Opportunities

Position Title: Communications and Visibility Specialist

Opportunity Type: Employment
Position Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Reports to: Team Leader

Application Deadline: 10 March 2023

Duration of Contract: April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and maintain a communication and visibility strategy for the Southern Defenders.

• Devising advocacy priorities and strategies, identifying advocacy opportunities, and undertaking advocacy directed at influencing governments, intergovernmental organisations, and human rights bodies and experts on the protection of civic space and HRDs;

• Undertaking research and analysis, and preparing reports and publications, in relation to matters relevant to civic space, HRDs and human rights systems;
• Acting as a spokesperson for Southern Defenders where appropriate, including through the preparation of statements, media releases, and op-eds and representing Southern Defenders on panels and events;
• Manage the website and social media accounts of Southern Defenders, Executing a mixture of reactive social content and planned campaigns to the highest editorial standards.
• Develop a Southern African-focused media list for Southern Defenders;
• Monitoring key developments in relation to HRDs and threats to civic space, and preparing and publishing timely commentaries on such developments;
• Contributing to the writing, editing and publishing of Southern Defenders publications; newsletter, and research op-eds;;
• Provide the Southern Defenders with an assessment of its media footprint, branding and reputation in the Southern African region;
• Assisting with planning, preparations and conduct of Southern Defenders events; online dialogues, interviews, webinars and field visits;
• Undertaking all such other tasks, including administrative and logistical tasks, as necessary for the effective operation of a lean Network;
• Be available upon reasonable notice for regular meetings at the Southern Defenders’ Offices or via online media with Southern Defenders Staff and other partner organisations; and
• Report to Southern Defenders Team Leader through the Regional Programmes Manager and coordinate with other Southern Defenders staff and Network, including regularly sharing progress made with regards to all activities in terms of this agreement.
• Contribute to the compilation of the annual work plan and monitor the progress of its implementation;
• Work as a team member and actively support the achievement of collective goals and professionalism in line with stated rules and specific global and individual achievements as stated in the work plan;
• Work in line with provisions stipulated in the Southern Defenders’ human capital and talent management policy;

• Carry out any other responsibilities as assigned by the Team Leader or designated supervisor.

Qualification and Experience: 

• A degree or diploma in Communications, Media, Journalism, Law Political science, Human Rights, Psychology, Social Science etc or a relevant professional credential;
• Proficient knowledge and proven experience in non-profit and NGO communication, media, advocacy work, and training facilitation, with a strong focus on Human Rights Defenders for a period of 3 to 5 years;
• Experience working within the NGO sector is desirable;
• Journalistic experience is desirable;
• Experience in content creation and social media strategies for human rights work in Southern Africa;
• Excellent level in English (written and spoken); Proven writing skills a must;
• Commitment to defending human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and advancement of civic space.

Essential Skills 

• Fluent across social media, digital media and communications platforms;
• Skilled at quickly crafting accurate content with a knack for storytelling and advocacy messaging;
• Excellent organisational, planning and time-management skills, ability to take initiative and capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs;
• Attention to detail and accuracy;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work well as part of a diverse and inclusive team and thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment;
• Excellent language skills in spoken and written English, French, Portuguese and major local vernacular languages of Southern Africa an added advantage;
• Advanced computer skills, especially with Word Press, Canva, Adobe Applications, Microsoft Office, Social Media Platforms, and Digital Technology;
• Ability to operate spreadsheets and word-processing programmes at a highly proficient level;
• Knowledge about one or more computerised digital design and content creation software is necessary;
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times.

Application Process: 

Submit your application letter and CV via email to: recruit@southernafricadefenders.africa before 10 March 2023 – 5:00 pm SAST, addressed to the Team Leader, Southern Defenders

Please specify the position in the subject line: Communications and Visibility Specialist

The application should include:

• Application letter (in English, no longer than two pages, incl. salary expectations)
• Curriculum vitae (in English, no longer than 2 pages)
• Two (2) reference persons (only short-listed candidates’ reference persons will be contacted)

Please note: Only short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews. 

Duty Station: Bikita and Insiza Districts

Deadline: 14 February 2023

Jekesa Pfungwa Vulingqondo (JPV) is a Women Empowerment, Local Non-Governmental Development organization working with women, men and youths in Zimbabwe to redress the gender imbalances in society and empower women. The organization is alive to the fact that society is fraught with unequal gender relations perpetuated by a complex interaction of cultural and structural factors. JPV works to open women’s minds to realities of these barriers and bring women together within their communities to formulate local solutions to local challenges.

JPV is implementing a social mobilization programme promoting SASA Faith to combat Sexual, Gender and Based Violence in Faith communities and as such seeks to recruit District Officers for the programme in Bikita and Insiza. The officer should be resident or be able to relocate to the preferred district. Reports to the Programmes Manager.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support to Start Awareness Support Action SASA! Faith Teams:

• Support technical capacity building of SASA! Faith teams, through trainings and workshops
• Support SASA! Faith teams to ensure SASA! Faith phase action plans are planned and developed in a timely manner that meets project objectives.
• Mentor and guide SASA! Faith team in planning, implementation, documentation, and monitoring of SASA! Faith activities.
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with SASA! Faith teams
• Monitoring and support to Community Activists

Learning and Knowledge Management:

• Coordinate SASA! Faith phase training planning, delivery, and evaluation
• Provide logistical support for trainings
• Participate in shared learning spaces with colleagues on SASA! Faith
• Collect case studies and provide content demonstrating the impact of SASA! Faith for donor reports and other publications.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• In coordination with the SASA! Faith team, Programmes Manager and M&E Officer, ensure timely and accurate M&E plans to ensure that SASA! Faith outcomes remain on track and align to the project outcomes and targets
• Provide guidance and support to SASA! Faith teams on the effective use of SASA! Faith M&E tools, data entry, data analysis and reporting.

