Advocacy Officer (Maternity Cover)

The Advocacy Officer (Maternity Cover) based in Addis Ababa leads strategic engagement with African Union institutions to protect and advance children's rights across Africa, focusing on Children Affected by Armed Conflict (CAAC). The role supports advocacy efforts, capacity building, project management, and representation to influence regional policies and promote child protection in conflict contexts.

Responsibilities

• Support advocacy efforts promoting the implementation of, and accountability for, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), including assisting the activities and mandate of the ACERWC.
• Contribute to advocacy on CAAC issues and support the mandate of the African Union (AU) Special Envoy on CAAC.
• Serve as the focal point for the Education in Emergencies cluster, working closely with UNHCR and the ESTI Department.
• Facilitate the active engagement of CSOs and children in AU policy-making processes, including Specialized Technical Committees and the CSO Forum.
• Deliver monthly and quarterly progress updates to relevant internal SCI stakeholders.
• Support the development of complementary reports to ACERWC, including working with SCI Country Offices and partners in the development of reports.
• Support the strengthening of CSO networks in Africa to promote and advocate for children rights.
• Support identification and adoption of the CSO priorities for promoting participation and protection rights of children.
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals, budgets, narrative plans and reports in line with grant requirements.
• Represent Save the Children in external meetings, when relevant.

Requirements

• Good knowledge and understanding of the child rights mechanisms and structures at the AU.
• Knowledge and understanding of the AU institutions, and their broader role in development and humanitarian issues.
• Experience of working through and together with others, and with providing technical assistance in a respectful manner.
• Proven ability to speak and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Experience of successfully operating in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Commitment to Save the Children’s values.
• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in human rights, law, international relations, economics, politics or a related policy field is desirable.
• Advocacy experience preferably with the AUC or other African regional bodies in child rights, child health, child protection or another relevant area is desirable.
• Proficiency in French language desirable.

Skills

• Child Rights Mechanisms
• African Union Institutions
• Technical Assistance
• Advocacy
• Strategic Engagements
• Policy Influence
• Capacity Building
• Project Management
• Child Protection
• Conflict Context Experience
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• International Environment Experience
• Complex Issue Analysis

Languages

English