Program Officer, Advocacy at International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

Purpose:

• Planned Parenthood Global seeks an enthusiastic, resourceful, and diligent Program Officer, Advocacy, committed to reproductive rights issues: to learn, participate, and support the Programs Team at the Africa Regional Office, and to provide technical and programmatic support to Planned Parenthood Global staff and partners, working to advance SRHR in the region.
• The ideal candidate needs to be familiar with regional human rights mechanisms and respective legal SRHR frameworks of the EA countries to advance SRHR-related policy initiatives. This knowledge is essential for driving impactful policy initiatives in the realm of SRHR. The Program Officer will play a pivotal role in translating this understanding into strategic actions that contribute to the organization's overarching advocacy objectives.

Engagement:

• Undertake comprehensive administrative, programmatic, and financial management and oversight of the advocacy program in focus countries. The program officer will also contribute to the shaping of the strategic direction of advocacy partner staff, through engaging in meticulous monitoring, providing technical assistance, conducting project evaluations, and preparing detailed reports for the Manager of Advocacy- East Africa Region.
• Furthermore, the incumbent will - foster close collaboration with cross-functional teams within the Advocacy Program to support interconnected initiatives, manage strategic partnerships, and amplify the visibility of PP Global at the country level and within the broader East Africa region. This multifaceted role emphasizes not only efficient program management but also a strategic and collaborative approach to advancing advocacy efforts and nurturing partnerships.

Delivery:

Project Implementation Mastery- Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in project implementation through:

• Tailoring training and technical assistance (TA) to ensure the strengthening of partner organizations, this would include the development of training and TA materials and the development /adaptation of models of advocacy, materials, and technical tools/curricula.
• Acts as custodian of all pertinent final PP Global advocacy documentation and country-specific programmatic documents and is accountable for ensuring accuracy and consistency with original versions before dissemination within the Africa Regional Office.
• Work with the country team to identify self-capacity building and networking opportunities, to remain updated on the SRHR issues relevant to PP Global projects in the respective country.
• Ensure the effective and optimal management of communication between advocacy partners within the East Africa Region, fostering seamless collaboration and information exchange.

Raise the visibility of PP Global: Stay updated on advocacy issues relevant to PP Global and the Advocacy program; raise visibility and facilitate a greater understanding of PP Global advocacy work by: -

• Constantly and actively scanning the ecosystem to inform the implementation of the advocacy strategy.
• Working with country project staff to identify opportunities and write articles and abstracts for publication and presentation at national and international conferences on behalf of PP Global and partner organizations.
• Representing PP Global ARO at local, regional, and international advocacy forums and work.
• Collaborating with PP Global support teams to support partners in documenting and communicating project achievements, models(start-ups), or approaches.
• This multifaceted approach will not only showcase the organization's impact but also contribute to the broader knowledge-sharing ecosystem within the organization and the sector.

Identify and manage strategic partnerships:

• Work closely with the team to identify and manage partnerships with strategic allies and like-minded organizations.
• To identify self-capacity building and networking opportunities to remain updated on the advocacy issues relevant to PP Global projects.
• Ensure the effective management of communication between partners and with PP Global, fostering a collaborative environment that maximizes the impact of shared advocacy goals.
• Completes special projects as assigned and required.

Fundraising: To ensure a holistic approach to fundraising that assures the sustained support necessary for the impactful continuation of PP Global's SRHR initiatives, the advocacy program officer will:

• Collaborate with regional and HQ staff in fundraising endeavors for PP Global projects, and respond to donor needs by contributing to the preparation of donor proposals, periodic reports to donors, and participation in donor-partner engagement upon request.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Master's or other advanced degrees in public health, international development, sociology, or other relevant fields plus additional related professional training preferred.
• At least 10 years in planning, designing, managing, supervising, monitoring, and evaluating health projects, preferably with a reproductive health and rights focus.
• Experience in developing results-based frameworks for project monitoring and evaluation, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods of research. Demonstrated experience in administrative and financial management.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and supervisory skills, inspiring teamwork and motivating staff, consultants, and partners to achieve results. Ability to work and collaborate with diverse local and international partner organizations. Excellent training and workshop facilitation skills.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Planned Parenthood.
• Experience in the conceptualization, design, and production of communication materials, including message and content development is an advantage.
• Knowledge of diverse groups, working with a diverse workforce, and sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural differences.
• Familiarity and experience with Google Suites will be an added advantage.

Travel: Ability to travel a minimum of 35% of the time.

How to apply

• Email cover letter and resume to [email protected] by 16th January 2023 with the subject line Program Officer, Advocacy, East Africa Region.