Advocacy Officer – AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: Advocacy Officer

Established In 2003, the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) Is a regional partnership of civil society organisations working together in 18 countries in southern and east Africa to promote the rights to bodily autonomy ano integrity for the realisation of In order to reduce Inequality, especially gender inequality and promote health dig nity and wellbeing in southern and east Africa The Regional office of ARASA Is located in Windhoek. Namibia.

ARASA seeks to appoint a passionate, motivated, crea live and innovative Individual to hll the position of Pro Samme Officer: Advocacy. Working with team members ised in Windhoek, Cape Town and Kampala, and re pcyting to the Programmes lead, key areas of responsl bihty will include:

Spearheading the development and implementation of creative regional advocacy campaigns and actlv ities to promote the rights to bodily autonomy and integrity, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly for marginalised people in Southern and East Africa;

• Supporting the development and implementation of national advocacy campaigns related to bodily autonomy and integrity, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights;

■ Monitoring and responding to developments in the rights to health, bodily autonomy and integrity with a focus on HIV, IB and sexual and reproductive health and rights policy and practice in Southern and East Africa;

Coordinating the development of information re­sources and products including position papers, poll cy briefings, presentations and other evidence based advocacy materials needed to achieve ARASA’s ca­pacity strengthening and advocacy goals;

Undertaking legal and policy analysis to inform advo­cacy campaigns;

leading ARASA’s engagement with regional and in ternational human rights mechanisms, including but not limited to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and the Universal Periodic Review processes;

Conducting training and skills development on advo­cacy and law/policy analysis for ARASA’s partners and other civil society organisations in the region Representing ARASA at regional and international fora and fostering / maintaining strategic partner­ships with key actors to achieve ARASA’s strategic plan and advocacy goals;

In collaboration with the Communications Officer, leading ARASA’s social media campaigning and main­tain a presence in the media;

Supporting the implementation of ARASA’s organisa­tional policies, strategies and plans; and Any other duties as may be assigned.

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative critical thinker, with lots of creativity and initiative who is pas sionate about helping to solve Africa’s health and rights challenges. The ideal candidate will have a degree in law. human rights, communications, public health or a related field. In lieu of a degree, we will accept at least five (5) years’experience working on human rights advocacy, preferably in the SRHR field (particularly on sexual orientation and gender identity/ HIV prevention, access to safe abortion or gender sectorfs). A passion for creative activism and experience using social media and other technologies for advocacy is desired. Fluency in English is a prerequisite and knowledge of French. Portuguese or Kiswahili is desirable.

ARASA offers an attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience. When the COVID-19 situation has stabilised, the successful candidate must be able to travel extensively.