Job Summary
As the primary representative in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region, this role is responsible for developing and executing strategic and tactical objectives across the region.
Based in South Africa, the position requires strong diplomatic, analytical, educational, and outreach skills to support regional priorities and organizational goals.
This role focuses on implementing data-driven regional engagement plans, coordinating stakeholder outreach, and increasing awareness and participation. Responsibilities include engagement activities, research and reporting, project management, and supporting the execution of regional strategies aligned with the ICANN Strategic Plan.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
- Lead and manage stakeholder engagement across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region
- Engage governments, academia, business, legal, and non-commercial stakeholders
- Support development and execution of the Africa Regional Engagement Plan
- Facilitate participation in regional programs (e.g., Coalition for Digital Africa)
- Monitor and analyze internet policy, governance trends, and regional developments
- Translate insights into actionable strategies and plans
- Develop partnerships and coordinate regional initiatives
- Prepare reports, position papers, and communications aligned with global strategy
- Represent the organization at regional and international events
- Build and maintain stakeholder relationships across diverse groups
- Support data analysis to identify participation trends and gaps
- Prepare presentations, reports, and meeting notes
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Project Management & Coordination
- Manage regional projects aligned with engagement plans
- Develop and maintain project plans and trackers
- Coordinate meetings, document minutes, and track action items
- Provide reporting, including data analysis and trend identification
Internal Coordination
- Coordinate day-to-day operations with regional teams
- Support sponsorships, partnerships, and administrative processes
- Collaborate cross-functionally on regional initiatives
- Track community participation and engagement metrics
- Support regional administrative responsibilities
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
(Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions)
- Knowledge of internet governance, Domain Name System (DNS), and related issues
- Understanding of ICANN’s mission and multistakeholder model
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proven project management and coordination abilities
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and within global teams
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Additional language skills (e.g., French) preferred
- Ability to represent the organization effectively in public forums
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (required)
- Master’s degree (preferred) in Public Policy, International Affairs, Law, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in multinational, intergovernmental, or international organizations
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (required)
- Fluency in French (preferred, not required)
- Additional regional language skills are a plus
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Office environment with moderate noise and limited privacy
- Frequent standing, walking, and sitting
- Regular use of hands, arms, hearing, and speaking
- Vision requirements: close vision, color vision, focus adjustment
- Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds
Travel & Work Environment
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally
- Availability outside standard business hours when needed
- Comfortable working in a global, multicultural environment
- Work location: South Africa