PATH’s Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department works to improve the health of women and children by strengthening policies and financing impacting their well-being, including support for research and development. We work with policymakers, coalitions, and other influential stakeholders to drive change at the global, national and subnational levels.
PATH is recruiting an Advocacy & Policy Officer to provide advocacy capacity strengthening and technical support to policy and advocacy initiatives in South Africa as well as with regional bodies within the EAC and SADC. The position will primarily support PATH’s R&D in work in South Africa as well as Advocacy in the Southern African Region in addition to supporting work with NEPAD and the AU among other continental bodies.
Experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies and creating and producing versatile communications products for global health or development, or that target policymakers or decision-makers in the Southern Africa context.
The Senior Advocacy and Policy officer will report to the Advocacy and Partnership Manager based in Johannesburg South Africa and link with the Regional Advocacy team based in Nairobi and the global R&D team based in Washington DC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager in establishing and managing relationships with critical stakeholders in South Africa and the Africa Region
- Work with the Policy and Advocacy Manager to support relationship management and coordination of joint advocacy activities with selected partners, networks and coalitions.
- Support initiative to elevate discussions on the need for equitable access for LMIC to pandemic interventions including vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and medical products
- Work closely with the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager and members of the APP Team to support initiatives on Regulatory Harmonization in the Africa Region
- Support the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager on PATH’s activities on COVID-19 support to the South African government and to the Africa CDC and other critical stakeholders
- Provide support for initiatives aimed at building the capacity of Civil Society Organizations including the coalition that PATH helped establish in South Africa.
- Support PATH’s Research & Development (R&D) in South Africa and work closely with regional bodies such as EAC and NEPAD to develop and deliver on their workplans, including strategic and project management support.
- Working closely with the Advocacy and Policy Manager, write content for PATH documents and communications including blogs, newsletters, social media, policy reports, fact sheets
- Conceptualize, coordinate, and execute policy events and briefings in collaboration with external partners and APP’s Policy Communications team
- Conduct policy analysis to help shape PATH policy objectives and work with PATH communications team to translate findings into sharable advocacy content
- Support the monitoring and tracking of outputs, policy objectives and deliverables
- Support new business development initiatives including identifying opportunities, outreach to potential funders and increasing the footprint of PATH in South Africa
- Support advocacy engagements in regional advocacy efforts, including liaising and representing PATH with African regional bodies and associated civil society advocacy groups.
- Support the engagement of PATH leadership and program experts in relevant meetings, committees, and forums
Required SkillsRequired Experience
- A Master’s Degree in Public Health, public policy, health economics, International development, communications or related field.
- A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in public health policy and advocacy related work.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policy and advocacy strategies to achieve health-related outcomes in African countries. Experience providing technical assistance to advocacy projects in multiple countries desired.
- General knowledge of public health, health systems, and challenges affecting communities in the African context, including RMNCAH and primary health care.
- In-depth knowledge about policy-making processes in at least one African country and experience interfacing with and navigating Government entities and policy makers.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-country, team-based organizational structure. Flexibility to work within multiple time zones and multiple teams across the globe.
- Demonstrated experience developing and adapting high-quality tools and templates for advocates, such as strategy frameworks, policy and financing analysis tools, and topical briefing materials.
- Experience designing content, facilitation guides, and facilitating workshops and trainings.
- Proven success executing advocacy strategies to inform and/or influence policies, programs, or budgets, including direct interaction with policy makers
- Experience in stakeholder management especially in the South African context
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and to competent track timelines and deliverables with minimal guidance.
- Team-oriented and adept at navigating a complex team environment and forming successful partnerships with internal and external partners
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Proven ability to understand and translate technical information and materials (scientific or health-related) for policy-making or lay audiences
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, and unpredictable stakeholder expectations.
- Articulate communicator, excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other information processing software.
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.