Policy and advocacy officer, South Africa

Christian Aid is an international relief and development agency of the churches in Britain and Ireland. We insist the world can and must be changed to one where everyone can live a full life in dignity, free from poverty. We work with partner organisations, of all faiths and none, in developing countries to assist people to access the resources, knowledge and power they need to improve their lives.

Our South Africa country office, located in Pretoria, works primarily on economic justice, with a focus on tax, extractive industries and HIV & AIDS. We do not advocate directly in South Africa, but support advocacy and campaigning on these issues at local, national and regional levels. We share our country presence with our sister agencies Norwegian Church Aid and Church of Sweden, with whom we work in strategic partnerships.

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will support and assist the South Africa country manager, partners and other Christian Aid country programmes in the Southern Africa region to help the delivery of effective policy and advocacy strategies as outlined in the Christian Aid country strategy and policy paper. Our vision is of a just, equal, self-determining and knowledgeable South African society where the self- organisation of the poor, by the poor and for the poor brings an end to poverty, the restoration of their dignity and full recognition of their humanity.

Partners will be strengthened to influence key power holders, decision makers and influencers in government, the churches, regional bodies, civil society and the private sector to effect lasting change at scale for poor people. This post is an opportunity for an individual to undertake exciting and innovative work, and to flourish, and we are looking for someone who is self-driven, proactive, creative, competent at building relationships and networks, enabling others and who thinks strategically.

Applicants must possess excellent written and spoken skills in English and an intellect associated with a position of a degree or membership of a professional body with graduate status. Politically astute and in possession of strong policy analysis skills and must possess a minimum of five years’ experience with international NGOs and/or civil society networks.

You must have experience of working with faith-based organisations and their structures and a sound knowledge of the social, economic and political context of South Africa and the SADC region. Previous experience in the field of economic justice, especially in relation to tax is highly desirable.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Build partnerships

Tell us about a time when you had to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of contacts and networks based on mutual rapport and respect.

Communicate effectively

Give us an example of a time when you communicated something complex in a way that could be easily understood by others.

Deliver results

Tell us about a time when you had to make recommendations or take decisions after analysing data, information and other evidence.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, medical insurance and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

As this post is South Africa based, non-South African nationals will require current and valid permission to work in South Africa.

Download the role profile (209 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to: recruitment@christian-aid.org  quoting the reference number given below.

Please note CVs will not be accepted and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job reference: SA001/2014

Closing date: 4pm (CAT) Thursday 30 January 2014

Interview date: Thursday 6 February 2014

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.