Job Vacancy at VSO

Job ID: JOB0084180
Location: Minna, Niger
Duration: 12 Months

Job Purpose

• The role involves working closely with and supporting one or more VSO Partners and / or civil society organizations (CSOs) as they develop advocacy initiatives to bring about policy changes in Niger State in relation to agriculture and market access for the poor.

Job Responsibilities

• Support and develop the capacity of one or more IMA4P Nigeria Partners in the field of advocacy and engagement with national/regional Government on issues of policy and legislative reform in keeping with the needs of the project
• Provide expert advice and support on advocacy and campaigning strategies and community based approaches.
• Work closely with Partners, CSOs and farmer collectives to develop evidence-based, comprehensive advocacy strategies and implementation plans.
• Strengthen the capacity of staff of partner organizations (CSOs) relating to organisational capacity for effective advocacy.
• Identify opportunities for advancing CSOs’ and wider voice and standing with the Government. Coordinate work to ensure CSOs take advantage of these opportunities to ensure positive outcomes
• Contribute to and support the leadership and coordination of the sectors, thematic advocacy including identifying the key issues in brief, advocacy action plan, talking points, information kits, etc;
• Support media and communication efforts on the implementation of advocacy strategy.

Key Performance Indicators

• Participation in the development of a strategy or strategies for engagement in national or regional  debates on policy issues relating to democratic reform
• Effective and context-sensitive support for the implementation of advocacy initiatives
• Advocacy strategy and implementation plan produced to the satisfaction of stakeholders
• Key issues and advocacy messages developed and rolled out
• Capacity of partner staff relating to advocacy greatly improved, as measured by the partner organisation.
• Communication materials and community engagement advocacy tools developed.
• Government partners engaged and sensitized to be responsive to the voices of CSOs and communities
• IMA4P profile raised
• Objectives will be confirmed in three way discussions between the volunteer, employer and VSO in the first three months of the placement.

Competencies
Building and Sustaining working relationships:

• The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal.

Open Minded and Respectful:

• A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture.

Seeking and Sharing Knowledge:

• Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process.

Facilitating Positive Change:

• The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches.

Adaptability:

• A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations.

Resilience:

• The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity.

Skills and Knolwedge
Essential:

• A University degree in Social Sciences, International Development, or related field.  A minimum of three years professional experience in a related sector or context.
• Proven track record of delivering successful policy-related advocacy strategies within a development context.
• Experience in lobbying, advocacy and/or influencing a range of decision-makers e.g. national governments or inter-government organisations.
• Understanding of a wide variety of advocacy and social accountability programme approaches, preferably with expertise in undertaking applied research.
• Excellent communication and social skills, the ability to work closely with a variety of stakeholders in a developing country and non-english speaking context.
• Ability to work independently as well as with multiple stakeholders in a time-pressured environment.
• Ability to work both as team member and independently

Desirable:

• Demonstrated success in engaging with and mobilizing communities related to social accountability and development
• Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with high level stakeholders
• Experience in capacity strengthening. Training and advisory work
• Experience of Monitoring and Evaluation, particularly of advocacy projects
• Awareness and sensitivity of political/socio-cultural context of Africa

Interview/Assessment Date(s)
TBC

Start Date
TBC