United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Senior Advocacy & Policy Officer, Africa Division

Organization: Christian Aid
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Closing date: 15 Sep 2014

About us

Most Africans continue to rely on small-scale farming, but climate change and other causes of environmental degradation pose a severe threat to their livelihoods and food security. In addition, the overwhelming majority of African people lack sufficient access to energy which is a major obstacle to development. Inequality is at the heart of both issues: the wealthiest 20 per cent of the world’s population consume 80 per cent of the world’s resources.

Our campaign for climate justice aims to drive action at a global level on mitigation, adaptation and financing, supporting those who have done least to cause climate change but suffer most from its impact. Our African partners play a key role in this, targeting and engaging with national governments and regional institutions. In Africa our partners are also engaging governments in relation to national-level policy on climate-resilient Agriculture and Low Carbon Energy, while we do the same in the UK and the EU.

About the role

As a Senior Advocacy and Policy Officer in our Africa Division, you will be leading this division’s policy and advocacy work on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, including Resilient Agriculture and Low Carbon Development.

You will work with colleagues to develop our policy analysis, shape strategy and support or lead on advocacy in these areas. You will help to shape our ongoing global campaign in a way that strengthens the involvement of African civil society and ensures we are rooted in the experiences, analysis and priorities emerging from Africa. In addition you will support our African country programmes with their national policy and advocacy on these issues, as well as working closely with our regional partners who are advocating at the pan-African level

About you

We’re looking for an excellent communicator who can quickly establish relationships internally and externally including with colleagues and partners in Africa. Hopefully you’ve worked in Africa and have a strong understanding of advocacy approaches in the continent, as well as a good knowledge of the wider African context. You will have a strong knowledge of the issues outlined above and a background in policy and advocacy, most likely through having worked in a similar role for an NGO.

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the structures and rules that keep people poor. And we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion.

Further information

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in the country that this position is based.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That is why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in its workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Interviews taking place on Thursday 25 September.

How to apply:

Please apply via our website.