Ethiopia: Child Rights Advocacy Advisor/Officer - Ethiopia

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length:12 months

The role

Addis Ababa is home to the African Union, a regional institution with global impact which plays a critical role in shaping children’s lives and helping to ensure their rights are fulfilled. The AU has a direct role in helping to safeguard the rights of children in Africa who are vulnerable, marginalized, socially excluded and affected by poverty.

Save the Children has a small global advocacy office in Addis Ababa (alongside offices in Brussels, Geneva and New York) that influences the AU institutions on issues that affect children’s rights and wellbeing in Africa.

The role holder will play a central part in ensuring that Save the Children has credible and visible presence in Addis Ababa, and will also have an active role in cross-organisational advocacy activities.

Qualifications and experience

* Substantial advocacy experience preferably with the AUC or other African regional bodies in child rights, child health, child protection or another relevant area

* Knowledge and understanding of the child rights mechanisms and structures at the AU

* Knowledge and understanding of the AU institutions, and their broader role in development and humanitarian issues

* Experience of creating networks of influence, and an ability to manage diverse professional relationships, thereby securing significant new opportunities for the organisation

* Proven ability to speak and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to different audiences

* Experience of successfully operating in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

* Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in.

* Commitment to Save the Children’s values

* Ability to work in English and French. Knowledge of other AU languages is an advantage.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.