Open Society Foundation Job Vacancy, Advocacy Officer, Dakar and Abuja

Advocacy Officer (2 positions), Dakar and Abuja

Closing Date: Monday, 20 June 2011

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.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism.  Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.  Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is an advocacy and grant making foundation that is part of the global Open Society Foundations. OSIWA is based in Dakar, Senegal and works to support the creation of open societies in West Africa marked by functioning democracy, good governance, the rule of law, basic freedoms, and widespread civic participation. It has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry.

Responsibilities

OSIWA seeks two advocacy officers for its Dakar Regional and Abuja Offices to provide strategic direction and advisory support on advocacy at the regional level.  S/he identifies opportunities, and then plans and develops strategies for OSIWA advocacy. S/he is responsible for following-up on the execution and ensuring smooth and effective development and implementation of the OSIWA advocacy plan.

The advocacy officers will, under the supervision of the executive director:

prepare briefing materials for meetings, summarizing developments and articulating recommendations

prepare briefing materials for advocacy on the situation in the country offices, in the regional institutions like ECOWAS, AU, Mano River Union, etc... and potential related travel

assist in the production and release of news briefings

update briefing materials to reflect new data/research findings/news reports where reliable

provide daily/weekly support for international advocates in terms of transmitting political analysis, writing briefing material and other assistance to support international advocacy

work with diverse social media and technology tools for dissemination of messages, monitoring of official conduct and mobilization of public opinion

plan work with the Open Society Foundations' international advocates and work with Open Society Foundations programs their outputs—press releases, policy briefs etc.

Qualifications

4-6 years relevant work experience and background as an academic, policy analyst or experienced editorial commentator who has worked in an institution that deals in policy advice and analysis; he/she will preferably have direct experience of researching policy issues and producing reports and advice for policy makers to use.

Graduate degree in relevant field;

NGO or foundation experience preferred. Familiarity with OSIWA work and West Africa context are essential.

Excellent written and oral English and French, exceptional analytic capacity and skills;

Knowledge of local West African languages desirable

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 travel internationally on a frequent basis;

Excellent coordination, networking and facilitation skills;

High level of self-motivation and ability to work both independently and with others when necessary;

Ability to operate in a difficult working environment;

Excellent verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;

Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and Shows discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;

Attentiveness to detail and ability to work well under pressure;

Excellent and extensive computer skills and high comfort level with computer research, database management, proficient in Microsoft Office, experience with database management preferred;

Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;

Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;

Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience with full benefits.

Start Date

July 2011

To Apply

Please send resume (in English), cover letter, brief writing sample and salary requirements, by close of business June 20, 2011, to: osiwarecruitment@osiwa.org.

Please note: Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by OSIWA.

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.