Head of Policy and Advocacy Africa

The purpose of this role is to:

• To support a coherent and coordinated policy and research activities that assist FTA grow its influence  and visibility in Africa;
• To promote and maintain relationships with key audiences including producers, policy makers and other  external agencies in Africa related to policy and advocacy;
• To provide capacity strengthening and technical support to policy, research, and advocacy initiatives in 

Key Performance Areas

Policy and Research 

• Lead policy relevant analysis and research, contributing to the development Policy Advocacy publications (position papers, petitions etc.); 
• Support and develop the capacity of FTA staff to generate materials and conduct other desk-based research  and policy analyses; 
• Track and analyze country, regional, continental, and global policy and advocacy environment, recommending strategic opportunities for FTA engagement and undertake country specific analysis;
• Support the implementation of a MEL system to track the output, outcomes, and impact of FTA’s Policy Advocacy work;

Advocacy

• Lead initiatives to build the capacity of FTA staff and producer organizations to more effectively engage in advocacy, strengthen linkages with key advocacy stakeholders in core supply chains;
• Identify, and participate in networks in established FTA priority areas for Fairtrade certified products with relevant stakeholders and partners, providing salient information on a continuous basis;
• Network with continental stakeholders to build strategic relationships and deepen FTA understanding of key policy issues and advocacy opportunities in core supply chains;
• Represent FTA in relevant governance, planning, intelligence and lobby meetings of umbrella organizations and coalitions related to core supply chains;

Knowledge Management and Information Sharing 

• Support the collection and documentation of impact stories for sharing, learning and advocacy;
• Contribute to the drafting of written materials and copy for social media as well as supporting digital communications; 
• In collaboration with the regional teams and key FTA stakeholders, identify and lead resource mobilization development opportunities contributing to concept and proposal development and donor reports;
• Establish and maintain all documentation, data and information systems related to research, policy and advocacy;
• Develop policy and research tools, frameworks, and curriculum to strengthen the advocacy capacity of FTA staff and producer networks;

Resource Mobilization and Sustainability Initiatives

• Support advocacy related resource mobilization initiatives- identify and facilitate opportunities for  relationship building and proposal development with key donors;
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with CSOs, and development agencies to leverage FTA’s  advocacy work in competitive calls for advocacy related proposals;
• Support positioning of advocacy work around sustainability issues such as climate support FTA make  progress on its ongoing commitment to become a more sustainable and socially responsible company.

Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in a relevant subjects (Public Policy, Political Science, etc.)
• Certification in research methods, policy or advocacy and related subjects

Experience and Knowledge

• 10 years’+ experience implementing research, policy, and advocacy initiatives in a not-for-profit  organization;
• Experience in capacity building of CSOs, etc.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies;
• Experience conducting policy analysis and synthesizing technical information and materials for decision  making for advocacy actions;
• Experience in management or coordination of research, policy, and advocacy-related events;
• Knowledge of key international, regional sustainable goals agreements and conventions.

Skills

• Fluent in English and excellent written communication for a range of audiences
• Strong research and policy development skills
• Excellent trainer with presentation, training, and facilitation skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Strong planning and project management skills