World Vision International (WVI), a Christian Humanitarian Relief and Development Organization is seeking a Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Northern and Southern Sudan programs. The position will provide leadership and direction to WV Northern Sudan and WV Southern Sudan, and the WV partnership primarily in the area of policy analysis and advocacy related to the conflict and the need for broader peace in Sudan. It will enable World Vision to advocate appropriately and professionally on behalf of children in need of special protection in WV Northern Sudan and WV Southern Sudan- through a focus on supporting analysis on the impact of the conflict on children.

Purpose

Provide leadership and direction to WV Northern Sudan and WV Southern Sudan, and the WV partnership primarily in the area of policy analysis and advocacy related to the conflict and the need for broader peace in Sudan.

To enable World Vision to advocate appropriately and professionally on behalf of children in need of special protection in WV Northern Sudan and WV Southern Sudan- through a focus on supporting analysis on the impact of the conflict on children

The position reports to the Program Directors of South Sudan and North Sudan and is on Grade level 12-13

Major Responsibilities

Research and Policy Analysis

Generate periodic monitoring reports and analysis on the overall political, economic, social and humanitarian situation in the entire Sudan, including regular updates to key Partnership stakeholders.

Periodic monitoring of different aspects of the conflict in Northern Sudan including violation of human rights and in particular childrens’ rights, gender based violence and sexual abuse, humanitarian access and humanitarian aid, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the role and response of the Africa Union.

Produce analytical reports, based on information generated during monitoring activities in North and South Sudan, to be used to inform advocacy by different members of the partnership.

Develop positions and lead effective advocacy on Northern and Southern Sudan

Assist national, regional and international advocacy teams in the different partnership offices to develop context specific advocacy messages, including identifying which policy makers to influence key coalitions to work with from a Northern and Southern perspective.

Lead targeted lobbying efforts on ending conflicts and addressing post-conflict issues.

Lobby on broader issues. These include governance, resource sharing, human rights, HIV/AIDS, etc.

Build internal national staff capacity on policy and advocacy.

Coordination and Networking

Be the key WV contact person in the partnership for policy and advocacy issues on Sudan.

Build strategic relationships with other organisations and key government agencies. Liaising with donor and international community at the Khartoum, Nairobi and South Sudan levels; and at the local, national, regional and international levels as appropriate. Facilitate the building of direct relationships between these entities and different partnership offices.

Communicate on a regular basis with relevant stakeholders and internal and external networks.

Liaise with advocacy and program colleagues in Northern and Southern Sudan.

Working closely with North and South Sudan advocacy colleagues.

Work with the media team in developing, packaging and dissemination of relevant advocacy messages on Sudan.

Other

Write periodic progress reports on the advocacy programme and facilitate lesson learning by all stakeholders, particularly within the Sudan Policy Group. Progress reports would be submitted to the Programme Directors as well as the Africa Regional Advocacy Advisor.

Represent WV Northern and Southern Sudan national advocacy meetings and other forums as deemed necessary by the Programme Director or by the EAR Director.

Undertake other relevant tasks as directed by the Programme Directors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

This is a senior position that requires a person who can constructively engage the WV North and South Sudan senior leadership teams, the Africa Region leadership and the Sudan Policy Group.

The appointee will be a good team player with excellent cross-cultural skills and a strong understanding of the conflict in Sudan and progress being made to end it. A minimum of 3 years experience in practical advocacy work and networking is essential.

In addition, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training

A master's degree or equivalent in development studies, international relations, development politics or law is required.

Skill in conflict analysis developed through a combination of formal education and practical experience.

Excellent analytical, interpersonal, negotiation and oral and written communication skills.

Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic is and added advantage.

Creativity with strong sense of priorities and organisational skills.

Proven skills as a strategic thinker and creative writer.

Ability to develop and communicate advocacy strategies.

Knowledge of Child Rights is desirable and commitment to child rights is essential.

A commitment to World Vision's Mission Statement, and Core Values.

Ability to travel 30% of the time.

Willingness to be based in Northern Sudan

Applications Close: 21 April 2006

If you are interested please apply on-line through the employment web page on the WVI website http://www.wvi.org/wvi/employment/employment.htm

If you experience technical difficulties with the WVI website report the problem to [email][email protected] listing 'Technical Difficulties' in the subject line.

If you require further information please contact Emma Osumo [email][email protected] or Sue Dean [email][email protected]