshops, and meetings to promote the organization's policy agenda.
• Develop and deliver presentations to diverse audiences, including policymakers, partners, and the public.
• Collaborate with the communications team to disseminate policy messages through various channels.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of policy and advocacy professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Provide guidance and support to team members in their professional development.

Example Deliverables for 2025:

Policy Strategy Development:

• Develop a comprehensive policy advocacy strategy aimed at influencing maternal, newborn, and child health policies in Nigeria.
• Identify key policy opportunities and challenges, and propose actionable solutions.

Advocacy Campaigns:

• Lead national policy and advocacy campaigns addressing critical issues in maternal and child health.
• Ensure campaigns are evidence-based and achieve measurable impact.

Policy Research and Publications:

• Conduct research on emerging health policy issues and produce policy briefs or reports.
• Disseminate findings to relevant stakeholders to inform policy decisions.

Representation and Influence:

• Represent WBFA in key national and international forums, presenting the organization's policy positions.
• Secure speaking engagements at major conferences to raise WBFA's profile in the policy arena.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop a framework to monitor and evaluate the impact of policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Regularly report on progress and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• The Director of Policy & Advocacy will play a pivotal role in advancing WBFA's mission by shaping policies and building advocacy campaigns that enhance health outcomes for women, infants, and children in Nigeria and beyond.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in policy and advocacy, preferably in the health sector.
• Demonstrated understanding of maternal, newborn, and child health issues in Nigeria and globally.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective policy strategies.
• Strong network of contacts within government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.