Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld has been working in Africa since 1997, with a primary focus upon East Africa and the Horn region. We have well-established programmes in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. In addition, Saferworld supports regional and international conflict prevention and security processes. Saferworld headquarters are in London, with offices currently in Nairobi, Kampala, Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Juba.

Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work. Saferworld has been engaged with Sudan issues in different forms since 2011. In partnership we work with community groups to undertake research to address a range of issues to help community members feel safer.

Through partners, Saferworld implements projects in Khartoum, Darfur (North, Central and South), Eastern Sudan (Red Sea, Kassala and Gederif), South Kordofan, and Blue Nile States. The programmes support communities and civil society organisations by enhancing their capacity on gender and conflict sensitivity. We help provide space and opportunities for civil society to come together to engage in meaningful dialogues for peace and democracy. Our work also increases understanding within the regional and international policy community (such as with the African Union) of the complex challenges faced by Sudanese citizens to help ensure their projects and approaches to Sudan encourage peace rather than exacerbate conflict.

Job purpose:

Together with the Country Director, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will lead Saferworld’s policy and advocacy work in Sudan to contribute to a peaceful transition and unity across divides. This includes linking evidence and analysis into Saferworld’s policy and advocacy work at the national, regional and international levels. The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will build relationships with key partners including civil society organisations, advocacy networks, officials and donors. S/he will work closely with Saferworld’s Programme Manager and Project Coordinators to support communities and partners to advocate for change, and lead on gathering compelling evidence to inform and influence key decision makers

Roles and responsibilities:

1. Lead on the strategic development, adaptation and implementation of the Sudan programme’s policy and advocacy strategies

• Lead the development of the Sudan programme’s advocacy strategy and plans at all levels, including continually assessing and mitigating risks to programme staff and partners;
• Support partners in the development of sub-national and national advocacy strategies and plans;
• Participate in and produce ongoing analysis of the political context, security and justice, and peacebuilding at the national level and identify areas for strategy and programme development;
• Contribute to research and analysis of the context and policy debates at national, regional and international levels to help address conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Sudan;
• Support Saferworld’s strategic engagement with the African Union and other relevant regional bodies;
• Monitor official and public debates on security and justice, governance, peace building and conflict-sensitivity in Sudan (and regionally as appropriate) and identify opportunities for Saferworld and partners to provide input into these policy debates;
• Develop evidence-based policy positions and messaging, and support partners and others to do so, and clearly articulate the issues in publications and materials (e.g. comment pieces, briefings, reports, talking points).
• Maintain an active detailed database of relevant stakeholders for advocacy at all levels
• Feed in to Sudan programme funding proposals and donor reports as required, and participate in regular monitoring and evaluation and learning processes

2. Lead on the implementation of policy and advocacy activities

• In consultation with the Country Director, represent Saferworld externally at the national, regional and international level, as required;
• Work collaboratively with Saferworld’s partners and civil society in country (particularly women and youth and those from conflict areas), regularly consulting them on messaging, approach, and directly supporting/ facilitating agreed activities;
• Coordinate regular advocacy touch-bases with staff and partners, in country and internationally, and facilitate shared ownership of advocacy activities;
• Establish and maintain relationships, partnerships, and work collaboratively with civil society, advocacy networks, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, government, private sector, and other key stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels, as required;
• Attend relevant coordination, information-sharing and other relevant forums at the national, regional and international level on behalf of Saferworld, and provide feedback to Saferworld colleagues and partners;
• Develop agendas and materials for advocacy workshops and trainings for staff and partners, and facilitate these;
• Organise and facilitate policy/ advocacy tours with partners and staff at national, regional and international levels;
• Provide dedicated support and accompaniment to the implementation of advocacy strategies with Saferworld staff and partners in Sudan and work with them to elevate state and national advocacy priorities to appropriate levels.

Key working relationships

• Country Director, Programme Manager, Project Coordinators, Partnerships and Compliance Manager, Regional Funding Manager -working collaboratively, sharing information, providing advice and guidance in relation to specialist areas
• Colleagues in Finance – working collaboratively on funds disbursement for own activities
• Partner organisations – regularly collaborate on advocacy strategies and products, share information, provide training and dedicated support and accompaniment as required, organise events and policy tours, and support the implementation of other relevant
• Advocacy Adviser to international programmes – regularly engage with advocacy adviser for advice and support and to collaborate on international advocacy initiatives
• Communications team – regular engagement on communications products and strategy development, provide internal news updates, work with them on communications products
• Africa regional team – regularly communicate with other advocacy and communications leads in the Africa region, and the Regional Head, to keep them informed of our work on Sudan and coordinate at regional level
• Colleagues in the global policy, advocacy and communications teams – engaging in regular advocacy conversations with global team in London, Brussels and DC to keep them updated and work with them on thematic policy issues and policy tours Sudan Policy and Advocacy Coordinator (September 2020)
• External stakeholders – regularly attend relevant network meetings, identify shared interests and common goals and work together on collective influencing. Develop good working relationships with national, regional and international officials as relevant

Scope and accountability:

Decision making and limits of authority

• The post holder is expected to lead the development and implementation of the programme’s advocacy strategy

Financial resources

• Management of advocacy activity budgets

Other resources

• Responsible for cross-regional and organisational information sharing and lesson learning resources

People management

• Line management of some consultancies as agreed with the Country Director

Legal, regulatory and compliance responsibility

• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and practices in the organisation.

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies and campaigns that bring about  significant policy or practice change
• An excellent understanding of Sudan, particularly in terms of security and conflict dynamics and actors, key political, economic, and social issues, and peace and governance processes
• Solid knowledge of civil society networks in Sudan and the East Africa region
• Knowledge of policy and policy-making processes at national, regional and international levels
• A Bachelor’s degree in development studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, or a relevant political or social science discipline - or equivalent professional experience (a Master’s degree would be an advantage)
• Understanding of conflict and gender sensitivity concepts, with a commitment to gender equality
• Solid understanding of and proven experience engaging with civil society and governments, networking, and representing an organisation at the national and international level
• Experience of writing high quality research materials and advocacy briefings
• Experience developing and cultivating partnerships with local organisations, including at long distance
• Experience of conflict transformation, peace building, or development work in East Africa – preferably in Sudan
• Demonstrated experience of conducting trainings and workshops, ideally focused on advocacy, research or communications an asset

Skills and abilities

• Strong policy analysis and advocacy skills with the ability to manage and prioritise competing tasks
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with attention to detail and with the ability to translate complex issues into a level appropriate for various audiences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse audiences and ability to work in a non-partisan manner, appreciating religious, cultural and ethnic diversity
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential (Arabic is a strong advantage)
• Demonstrated organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work on his/her own, but also effectively as part of a team, including with those based in other locations
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), web based communications, and social media

Personal qualities

• A self-starter who is resilient and willing to take the initiative and drive things forward with minimal oversight
• Personable and committed to working as a team and fostering a collaborative working environment
• Commitment to respect and value equality and diversity, and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Commitment to and compliance with Saferworld’s safeguarding principles
• Commitment to own continuing personal and professional development
• Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Saferworld
• Commitment to a collaborative approach to partnership

Other requirements

• Ability to travel frequently internally, within East Africa, and to international locations as the job requires

Application process To apply:

• Download and complete an application form at http://www.saferworld.org.uk/jobs/jobs and send to HR at jobs@saferworld.org.uk or to HAC Khartoum clearly marked Ref: Sudan Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
• Deadline for applications: 5 October 2020
• We only accept completed application forms so please do not send your CV