Regional Advocacy Coordinator Cuso International

Cuso International is a civil society development organization that works through volunteers. We send volunteers abroad to work on collaborative development projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. We are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development non-profits that works through volunteers, and are a strategic alliance partner of VSO.

If you want to be part of a global volunteering movement that measures success in impact and change, work for us!

JOB OPPORTUNITY LATIN AMERICA AND CARRIBEAN REGION (LAC)
Job Title:	Regional Advocacy Coordinator
Location:	San Jose, Costa Rica
Competition closing date:	March 7, 2012, 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time
Interview dates:	Initial telephone interviews: March 7-16, 2012
	In-person interviews:March 27-28, 2012

Key responsibilities:

The Regional Advocacy Coordinator (RAC) designs, leads and promotes effective advocacy initiatives within the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region and find funding to support these initiatives. He/she is an inspiring leader capable of coaching, mobilizing and motivating Cuso International’s community of volunteers, staff and partners to engage in advocacy. The RAC develops relationships with key government bodies, inter-governmental and civil society organizations. The RAC also identifies opportunities to raise the profile of Cuso International’s work and priorities within the region, seek full participation in relevant advocacy organizations and networks, develop partnerships and alliances to advance joint priorities and represent Cuso International in a range of public settings such as conferences, stakeholder meetings, workshops, and many more.

Summary of essential qualifications:

• A University degree, preferably a Masters, in a field relevant to the duties of this position i.e. International Development, Social Studies, or a more specialized degree relevant to Cuso International’s development activities, and/or a relevant combination of studies and experience;
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the area of advocacy for international development, including: campaigning, lobbying, and networking, with preference for experience in Cuso International’s core programs;
• Experience developing an effective advocacy strategy, as well as knowledge of current advocacy tools and tactics;
• Experience in finding funding and income in support of an advocacy strategy; proven success in this area;
• Bilingualism, English & Spanish
• Excellent networking skills and the ability to develop and nurture professional relationships with other practitioners and institutions;
• Experience integrating a gender analysis within advocacy strategies;
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, finding innovative solutions to difficult and complex challenges and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and rejection;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, persuade, and develop positive relationships;
• Willingness and the ability to undertake travel within the LAC region and on occasion, internationally.

How to apply:

Expressions of interest, including a cover letter and resume, should be sent no later than March 7, 2012, to hr@cusointernational.org. Only candidates considered for interviews will be contacted.

To be considered, résumés and cover letters should clearly demonstrate that all essential qualifications are met.

A full job description, including complete listing of key responsibilities and essential requirements for this position can be found on the Cuso International website: www.cusointernational.org at the following link: http://cusointernational.org/content/regional-advocacy-coordinator