ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER

Department: Advocacy/Kenya Program

Area: Advocacy/Programs

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Supervisor: Advocacy Director/School Principal

Status: Full Time

Starting date: Immediate

Compensation: 375 USD/month

Job Description

Still I Rise (“SIR”), an international NGO working on the development and implementation of humanitarian projects aimed at support of vulnerable children through high-quality education, is looking for an Advocacy and Community liaison Officer. This is an opportunity for a candidate that is excited to work alongside an international team in a growing Organization.

The Advocacy and Community liaison Officer will be a full time position covering mainly three different areas:

• You will coordinate with the school principal in liaising with the local community, fostering an environment that encourages and supports community involvement and engagement, and find strategic partnerships to support our school’s work.

• You will also identify local and national advocacy issues to raise awareness of and will work with the advocacy team in developing strategy and a communication plan. Moreover, you will engage in research and interviews on agreed-upon areas of interest and topics.

• Finally, this role entails being the main focal point for media and journalists: with the support of the Press Office Manager, the Advocacy and Community liaison Officer will be proactive in expanding our communication’s reach in Kenya.

This position will report to the Advocacy Director on a regular and scheduled basis and with the School Principal on a daily basis. The Advocacy and Community liaison Officer will be a proactive and enthusiastic person with strong organisational abilities, with passion and drive in advocating for children’s rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Understanding and effectively communicating SIR’s mission, vision, core values and strategic direction to external groups, including key stakeholders and intermediaries.

• Working closely with international, regional, national, and local civil society organisations and activists through formal and informal coalitions.

• Identifying opportunities and connections between SIR, the community and other stakeholders proposing ideas and initiatives, developing strategic partnerships.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with key partners and stakeholders including NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, human rights bodies and experts, journalists, etc

• Representing SIR in meetings with local stakeholders

• Ensuring that communities are kept abreast of the program developments and communication channels remain open with the communities;

• Responding to community concerns by ensuring that they are brought to the attention of the management and facilitate the process of resolving the issue;

• Promoting cultural opportunities, events and meetings for families and the community.

• Maintaining detailed and accurate record of meetings with local communities or institutions, including agendas, meeting minutes, follow-up/action points. Details of meeting held or cancelled should also be maintained;

• Building a ‘ community spirit’ around the program.

• Identifying local advocacy issues to raise awareness of and support the advocacy team in developing strategy

• Reporting about the situation on the ground to the advocacy team

• Supporting the advocacy team in carrying out research and drafting reports

• Providing content and support for social media communications, news articles and press releases.

• Being the local focal point for media outreach and supporting the School Principal with local communication plans and institutionalized meetings with local stakeholders. Essential Skills & Requirements
  Essential Criteria

• At least 2-3 years proven knowledge and experience of development and delivery of advocacy and campaigning strategies.

• Proven knowledge and experience of the local Kenyan political scene

• Knowledge of local development and/or local education and/or local health issues

Desirable Criteria

• Research and report writing experience

• Experience working in an international environment

• Knowledge of and experience of government departments and local donor communities

• Strong contacts with key actors within Kenyan government, parliament, NGOs and international actors relevant to Still I Rise NGO

• Experience of effectively using the media to build awareness around campaigns Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience of 2 years with NGOs/non profit and/or within the Education Sector

• Excellent IT skills and computer literacy

• Genuine interest and passion in advocating for children’s rights

• Throughout knowledge of the local context and stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing and/or competing priorities

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide variety of people both internally and externally

• Ability to motivate/inspire others with ideas

• Self-motivated, versatile and adaptable to different cultures and people;

• Strong community liaison, mobilization and negotiation skills required;

• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment;

• Strong communications skills and ability to work with a team to achieve organizational goals;

• Good negotiation skills, and the ability to bring consensus amongst people