The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a Pan-African policy think tank which provides a forum for dialogue, information dissemination and networking aimed at addressing the short, medium and long term development challenges in Africa; Its work is underpinned by rigorous research on the different elements of ‘Africanness’ in order to shape policy and practice on governance, economic development and the evolution of African institutions.Over 200 youth network leaders from 36 African countries came together for the African Youth networks Summit convened by the Graca Machel Trust and MINDS in Pretoria, South Africa, on 20 – 21 July 2018. During the summit, the youth developed concepts and made commitments for creating the vision and goals of an African Youth Networks Movement, whose primary objective is to transform Africa.
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies seeks to appoint Programme Officer to be based in Johannesburg Gauteng.
The key enablers needed to Transform Africa, centred on social justice, human dignity, peace and prosperity, were identified as:
A common vision, giving unity of direction, one Pan-African goal
Collaboration to transcend barriers and pursue meaningful engagement
The purpose of this position will be support and manage the expansion and development of the Pan Africa Youth Networks. Help networks to develop partnerships and partnership capacities – skills and knowledge for improved policy and programming at country and regional level. He/she will be responsible for strengthening the Pan Africa Network through building the capacity of the country networks to collaborate and carry out advocacy at local national and regional levels; establishing key partnerships for building an effective network to issues in development policy and practice. The Programme Officer shall work closely with the MINDS Programme Director, staff and collaborating partners to ensure the successful achievement of the expected outputs.
Responsibilities:
Draft an annual work plan and budget of operational modalities
Support the process of identifying funding opportunities and raising funds to cover programme and operational costs
Draft reports to donors, institutional partners on the programme and operational activities
Develop and maintain a database on AYNM members
Share updates with AYNM members every 2 months
Provide regular updates on the AYNM website www.youthleadership.africa, including facilitating contributors by AYNM members
Identify opportunities for engagement of AYNM members with regional, continental and global processes
Encourage and facilitate regular communication between AYNM members
Explore and recommend the structuring of the AYNM digital platform
Plan for and arrange logistics for AYNM events
Arrange and take minutes of stakeholder engagement meetings
Support any other MINDS activities as may be required from time to time
Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes):
A minimum of postgraduate degree qualification in any of the following disciplines: African studies, Anthropology; Development studies; Economics; law; Linguistics; Sociology and related studies or any other relevant discipline
A minimum of 5 years proven experience in policy advocacy, research, economic development and/or African studies research
Knowledge and/or experience in the areas of African politics, economic development, elections and governance, youth development trends
Excellent organizational, networking and partnership building skills, tact and discretion
Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision and in a self – motivated manner
Excellent oral and written communications skills in English
Familiarity with government policy development processes
Experience in event planning and coordination
Understanding of/or fluency in French or Portuguese an added advantage
Eligible to live and work in South Africa
To apply, submit a CV and motivation letter with salary expectation to [email protected] stating ‘MINDS Programme Officer – AYNM’ in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MINDS reserves the right not to appoint anyone for this position.
For more about the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, refer to www.minds-africa.org