Advocacy Officer at Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung (DSW)

Place of Work: Uasin Gishu, Nandi counties.

Reporting to: National Team Coordinator, Advocacy

General Responsibilities: Based in Uasin Gishu County, the Advocacy Officer is responsible for project implementation, overall coordination and networking for budget & policy advocacy for FP/SRH in target counties.

The Advocacy Officer will work closely with National Department Manager, Programmes & Projects, the Advocacy Pillar Lead and other national and regional staff to ensure the activities are implemented based on annual plans, advocacy strategies and budgets.

Under the direct supervision of the National Team Coordinator, Advocacy, the incumbent will lead mobilisation, coordination & capacity development of youth champions and coordinate DSW Kenya’s participation in county budget making processes.

Specifically, the officer is responsible for developing and contributing to reports to relevant Managers and senior staff detailing activities, collaborations and best practice.

Specific Responsibilities: The Advocacy officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the effective and efficient implementation of the programme in accordance with DSW financial procedures and guidelines while assessing progress and providing feedback to the supervisor.
• In consultation with the National Team Coordinator, Advocacy, the officer will contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and activity plans to promote policy and budget changes in support of FP/SRH at the county and sub-county level.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with target county level decision makers, relevant committees and executives to improve the prioritization of FP in county policies, budgets and programmes.
• Build relationships with civil society organisations (CSOs/NGOs), Youth Empowerment Centres and youth clubs and convene a collective and coherent voice in favour of FP/RH advocacy within the target counties.
• Support the development of the county annual family planning budgets and policy reviews.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation component of the programme by regularly completing the programme’s M&E tools in a timely manner.
• Provide high quality field level monthly, quarterly and yearly reports on project progress.
• Identify, design and deliver appropriate capacity building interventions in advocacy to target CSOs and youth champions.
• Support in the development of project proposals, annual work-plans and budgets.
• Maintain DSW visibility at county level by participating in relevant sector meetings and events as appropriate.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in social sciences or related fields from a recognised University.
• At least 3 years of professional experience planning and conducting a wide variety of advocacy and policy initiatives around the priority areas (FP/SRH).
• In depth knowledge of policies and programmes on Family Planning, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Adolescents and Youth is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of the devolved county structure, budget cycle and decision making processes is highly preferred.
• Poses strong county based networks and in depth knowledge and understanding of development issues in the target counties.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills with ability to develop and communicate advocacy related messages and campaigns to different audiences.
• Proven ability to undertake basic research, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities.
• Fluency in English and Swahili (Oral and Written). Knowledge of local languages of target counties will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision.
• Team player with experience working within geographically spread teams and in a multicultural setting.
• Willingness to travel frequently within target counties.