Availability: Immediately
Fixed Term Contract, renewal subject to availability of funds
ActionAid (AA) is a global movement of people working together to further human rights for all and end poverty.
Introduction: ActionAid South Africa is part of ActionAid International, an anti-poverty agency working with people living in poverty in over 40 countries. ActionAid works with people to help develop their rights as well as non-governmental organizations. We also work internationally to try and influence pro-poor policy processes to create an environment that helps the struggles of communities living in poverty.
Main duties and responsibilities may include, but not limited to:
Provide guidance in the development of strategic plans and budgets
Take the lead in shaping our women’s rights strategy/programme in the country strategy, and annual plans
Take a central role in advancing the work on gender justice and the economics of development within ActionAid’s overall research strategy.
Ensure support activities are sensitive to and responsive to changes in the political, social, and economic environment
Ensuring the programming work is broadened to reach out to women in affected communities by mining etc.
Commissioning and managing quality research by consultants, partners and interns on gender and the economy; Conduct a feminist analysis of key emerging issues in the development space.
Conduct research and monitor state spending on public services particularly in gender-based violence and SRHR.
Identify and act upon emerging opportunities to develop projects and programmes locally and with international links for women’s rights work within the frame of the country strategy.
Support the development of and participate in the implementation, monitoring of and reporting on M&E frameworks for current project such as Generation G and YUW
Review & input into quarterly, bi-annual, and annual program reports & share with line manager, ISAL and Focus Area/ Thematic Coordinators.
Compile consolidated reports relevant to the CSO as per AASA cycles (i.e. Including progress reports, cash-flow forecasts, and activity plans quarterly and annually).
Champion and track the use of thematic programmatic knowledge in the CP/AP and amongst its partners/ stakeholders
Participate in the development and implementation of SHEA and Safeguarding Policies that includes Child Safeguarding/Child Protection and SHEA focal personnel.
Provide a forum through which civil society and the public mining affected areas can make an input and contribute to the district local government policy making and legislative process at the national level.
Conduct and report on pro-poor analysis of policies and programmes in various communities aimed at reforms that will have impact on the lives of the poor and excluded on a periodic basis
Maintain and update a repertoire of laws applicable to the operations of the CP/AP and apprise management of any potential risks relating to doing business and implementing the CSP
Identify areas of critical concern and within the priorities of the Programs, Plans and Budgets for research and advocacy work aimed at policy influencing, policy input and initiatives and policy measures on poverty issues and recommend to the line manager.
Establish and sustain effective networks with partners, alliances and key players working in the field of women’s rights and gender justice
Build and maintain relations with key stakeholders (government, inter-governmental organisations, NGOs, INGOs, networks and movements) at national, regional and international levels as required.
Participate in local government processes, and sector working groups events, planning and coordination meetings at district and sub county levels.
Represent Actionaid South Africa as a thematic specialist with government and other stakeholders.
Participate in local government processes, and sector working groups events, planning and coordination meetings at district and sub county levels
Identify and act upon fundraising opportunities (to an agreed target in the annual performance plan) with the support of the PDM.
Engage in donor scoping initiatives within the organization and support the writing of donor proposals and concept notes etc.
Manage and oversee all donor funded projects and programmes, including preparing reports to schedule, in a way that strategically links to programs work and to national platform engagement
Work with other units and guide on how to effectively mainstream gender in all research delivered by the team and how to measure the unpaid economy and care work.
Conduct periodic analysis/reading of the SA context in respect of women’s rights and gender justice
Write strategic thought pieces/analysis for sectoral sharing and publication on an annual basis.
Participate in national level orientation meeting for development of Country strategic plans and Local rights strategies.
Review, input and approve program concept papers from staff and partners.
Drawing up of TOR/Job descriptions/ profiles for the relevant program and partake the recruitment process
Identify generic and specific training/capacity building needs of AASA programme and partner staff relating to women’s rights and gender justice within the frame of the country strategy
Organize exposure visits for women activists and staff in partner NGOs, in order to increase their knowledge and practice of advancing a women’s rights agenda
Develop/lead initiatives that aim to promote women’s feminist leadership in allied movements, networks, partner organisations and grassroots CSOs
Undertake organizational responsibilities as assigned by the Line Manager and act in the role of Country Director in the absence
Other Requirements:
Foster and promote ActionAid’s approach to overcoming Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA) and other Safeguarding concerns (including child abuse and abuse of adults at-risk) in policies, practices, programming, stakeholder engagement etc.
Feminist Leadership – champion feminist leadership principles and values including commitment to diversity and inclusion (race, gender, power) as outlined in the top ten basics.
Knowledge on national and international laws and practices relating to Women’s Rights and gender justice, land and food; climate justice; youth; natural resources; and LGBTI
Expertise in economics, quantitative research methods, and gender and development, with a proven ability to apply gender analysis to economic research and/or undertake research focusing on feminist economics and/or other gender justice priorities within ActionAid
Fundraising and donor project management experience.
Ensuring that all AA programs are implemented free from Anti- Slavery and Human Tracking
Ensures protection AA IT cybersecurity and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA
Requirements:
A Post-graduate degree in economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, international or development studies or comparable experience.
A track record of high-quality research, expertise in two or three development areas, notably women’s empowerment and economic development.
At least seven years’ experience designing and implementing strategic women’s rights programmes, advocacy, and campaigns.
Experience in working in civil society in South Africa preferably in the fields of women’s or youth and gender
Technical knowledge and understanding of gender, or related matters and issues affecting urban South African young women
The ideal candidate should have the following skills:
Motivated self-starter with initiative, flexibility, and enthusiasm
Good organizational and time management skills and the ability to work on several projects at once.
Proven experience of Knowledge management.
Proven experience in donor/funder report writing skills.
Advanced experience in using relevant research software etc.
Demonstrated ability to use initiative and take a proactive approach to work.
Communication skills, confidence to speak in public, including through the media, and with stakeholders.
Strong cross-cultural awareness, able to work effectively with diverse working styles
Application Procedures:
Please send your CV and a one-page motivation letter to: [email protected] by no later than 31st January 2022. You are requested to highlight in the cover letter how you specifically meet the criteria for this role. Please indicate in the subject line of your email the position you are applying for.
NB: Important information to note:
Due to Global Pandemic our office telephone number might be affected and not fully operational and may not be answered as per normal.
Only South African citizens or individuals with permanent residency should apply.
AASA’S hiring principles are aligned to our values and is committed to Employment Equity and will give preference to womxn and previously disadvantaged applicants