Department: Foundations: Administration
Location: Cape Town
Application Deadline: 2016-03-30
Job Profile
Based in Cape Town, the Senior Research & Advocacy Officer will be responsible for the design, planning and implementation of research and advocacy interventions aligned to the strategic focus of OSF-SA. Reporting to the Programme Director, the successful candidate will work with the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) team to develop the unit’s strategy and plan activities and implementation.
Key areas of responsibility include
- contribute to the development of the unit’s strategy and activities in support of the overall OSF-SA strategy and objectives
- prepare work plans, spend plans and other documentation for submission to the Executive Director and the Board
- identify, conceptualise and execute operational projects and initiatives such as research, publications, workshops, roundtables, conferences, training, etc.
- prepare grant agreements and contracts entered into by the unit
- conduct research to identify and evaluate factors that influence and shape the unit’s and OSF-SA’s strategic priority areas
- develop appropriate advocacy campaigns by collaborating with civil society stakeholders, working with the global OSF network and participating in local and global debates
- dentify and nurture key relationships both locally and internationally and position OSF-SA as a strategic institution to debate relevant policy ideals and practices
Candidate Profile
- The successful candidate will have demonstrated knowledge across the following areas:
- extractive and energy sector governance
- social accountability methodologies
- community engagement with political processes
- economic inclusion and youth work
- South African foreign policy
- South African media
- South African Judiciary
- human rights and governance
- statistics
- legislative and regulatory processes and how to affect them
- how to use advocacy to solve problems and influence policy
Additional qualifications include
- master’s degree in a field relevant to the Research & Advocacy Unit of OSF-SA, unless the applicant has a proven track record in a similar role
- at least 5 years’ legislative, research, policy and advocacy experience
- demonstrated competence in publishing research or articles in relevant fields
- computer literacy (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- project management skills (high level of attention to detail, planning & organising, follow-up)
- preparation and monitoring of budgets
- ability to work under pressure and on multiple tasks simultaneously
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- formal presentation skills
Application Instructions
Please upload a cover letter and resume in one document when submitting an application.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations, and we welcome and actively seek applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences