New vacancy: Advocacy Coordinator

The Advocacy Coordinator will develop and implement an advocacy strategy and activities for Social Watch.
Location: The Social Watch International Secretariat in Montevideo, Uruguay. The position requires frequent presence in decision-making fora, in particular but not exclusively in New York.
The deadline is April 30, 2009.

POSITION Advocacy Coordinator

LOCATION The Social Watch International Secretariat is located in Montevideo, Uruguay, and is based at the Third World Institute (ITeM). The position requires frequent presence in decision-making fora, in particular but not exclusively in New York.

DEADLINE April 30, 2009.

Social Watch (SW) is an international network of citizens’ organizations working to eradicate poverty and the causes of poverty, to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth and to realize human rights for all people. It is committed to social, economic and gender justice.

A network with members in over 60 countries around the world, Social Watch seeks to hold governments, the UN system and international organizations accountable for the fulfillment of national, regional and international commitments to eradicate poverty. The main tool for this objective is the Social Watch Annual Report, a citizens’ global progress report, published annually since 1996. A premiere publication, it brings together information to track progress in the struggle against poverty in countries around the world. This information is gathered from a wide array of sources including official statistics and grassroots reporting by SW affiliates in various countries. The information is widely used for policy advocacy, grass roots mobilization, and to inform social movements and strategies for change.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Advocacy Coordinator will develop and implement an advocacy strategy and activities for Social Watch. Working closely with member organizations she/he will strategizes on ways to effectively disseminate and use the SW Annual Report and its research findings at international, national and sub-national levels for lobbying and a wide range of other advocacy activities. The incumbent will also be involved in overall strategic thinking to strengthen the Social Watch Network. Together with the Social Research Department, the Advocacy Coordinator will help build the capacity of member organizations for advocacy and lobbying through training and workshops.

Staying current with the international poverty and gender debate, the position involves actively participating in global forums around issues of international poverty and gender, their causes and strategies for change.

The Advocacy Coordinator will be expected to:

Organize, manage and lead the international advocacy activities of the Social Watch Secretariat;
Bring an understanding of international debates around issues of poverty and gender to the Social Watch network;
Lobby with international organizations, e.g. the UN and other intergovernmental and governmental organizations and policy makers;
Collaborate with other civil society organizations and networks around international campaigns and advocacy activities;
Work closely with the research and networking staff of the Social Watch secretariat to develop advocacy materials and assist national affiliates in developing country to design appropriate materials for advocacy and learning activities;
Develop Communications and media outreach strategies;
Fundraising (identify funding opportunities for Social Watch; provide assistance with preparation of proposals and submission of reports);
Provide assistance with the drafting of policy papers and contribution to the production of material for the Social Watch website and blog;
Actively bring the Social Watch perspective to international debates around issues of poverty, gender, the causes of inequality and strategies for change.

SKILLS

Broad knowledge of development issues with focus on poverty, gender, social justice and human rights;
Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, institutional partners, and others from diverse cultural backgrounds;
Good people skills and ability to work with others under pressure;
Fluency in English and Spanish, with written and verbal abilities in French and other UN languages desired.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Advanced degree (Masters) in a field related to public policy, international affairs, or social sciences, or equivalent experience;
Grassroots and developing world experience;
Background of advocacy and working with social movements;
Familiarity with policy making processes;
Significant experience with advocacy and lobbying within the UN system;
Experience using information to build organizational capacity and inform strategies for social change;
Proven track record in fundraising for non-profit organizations.

TERMS

Salary commensurate with experience. The position includes health insurance.
Support will be provided for transfer to Montevideo if necessary.

BENEFITS

Opportunity to play a significant role in global efforts to advance social justice, poverty eradication and gender equality.
Opportunity to influence the development of Social Watch priorities and strengthening of civil society networks worldwide.

HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in applying, please send the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant background

Women and persons from developing countries are encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT: Your application must be sent before April 30, 2009 and must be addressed to:

Social Watch
E-mail: jobs@socialwatch.org

Vacancy: Advocacy Coordinator
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Vacancy: Advocacy Coordinator
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