Other:

• Participate in organisational quarterly meetings, programme review meetings and any other meetings as required
• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the Program Manager

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Development studies, Gender Studies or a related social science degree

Experience

Minimum two years of working in a local development organisation

Experience in GBV programming, including prevention and response strategies

(Experience of working to support SASA! Or SASA! Faith programming / working in a faith-based institution is an added advantage).

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills, particularly in relation to facilitating trainings on GBV; Highly organised, with excellent planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills; Excellent report writing skills and an aptitude for designing projects and proposals; Competent in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and with internet/email; Demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and an ability to influence and engage others to support gender issues; Capable of working efficiently under tight deadlines; Spoken and written fluency in English.

To apply

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit their applications to ngozimvacancies@gmail.com and indicate the preferred district. This is a women centred project, hence female candidates with a Christian background are encouraged to apply. Please send your detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (max 3 pages) and motivational letter by close of business on 14 February 2023.

The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) is a socio-economic justice coalition established in February 2000 to facilitate citizens’ involvement in making public policy pro-people and sustainable. Its specific objectives are :To raise the level of economic literacy among members to include views and participation of grassroots and marginalised communities, facilitate research, lobbying and advocacy in order to raise the level of economic literacy and fiscal transparency on issues of debt, national/municipal budgets, trade and sustainable development, formulate credible and sustainable economic and social policy alternatives; develop a
national coalition and facilitate the building of a vibrant movement for social and economic justice in Zimbabwe.

ZIMCODD is looking for two interns for its Eastern (Mutare) and Southern (Bulawayo) Regions to provide support in its programmes department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The programs intern shall:

• Provide programme and administrative support to the programmes team in the preparation of various programme documents such as reports and proposals on program implementation arrangements.
• Develop operational requirements for programmes and activities; this may include preparing the required budgets, logistics and checklists among others.
• Participate in a variety of meetings, workshops, and/or trainings for the purpose of providing or receiving information, recording minutes, and supporting the needs of the attendees.
• Assist in implementing the ZIMCODD movement building and membership strategy which will include maintaining a membership database and membership profiling.
• Follow up on the recruitment of new members and oversee the collection of membership fees in the Eastern and Southern Regions.
• Assist in the development/writing of monthly reports and activity reports for the various projects.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Degree in or currently studying towards completion of a social science degree. To include but not limited to a degree or studies towards the attainment of a degree in Development Studies; Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, Political Science and Peace Studies.
• Fluency in Ndebele for the Southern Region internship.
• Passionate about advancing social and economic justice issues with marginalised and disadvantaged communities.
• High integrity, strong result orientation, drive for excellence and takes initiative.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and result orientation.
• A self-starter able to work with minimum supervision.

HOW TO APPLY

If interested in the above-mentioned opportunity, please submit your application including qualifications, motivational letter and CV to zimcodd@zimcodd.co.zw. Due date: 17 February 1700hrs. All applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Please indicate the subject as PROGRAMS INTERN and indicate the region applied for.

ZIMCODD CONTACT DETAILS
49 PENDENNIS ROAD, MOUNT PLEASANT, HARARE
Email: zimcodd@zimcodd.co.zw
Website: www.zimcodd.org
FACEBOOK: ZIMBABWE COALITION ON DEBT AND DEVELOPMENT
TWITTER @ ZIMCODD1

Reports to: Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa

We are the Sub-Saharan Africa office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Africa), a German foundation that works across the globe to promote freedom.

FNF Africa is looking for an enthusiastic freedom-lover who wants to join our team in Johannesburg to work as Administrative Assistant  and supports us to improve the administration of FNF Africa´s regional office. The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the Regional Director Sub Saharan Africa.

Her/his/their key responsibilities include the support of the Regional Director and the Johannesburg office team in the fields of office administration, database management, correspondence and project and event management:

• General office administration such as filing handling of telephone enquiries, diary management
• Maintenance of the FNF Africa´s database and internal archives and filing
• Assistance with the Foundations´s project documents (quotes, budgets etc.)
• Assistance with procurement of services
• Correspondence in German and English to FNF head office in Germany, project offices abroad and partner organisations and to individuals
• Coordination of applications for FNF Africa and FNF´s international programmes
• Supervision of the preparation of events (as assigned) taking place in the Foundation´s offices or outside including arrangement with hotels, restaurants and service providers
• Planning and coordination of business trips and staff meetings
• Preparation of minutes, and editing of texts reports as requested
• Supervision of driver, office cleaner and care taker

Write us what motivates you to apply at FNF, and include any relevant educational information, experience, background, and examples of previous work. Required are independent thinking, personal initiative, a responsible attitude and excellent language and writing skills in both English and German and excellent organisational and time management skills. You need to have sound experience in word processing. If you are not a resident of South Africa you need a valid work visa.

This position is part time till 31.7. 2023 and thereafter full time on Fixed term contract (2 years).

• Have a look at  https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa
• The deadline for applications is Friday 17th February 2023 and interviews will take place before the end of March 2023. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
• Email to tina.goulding@freiheit.org to submit your application.