Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 20 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves.
We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children’s mission is to Inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.
We are recruiting to fill the position of:
Job Title: Local Government Engagement Officer (LEO)
Location: Zamfara
Role Purpose
- The LEO 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 and in the state of posting.
Key Areas of Accountability
Strategy Development:
- Support the development of the implementation and advocacy strategy for gender equity.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the programme objectives and initiatives, both short and long term, encompassing a wide range of issues particularly on social protection.
- Contribute to all efforts to raise/nurture CSOs and champions for programme and actively participate in all Save the Children and CSO Coalition driven activities in the state.
- Keep a watching brief on policy makers and other key players in relation to child protection issues and identify opportunities to raise awareness and influence policy change.
- Engage with the state and local governments in policies review.
Influencing:
- Develop good knowledge of state and national government structures, parliamentary and political processes, traditional and religious structure and any other key decision making structures and how to influence them.
- Undertake a range of lobbying, communications and other activities to inform and persuade policy makers, religious/traditional leaders, community members, donors and politicians. Ensure Save the Children visibility and acceptance in the state and LGAs
- Provide support for research, analysis and documentation that underpin the development of the programme and used as evidence based advocacy to influence both at state and national levels.
- Produce reports, briefing papers and presentations for internal and external audiences, as directed.
Collaboration & Representation:
- Maintain a strong relationship with the Advocacy officer and other state LEOs in the states.
- Strong relationship with other partners should be maintained.
- Provide leadership to partner CSOs and maintain a strong relationship.
- Facilitate meetings of the coalition groups
- Develop and maintain a network of external contacts with key individuals in the communities, government, NGO sector, civil society and the media.
- Represent and act as a spokesperson for Save the Children at various policy forums and advocacy opportunities at state level or as directed.
Programme Development:
- Support the programme team in the development of research methodologies, data analysis, M&E. report writing and publication.
- Ensure clear links and mutual reinforcement between programmatic approaches and advocacy strategies.
- Write regular progress reports (monthly reports of activities carried out in the state and LGAs) including annual impact monitoring reports.
- Perform other tasks, as required, to ensure the smooth running of the country programme.
Skills & Experience
Administrative & General Skills:
- 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, Education, Communications or related social science field.
- Substantial experience in child protection, advocacy and policy development / research, sexual and gender analysis and assessments 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, protection and education 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 and state 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.
- Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email / internet) and ability to be self-supporting in most administrative tasks.
- Fluent English and Hausa language skills (written and verbal).
- Commitment to the values, mission, aims and policies of Save the Children.
Application Closing Date
12th February, 2016.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online