Fresh Career Opportunities at Save the Children

The Local Engagement Advocacy Officer will under the supervision of the State Advocacy Officer support Save the Children’s efforts to influence and bring about change in the awareness, attitudes, behaviours and policies related to the rights of children in the country programme with special focus on Vaccine, Health workers and Nutrition.

Qualifications:

The post holder will possess a high degree of analytical skill, political acumen, ability to facilitate change, ability to influence, and ability to communicate key advocacy messages effectively and convincingly to a diverse audience at local, state and national levels.

Essential

• A degree in health, nutrition, communications or related social science field.
• Substantial experience in advocacy and policy development / research in the development context.
• Good understanding of the possibilities and tactics for influencing decision and policy makers, politicians, donors, and other key actors.
• Knowledge of the media and its role in raising awareness and shaping public policy.
• Good understanding of strategies for achieving sustainable child Health and Nutrition policies through participatory processes, and the links with gender, diversity and other aspects of identity.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to ensure achievement of desired change objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences at local, state and national levels.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society (coalitions) and media sectors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, adaptability and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email / internet) and ability to be self-supporting in most administrative tasks.
• Fluent English language skills (written and verbal).
• Commitment to the values, mission, aims and policies of Save the Children.

Desirable

• Experience in training others in advocacy techniques and influencing tactics.
• Prior work experience in advocacy in Nigeria.
• Knowledge of the policies, functions, structures and decision-making processes of key national institutions with regard to child Nutrition.
• Experience working with children on Health and Nutrition will be an added advantage.
• Local language skills (Hausa).

To assume a lead role in coordinating the reports of all advocacy activities in Save the Children Nigeria Child Survival team. The advocacy coordinator will be responsible for putting together all weekly reports from the states and all activity reports submitted by National level officers, compling them into monthly and quaterly reports for submission to the team and to London office as may be required. This major role will be in addition to being part of the overall advocacy efforts at National and sub-national levels.

Qualifications:

Essential

· Level of Education – at least First Degree minimum in – Public Health / Social Science (may be Public Health should be put under desirable)
· At least three (3) years working experience in (health/social services delivery with a focus on governance and enhanced voice and accountability) working with government, non governmental organisations (NGO)or for-profit organisations,
· Proven Experience of leading the preparation of reports
· Ability to organise and write good quality reports, case studies
· Excellent written and verbal communication , and interpersonal skills
· Fluent spoken and written English language.

• Strong planning and organising skills
• Computer literate – MS Office applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills

Desirable

• Ability to work effectively both independently (with minimal supervision) and as a member of a team
• Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children including gender equity, child rights, community empowerment, and grassroots development approaches
• Proactive and innovative
• Capacity and willingness to be flexible, accommodating and diplomatic

Prior Experience Expectations

• Building external networks
• Strategic Planning, Long Term Positioning
• Governance and advocacy
• Enhanced voice accountability
• Training and Facilitation

The Advocacy Officer will contribute to Save the Children’s efforts to influence and bring about change in the awareness, attitudes, behaviours and policies related to the rights of children in the country programme in the state of posting.

Qualifications

· The post holder will possess a high degree of analytical skill, political acumen, ability to facilitate change, ability to influence, and ability to communicate key advocacy messages effectively and convincingly to a diverse audience at local, national and international levels.

Essential

· University degree in health, nutrition, communications or related social science field.

· Substantial experience in advocacy and policy development / research in the development context.

· Good understanding of the possibilities and tactics for influencing decision and policy makers, politicians, donors, and other key actors.

· Knowledge of the media and its role in raising awareness and shaping public policy.

· Good understanding of strategies for achieving sustainable child Health and Nutrition policies through participatory processes, and the links with gender, diversity and other aspects of identity.

· Excellent conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to ensure achievement of desired change objectives.

· Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences at local, national and international levels.

· Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society and media sectors.

· Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, adaptability and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

· Ability to travel extensively in the country.

· Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email / internet) and ability to be self-supporting in most administrative tasks.

· Fluent English language skills (written and verbal).

· Commitment to the values, mission, aims and policies of Save the Children.

Desirable

· Experience in training others in advocacy techniques and influencing tactics.

· Prior work experience in advocacy in Nigeria.

· Knowledge of the policies, functions, structures and decision-making processes of key national institutions with regard to child Nutrition.

· Experience working with children on Health and Nutrition will be an added advantage.

· Local language skills (Ability to communicate in Hausa will be an advantage).

To work closely with key SMT members as a driver in the implementation of various organizational development actions linked to the Restructuring Plan that will have been developed and approved by the time the Change Manager arrives. To also implement, as time permits, any other action plans that have been developed and agreed upon to increase management and team efficiency and accountability. Assist in the preparation of communication materials, relevant to the restructure.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

· Solid experience and a proven track record of having managed such organisation wide structural changes in other NGOs, preferably in a developing country/fragile state

· Extensive operational or project management, planning and implementation experience. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, to analyse complex information and offer creative, practical solutions.

· Excellent influencing and negotiation skills, the ability to influence and motivate others. The role will involve liaison with a wide range of people, both internally and externally, and will require the ability to deal with people at all levels with credibility, tact and diplomacy

· Demonstrated ability to remain objective/neutral

· Intellectually flexible – a lateral thinker, open to new ideas and methodologies

· Proven ability to embrace and champion change

· Results oriented, with experience in developing and monitoring performance measurement/benefits realisation mechanisms

· Demonstrated ability to promptly adapt to different ways of working (flexibility), as in this new organization the context is quickly evolving

· Results oriented, with experience in developing and monitoring performance measurement/benefits realisation mechanisms

· The role will involve liaison with a wide range of people and will require a proven track record in dealing with people at all levels with credibility, tact and diplomacy

· Demonstrated ability to act independently and take on challenges willingly

· Mobility – the role will require spending a considerable amount of time in field locations.

· Exceptional communication skills – both written and verbal.

· Experience and knowledge of change management principles and methodologies

· Experience in change management processes in NGOs

Desirable

· Held progressively senior operational or management roles within a recognised INGO

· Previous work experience in Africa