Advocacy Specialist

Experience / Training

3. COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate
vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and
maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support;
anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and
improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring
the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of
strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input
by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda
before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when
such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and
accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate
amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies
when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Managerial competencies:
JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to
the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers
positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to
the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a
recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines
the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough
decisions when necessary.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets
messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest
in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

4. EDUCATION
• MA Degree in international relations, social sciences, public policy, communication, gender
and/or other related fields

5. WORK EXPERIENCE
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in political advocacy,
policy advocacy and/or communication.
• Specific knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights/ women’s rights
• Proven track record in networking and working in coalitions and alliances
• Previous experience in Africa and knowledge of the African Union and UN systems, Africa
Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Member State/Intergovernmental Processes are an
advantage.

6. LANGUAGES
English and French are the working languages of the ARO. For this post fluency in English and
French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.

7. ASSESSMENT
• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a competency-based interview which may
be followed by an assessment exercise.
8. SKILLS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Excellent interpersonal skills – articulate and diplomatic. Ability to interact with diverse
groups and to communicate effectively with officials.
• Advanced interpersonal and verbal communication skills in particular to work within a
network of multi-cultural staff and stakeholders.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines
• Eagerness and ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges
• Demonstrate initiative and ability to work in a team
• Open minded, emphatic and flexible
• Commitment to gender equality, sexual and reproductive rights, non discrimination and
diversity and young people and youth participation are a must
• Experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Willing to work outside standard office hours as required.
• Willing to travel internationally – about 30 days a year.

How to apply

For more details on the job description and on how to apply please visit https://www.ippfar.org/jobs

IPPF offers a wide range of benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.

Applications are particularly encouraged from women, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV and minorities.

Click here to apply

www.ippfar.org/about-us/jobs-and-opportunities/job/advocacy-specialist