ARTICLE 19

JOB DESCRIPTION

AFRICA PROGRAMME OFFICER

Responsible to: Africa Programme Director
Salary: Circa £23,000 p.a. depending on qualifications and experience
Working hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week, some evening and weekend work
Contract: Temporary 6 month contract
Special conditions: Some travel to Africa

JOB SUMMARY

The Africa Programme Officer will undertake a variety of tasks within the Africa Programme, in particular planning, administering, co-ordinating and reporting on the execution of projects under our Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) grant. This will include ongoing 2005 projects in the area of ‘broadcasting pluralism & diversity’, ‘access to information’, and “monitoring and advocacy”, as well as the development of new project plans for these activities in 2006. Specific tasks will include ensuring timely project delivery, organising and attending advocacy roundtables and training workshops, liaison with partners and consultants, thematic research, preparing and editing reports, and assisting in the preparation of project plans. The Africa Programme Officer will also contribute generally to the work of the Africa Programme, as well as to ARTICLE 19 as an organisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Specific
1. Responsible for the overall financial and administrative management of the ‘broadcasting pluralism & diversity,’ the ‘access to information’, and the “Monitoring and Advocacy” projects including by:
? devising and agreeing budgets, work plans and timetables;
? ensuring timely delivery of project outputs;
? maintaining financial records; and
? ensuring appropriate monitoring and review of project execution.

2. Coordination of the delivery of ‘broadcasting pluralism & diversity,’ the ‘access to information’, and the “Monitoring and Advocacy” projects delivery, including by:
? assisting partners to develop national campaign strategies;
? organising around 4 roundtables/workshops;
? monitoring abuses of freedom of expression and developing appropriate advocacy responses
? editing and drafting workshop reports; and
? drafting report to the donor.

3. Supervising work of volunteers/interns related to these projects;

4. Maintaining regular contact with other programme staff, donors, project partners and consultants relevant to the projects.

General
1. Contributing to general Africa Programme work, including by:
? dealing with inquiries and providing information on the Programme;
? attending and assisting with meetings and other Programme activities;
? Assisting in developing new project proposals and identifying new funding sources;
? maintaining and developing Programme files and information systems.
2. Contributing to central ARTICLE 19 processes and policy development.
3. Contributing to ARTICLE 19’s regular publications.
4. Undertaking such other reasonable tasks as may be assigned by the Africa Programme Director.

ARTICLE 19

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Africa PROGRAMME OFFICER

ESSENTIAL

Experience
• At least 3 years experience in policy development, monitoring, advocacy and/or campaigning work;
• At least 3 year experience of managing budgets and projects;
• Experience of working or living in Africa;
• Experience of working with partner organisations;
• Experience of working in a cross-cultural environment.

Education
• Post-Graduate qualification in human rights, African studies, media, communication, or other relevant field.

Knowledge
• Familiarity with human rights, freedom of expression and/or democratisation issues in Africa
• Familiarity with international mechanisms for promoting and protecting human rights.
• Knowledge of politics and societies in Africa

Skills
• Self-starter;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Analytical and strategic planning skills;
• Excellent project management and administration skills (including financial management and reporting);
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Excellent communication skills and sensitivity in working with people from various cultural and social backgrounds;
• Excellent organisational and logistical skills;
• Excellent skills in word-processing and working with spreadsheets;
• Familiarity with the use of e-mail and internet;
• Ability to work under pressure, with little administrative support and to meet strict deadlines.

Other
• Commitment to ARTICLE 19’s values and objectives;
• Commitment to equal opportunities;
• Ability to travel extensively.

Right to work in UK
Given that this is a temporary contract we can only consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK.

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of French and/or African languages a plus.
• Experience of working in an NGO environment;
• Experience with civil society capacity-building, including training;
• Experience in the media field;
• Research experience;
• Experience of writing/editing publications;