Convening Officer - Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region

CIVICUS is seeking to recruit a Convening Officer to facilitate the effective implementation of CIVICUS convening strategy and manage relationships between CIVICUS and its networks in the MENA region. The Convening Officer will responsible for the coordination of CIVICUS interventions in the region.

Specific objectives for this position include:

•Lead CIVICUS outreach efforts and engagements in the MENA region: liaising with partners, members and UN representatives while expanding CIVICUS membership.
•Champion within CIVICUS opportunities and challenges presented by the region, ensuring the MENA region contributes fully to serving CIVICUS's global deliverables.
•Develop and implement CIVICUS outreach strategy for the MENA region.
•Provide support to CIVICUS' projects and coordinate interventions in the region together with the Lobby and Engagement Unit and the Policy Unit.
•Contribute to develop tools and knowledge for civil society network building and management, including communities of practice.
•Provide administration and logistical support for the regional events and prepare reports to donors as required.
•Contribute to effective cross-organisational working, communication and learning, keeping abreast of current and emerging communication technologies.
The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, knowledge, skills and work related experience:

•A Degree in the social sciences, International relations or Development studies,
•2-3 years work experience in a non profit and/or civil society organisation;
•Sound knowledge of civil society networks and regional and international organisations.
•Solid understanding of the civil society issues within the MENA region.
•Experience working in the MENA region with civil society organisations.
•Networking, negotiating, project management and event management skills;
•Strong verbal and written communication skills with different audiences at different levels;
•Analytical and research skills;
•Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team from a remote location.
•Shows drive and initiative, willingly takes ownership and adapts easily to change
•Self-Management skills: Manages time and resources efficiently with little supervision, manages emotions and stresses positively
•Budget management skills;
•Proposal and report writing skills;
•Highly organised and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines skills;
•Language skills: Fluent in English, fluent in Arabic and further language skills will be an advantage.
•Computer literate.
•We strongly encourage people for the MENA region to apply to this position.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa for the first 3 months, after which possible relocation to the MENA region. This post may require travels and flexible working hour arrangements.

Start date: as soon as possible

Duration: initially a 2 year contract will be offered.

Job grade: Paterson - C Upper

Salary offered for this position ranges between USD$28 000 - USD$45 500 per annum, if located in South Africa, depending on the level of relevant skills, knowledge and experience which will be determined by the person specification deviation. In addition, employee benefits include Risk Insurance and Medical Aid cover.

After relocation, adjustments will be made based on the CIVICUS Salary and Job Evaluation Policy which stipulates the location specific salary scheme by adopting the UN Post Adjustment System.

Please include a Resume (CV) with contact details of three current referees and a motivational cover letter including a statement verifying that the details within the CV are true and correct, and that the candidate agrees to the conducting of reference and background checks. CIVICUS holds reference reports in the strictest of confidence.

Candidates should forward above documents and information to: humanresources@civicus.org by Monday, 4th April 2011.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.