Sonke Current Employment Opportunity – Apply Now!

Sonke, with offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Eastern Cape in South Africa, Sonke works globally, and especially across Africa, to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to take action to promote gender equality, prevent domestic and sexual violence and reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS.

In this way the organisation contributes to the development of societies in which men, women, youth and children can enjoy equitable, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies.

 

Job Title: Sex Workers’ Rights  Project Specialist
Location: Cape Town
Remuneration: R420,000 total cost to company per annum
Employment Type: Fixed term

The purpos eo fthis position is to be responsible for carrying out project activities housed within Sonke’s Policy, Development and Advocacy Unit (PDA) in relation to the rights of sex workers. The incumbent will be supervised by the PDA Unit Manager.

Responsibilities:

• 1. Advocacy and budget management
  • Manage Sonke’s  policy advocacy work  pertaining to decriminalisation of sex work and the advancement of the rights of sex workers on a national level.
  • Manage the  budget and ensure the project deliverables are  implemented  timeously.
  • Advocate for the improved implementation of legislation and policies that protect and promote the rights of sex workers and pursue the reform of legislation that discriminates against them.
• 2. Campaign work
  • With partner organisations, participate in   collaborative campaigns which entails:
  • Monitoring  complaints emanating from partner organisations related to human rights abuse on sex workers.
  • Building an evidence base for advocacy on decriminalisation.
  • Participating  actively in monthly Asijiki Coalition meetings, as well as the annual AGM, including  participating  in other relevant coalitions (GBV), building their advocacy footprint and influence.
  • Participate in the ‘Criminal Records Coalition’ to collect data in relation to  criminal records negative  impact  on sex workers and advocating  for law reform.
• 3. Monitoring and collaboration
  • Monitor the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/TB and STI’s with regard to factors that affect the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS on sex workers.
  • Nurture relationships with relevant government departments, SANAC, women’s ministry, parliament and Commission for Gender Equality.
  • Lobby SAPS, the Department of Community Safety and other law enforcement agencies on constructive and respectful engagements with sex workers and clients.
  • Strengthen partnerships with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure more respectful relationships between stakeholders  within the sex work industry and law enforcement agencies.
• 4. Publications and submissions
  • Produce parliamentary and other submissions to government on bills, policies and key issues pertaining to the human rights of sex workers.
  • Challenge stereotypes about sex workers and sex worker clients, and generate positive, contextualised and evidence-based popular news articles and social media posts on sex work, sex workers and sex worker clients.
  • Conduct a series of awareness and education dialogues through community media engagements on sex work related issues.

 Required:

• A degree in social science or equivalent related to the position;
• A Master’s Degree with focus on subjects relating to gender, health and human rights is preferred but not essential;
• 1-2 years  relevant experience in a related area;
• Familiarity with existing South African, regional and international laws and policies related to gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS;
• Familiarity with the functions and duties of relevant Chapter 9 Institutions and other relevant government departments and oversight bodies;
• Familiarity with strategies and programmes aimed at gender-based violence and protection of the rights of marginalised groups;
• Fluency in two South African languages; and
• Willingness to engage with the media when required to.
• Competencies and Skills required:
  • Ability to interact with staff at all levels, and communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues
  • Strong research, writing and analytical skills
  • Proposal and report writing skills.
  • Drafting of press releases and social media posts
  • Ability to make presentations
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and work independently
  • Ability to prepare and give trainings and presentations
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Willingness to travel

Personal qualities required:

• Confident, assertive communicator who can work comfortably with diverse groups of people, across all levels and various forms of media
• Attention to detail and displays a high level of integrity
• Able to prioritise work and manage deadlines
• Innovative and creative, able to see new opportunities
• Planning and time management – meets deadlines
• Reflective, open to learning and to self-care
• IT proficiency in word, excel and power point

To Apply:

• Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details your experience, the contact details of three referees, and this completed one page template https://genderjustice.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Sonke-Employment-Application-Form.docx via email to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at [email protected]. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• For non-South Africans nationals or permanent residents, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
• Sonke is committed to racial and gender transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged individuals to apply.
• If you do not hear from us by 31 August  2020, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 15 July, 2020

For more about the Sonke Gender Justice Network, refer to ww.http://www.genderjustice.org.za/