Policy Officer – Inclusive Education at Sightsavers

About the role

We are looking for an experienced international development, policy or education professional to help influence the development of inclusive education and international development policy.

We believe quality, inclusive education is a human right and should be available to all children, irrespective of gender, disability, learning requirements, socio-economic background, geographical location, ethnicity and any other distinguishing characteristics.

As Policy Officer- Inclusive Education, you will Conduct Sightsavers’ policy analysis and work with the Senior Policy Adviser on global influencing on education, with a particular focus on the inclusion of people with disabilities in line with Sightsavers thematic strategies. You will support engagement with key external stakeholders and influence the development of inclusive education and international development policy.

You will support Sightsavers work to ensure children with disabilities can access equitable and inclusive, quality education by:

• Conducting high quality policy analysis and generating evidence to support Sightsavers’ policy objectives in education
• Contributing to the delivery of Sightsavers’ education policy objectives, including through engagement with relevant national and international policies and processes
• Engaging with different networks and representing Sightsavers at relevant external forums to disseminate evidenced based analysis that influence target audiences

Skills and Experience

Whilst prior experience of education policy is not essential for this role, an understanding or background in International Development and an awareness of inclusion for marginalised groups is needed, as well as the ability to represent Sightsavers to external bodies.

This is an ideal opportunity to utilise your knowledge of education, international development, advocacy and / or policy to influence education and international development policy and champion every child’s right to an inclusive and quality education.

There may be some travel required for this role but there is flexibility around this.

Requirements

To succeed in this role you will have:

Essential

• Experience of conducting policy analysis
• Working experience or educational understanding and awareness of the international development sector, including issues relating to education, inclusion and human rights
• Experience of supporting policy and influencing work at national or international levels
• Understanding of issues relating to education, inclusion, human rights, or social development
• Ability to represent the organisation to external bodies
• Strong analytical skills and ability to think strategically
• Effective English language communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to deal with complex ideas and concepts
• Relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience of conducting education policy analysis would be highly beneficial.
• Awareness of the challenges faced by learners with disabilities