Sonke, with offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Eastern Cape in South Africa, Sonke works globally, and especially across Africa, to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to take action to promote gender equality, prevent domestic and sexual violence and reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS. In this way the organisation contributes to the development of societies in which men, women, youth and children can enjoy equitable, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies.
Sonke seeks to appoint a Sex Workers’ Rights Project Specialist to be based in Cape Town.
Remuneration: R420,000 total cost to company per annum
Employment Type: Fixed term
The purpos eo fthis position is to be responsible for carrying out project activities housed within Sonke’s Policy, Development and Advocacy Unit (PDA) in relation to the rights of sex workers. The incumbent will be supervised by the PDA Unit Manager.
Responsibilities:
1. Advocacy and budget management
Manage Sonke’s policy advocacy work pertaining to decriminalisation of sex work and the advancement of the rights of sex workers on a national level.
Manage the budget and ensure the project deliverables are implemented timeously.
Advocate for the improved implementation of legislation and policies that protect and promote the rights of sex workers and pursue the reform of legislation that discriminates against them.
- Campaign work
With partner organisations, participate in collaborative campaigns which entails:
Monitoring complaints emanating from partner organisations related to human rights abuse on sex workers.
Building an evidence base for advocacy on decriminalisation.
Participating actively in monthly Asijiki Coalition meetings, as well as the annual AGM, including participating in other relevant coalitions (GBV), building their advocacy footprint and influence.
Participate in the ‘Criminal Records Coalition’ to collect data in relation to criminal records negative impact on sex workers and advocating for law reform. - Monitoring and collaboration
Monitor the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/TB and STI’s with regard to factors that affect the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS on sex workers.
Nurture relationships with relevant government departments, SANAC, women’s ministry, parliament and Commission for Gender Equality.
Lobby SAPS, the Department of Community Safety and other law enforcement agencies on constructive and respectful engagements with sex workers and clients.
Strengthen partnerships with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure more respectful relationships between stakeholders within the sex work industry and law enforcement agencies. - Publications and submissions
Produce parliamentary and other submissions to government on bills, policies and key issues pertaining to the human rights of sex workers.
Challenge stereotypes about sex workers and sex worker clients, and generate positive, contextualised and evidence-based popular news articles and social media posts on sex work, sex workers and sex worker clients.
Conduct a series of awareness and education dialogues through community media engagements on sex work related issues.
Required:
A degree in social science or equivalent related to the position;
A Master’s Degree with focus on subjects relating to gender, health and human rights is preferred but not essential;
1-2 years relevant experience in a related area;
Familiarity with existing South African, regional and international laws and policies related to gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS;
Familiarity with the functions and duties of relevant Chapter 9 Institutions and other relevant government departments and oversight bodies;
Familiarity with strategies and programmes aimed at gender-based violence and protection of the rights of marginalised groups;
Fluency in two South African languages; and
Willingness to engage with the media when required to.
Competencies and Skills required:
Ability to interact with staff at all levels, and communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues
Strong research, writing and analytical skills
Proposal and report writing skills.
Drafting of press releases and social media posts
Ability to make presentations
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and work independently
Ability to prepare and give trainings and presentations
Ability to work under pressure
Willingness to travel
Personal qualities required:
Confident, assertive communicator who can work comfortably with diverse groups of people, across all levels and various forms of media
Attention to detail and displays a high level of integrity
Able to prioritise work and manage deadlines
Innovative and creative, able to see new opportunities
Planning and time management – meets deadlines
Reflective, open to learning and to self-care
IT proficiency in word, excel and power point
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details your experience, the contact details of three referees, and this completed one page template https://genderjustice.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sonke-Employment-Application-Form.docx via email to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at [email protected].
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For non-South Africans nationals or permanent residents, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
Sonke is committed to racial and gender transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged individuals to apply.
If you do not hear from us by 31 August 2020, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.
For more about the Sonke Gender Justice Network, refer to ww.http://www.genderjustice.org.za/