United States of America: Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator, Africa

Status: Full Time

Application Deadline: July 13, 2017

For consideration, please attach your cover letter and resume to the online application.

Summary of Principal Responsibilities

The Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator, Africa is responsible for addresses issues of peace and justice through education, advocacy and constituency mobilization. The coordinator develops strategies to influence thinking, policy and practice. The position is mostly focused on Africa but could work on global issues developed in AFSC’s shared security program.

Under the overall direction of the Regional Director for Africa based in Nairobi, the coordinator engages and collaborates with U.S. staff, the AFSC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington D. C., and the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in New York on matters related to the continent. The coordinator keeps abreast of the relevant contextual realities, emerging issues and policy developments in the U.S. and Africa and coordinates the identification of thematic and/or geographic priorities. With the consent of their supervisor, the coordinator attends external meetings and conferences, and speaks publicly on behalf of AFSC.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: The key responsibilities of the Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator include the following:

Program Development and Implementation:

1. Within the framework of the approved plan, develop specific strategies and programs appropriate for achieving the goals and strategic objectives of the Africa Regional plan in the United States.
2. Plan, lead or coordinate campaigns, delegations, and speaking and study tours as approved in the strategies and in consultation with the IP office in Philadelphia where necessary.
3. Work with the Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Africa Leadership Team and the QUNO Director and staff to develop strategies and carry out advocacy and diplomacy efforts.
4. Participate in external meetings and conferences to participate or facilitate discussion on priority issues associated with Africa.
5. Keep abreast of current political and security developments and contextual realities in the region, and research and produce analytical educational materials
6. Produce education and communication materials such as Action Alerts, newsletters, and content for the website in consultation with the Communications Department and the consent of Africa team.

Organizational Support:

1. Coordinate work with Communication Department (media, web and publication team) and serve as an information resource on African issues for AFSC staff members.
2. Monitor progress toward achievement of goals and objectives of strategies and programs, undertake regular evaluations to measure outcomes and impact and draw lessons to inform programs and decisions making.
3. Ensure that all assigned projects are carried out effectively and professionally and are consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of the AFSC.
4. Promote teamwork to achieve a common purpose and engage in continuous professional growth.
5. Adhere to all AFSC policies and procedures.

Decision-Making:

1. With the overall guidance and consent of the Regional Director for Africa, coordinate consultations and solicit comments on key policy papers, advocacy strategies, media materials and public education plans.
2. Convene meetings on thematic or geographic issues related to Africa, facilitate discussions and input around possible initiatives or on how to address emerging problems.
3. Participate in the Africa Leadership Team and Regional staff meetings and education and nurture working relationships with program and management staff in the region.

Communications:

1. Represent the viewpoints of the AFSC to all constituents.
2. Serve as the principal US contact on Africa issues and provide regular verbal and written briefings and updates to appropriate audiences.
3. Draft position statements, press releases, op eds, talking points, etc. and manage the process for review.
4. Maintain regular contact with regional team members in Africa and visit staff and programs on a regular basis
5. Prepare and disseminate program and donor reports and newsletters; maintain Africa pages on AFSC web site. Respond to requests for public information.

Collaboration:

1. Facilitate geographic and thematic collaboration among and between staff members throughout the AFSC and convene the Africa Policy Call (APC).
2. Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, professional groups, institutions, etc. that will expand the reach and maximize the effectiveness of the AFSC.

Administration:

1. Formulate budgets for public education and advocacy work on Africa in the U.S and participate in the annual budgeting processes
2. Participate in the development of strategies for obtaining funds for the region, including writing proposals for grants and identifying potential donors.
3. Maintain all financial records on program work and prepare financial reports for accountability
4. Supervise interns and program assistants as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduate degree or the equivalent in social policy, peace studies, political science, international relations, law or a related field is required.

Experience:

1. No less than three years’ work experience in the region related to international affairs and public policy, international development, and humanitarian crises, with recognized advancement.
2. Proven experience in policy analysis, research and advocacy work.
3. Demonstrated success in constituency outreach, community organizing and mobilization and public education.
4. Demonstrated experience and understanding of conflict resolutions, conflict transformation, reconciliation and peace building.
5. Ability to connect with diverse audiences, negotiate and to influence situations using tact and diplomacy—both internally and externally.

Other Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated high level of professional skill in written and oral communication in English. Fluency in French desirable.
2. Ability to persuade and motivate others and to gain the respect and attention of AFSC staff members and volunteers.
3. Ability to work well under pressure and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities.
4. Proven ability to reach out collaboratively to individuals, groups and organizations.
5. Ability to travel regularly, nationally and internationally, and to attend frequent evening and weekend meetings, working overtime as needed.
6. Excellent computer skills.
7. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
8. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.

Compensation:Salary Range starts at $62,265 – Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity**,** sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is a Bargaining Unit II position

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.

To apply, please visit https://www.afsc.org/job-center and complete an online application.

For consideration, please attach your cover letter and resume to the online application.