DSW Job Vacancy in Kenya

DSW –‘Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung’ is an international development organization with headquarters in Germany with Country offices in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. DSWs mission is to achieve a world free of poverty, disease and injustice by empowering youth and communities.

For this purpose we support integrated programs in sexual reproductive health and rights focusing on youth social and economic empowerment, advocacy, and capacity building of local partners.

DSW’s Working Together for Decent Work in East Africa/ Fit for Life project is a regional project aimed at improving the living and working conditions of those employed in the informal economy and other vulnerable groups, especially women and youth. In Kenya, the project is working in Githurai, Mathare and Korogocho areas.

DSW is looking for an experienced and committed Advocacy Officer to work under the Program Manager in DSW Kenya Country Office. He/she will support the advocacy initiatives in the Working Together for Decent Work in East Africa / Fit for Life project and contribute effectively in the realization of the projects and DSW Kenya’s objectives and desired results.

He/she will also work closely with the rest of the project team and project partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical support to the project’s and DSW’s advocacy work at national and local levels especially related to gender, economic empowerment, social protection and inclusion.
• Research, analyze, monitor and report on local and international policies affecting women and youth working in the informal economy in Kenya resulting in high quality policy briefs and fact sheets.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive project advocacy strategy to address policy gaps affecting women and youth working in the informal sector at national and local levels.
• Build positive relationships with, engage with and represent DSW in government forums, advocacy coalitions and other relevant stakeholders and constituencies in support of the project and overall DSW Kenya advocacy programme objectives.
• With support from DSW Kenya and partner team members, work directly with youth and women’s groups to carry out sensitization, training and capacity building activities.
• Plan, organize and report on dialogue and sensitization campaigns and events involving relevant stakeholders.
• Under supervision of the DSW Kenya Program Manager maintain a positive and supportive relationship with project partners, DSW colleagues both in Kenya and regionally.

Required qualifications

• A Bachelors Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Sciences preferably in Political Science or International Affairs.
• Proven track record in policy and advocacy work of at least 3 years is essential. A gender and economic empowerment would be an advantage.
• Proven presentation, organizational and capacity building skills in a multi-national environment.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, build positive working relationships and foster open communication.
• Evidence of versatility in writing ability, IEC material development capacity and skills to use normal office and data management software.
• Initiative, self-motivation and a commitment to continuously work toward improved results.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and oral are required.

Qualified applicants should send a detailed CV and an Application Letter showing your experience and skills should be sent to fitforlife@dswkenya.org with a clear subject title Ref: Vacancy Advocacy Officer by Friday 24th February 2012.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.