PATH’s Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department works to improve global health by increasing awareness and support of global health priorities and evidence-based policies among policymakers, coalitions and other influential individuals and groups.
PATH is seeking to recruit a Policy and Advocacy Officer to develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance policy and advocacy goals in the areas of global health research and development (R&D), including regulatory affairs, in South Africa. In addition to conducting advocacy directly, this position will provide capacity strengthening support for the South African Health Technologies Advocacy Coalition (SAHTAC), an advocacy coalition established by PATH and partners in 2016, to help put SAHTAC on the path toward local ownership. The Policy and Advocacy Officer will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and report directly to the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership within SAHTAC, coordinating coalition meetings and events, maintaining regular communication with members, and representing the coalition externally as may be appropriate.
- Provide operational and capacity strengthening support to SAHTAC, including designing and facilitating workshops and supporting actions toward the ultimate transitioning of the coalition from PATH, such as drafting of MOUs, operating plans, and business development strategies.
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies and corresponding work plans to achieve R&D-related policy change at the national level in South Africa.
- Develop and maintain partnerships and networks with key R&D and regulatory stakeholders in South Africa and the SADC region to advance PATH’s advocacy goals., including key government ministries, members of parliament, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), African Union, policymakers, multi-lateral organizations, private-sector institutions, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), professional associations, and educational and research institutions
- Gather evidence to support the development of advocacy documents and presentations, including policy memos, briefs, and fact sheets for both internal and external purposes.
- Work in consultation with APP colleagues working in other geographies to document and translate PATH’s product development experiences for policymakers and advocacy partners.
- Support the development and implementation of PATH-led R&D advocacy-related meetings, workshops and events.
- Provide technical assistance to CSO partners, and other organizations on the development and implementation of effective advocacy strategies/initiatives or approaches on key R&D policies and programmatic issues in South Africa.
- Contribute to the development, documentation, and dissemination of cross-country lessons learned, best practices, and experience.
- Represent PATH and SAHTAC at national, regional, and international conferences and events, and on relevant R&D and regulatory forums, coalitions and working groups, as necessary.
- Develop and ensure timely submission of project reports and other deliverables as specified in the grant.
- Consult on and contribute to the development of proposals in support of policy advocacy activities.
Required SkillsRequired Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and seven to ten years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Prior work in direct advocacy required.
- Experience in managing coalitions required.
- Advocacy experience related to research and development and regulatory affairs strongly preferred.
- Experience working with the South African National Departments of Health, Science and Technology and Trade and Industry preferred.
- A good understanding of the South African policy processes preferred. Experience working in South Africa required and the SADC region preferred.
- Experience conceptualizing and facilitating capacity strengthening workshops.
- Expertise in coalition management, ideally in a secretariat role.
- Demonstrated success in planning and conducting advocacy activities to achieve health- or development-related policy outcomes.
- Demonstrated success in planning and conducting advocacy activities to influence product development, access to health technologies and/or regulatory policies in South Africa and regionally.
- Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with government personnel, NGO partners, and international organizations at various levels.
- Knowledge of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of South Africa and the SADC region.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) complex issues in a concise, compelling, and easily understandable manner.
- Skilled in successfully working with geographically dispersed teams and working in a multi-cultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Experience in facilitating meetings and moderating complex discussions with a variety of stakeholders (including national leaders).
- Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.