Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN) Recent Job Opening

The Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN) is a non-profit sub-regional network consisting of representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations from Southern African countries, which coordinates regional efforts to offer rapid, practical and inclusive 24hr support to human rights defenders (HRDs) at high and immediate risk.

The SAHRDN seeks to contribute to a situation where human rights defenders in South Africa are recognized as legitimate actors for social change and to an environment where they can effectively exercise their rights to defend universally recognized human rights. To this end, the SAHRDN aims to enhance visibility of HRDs and the positive impact of their work in the Southern Africa region. SAHRDN is an equal opportunities employer and fights against all kind of discriminations.

With a view to expand its human capital and technical capacity, the SAHRDN is looking for a Communications and Visibility Consultant. Reporting to the SAHRDN Coordinator the Communications and Visibility Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the SAHRDN Programmes Manager and work closely with the, rest of the SAHRDN staff and Network. The position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

 

 

Job Title: Communications and Visibility Consultant
Location: Johannesburg

Key responsibilities:  

• Develop a communication and visibility strategy for the SAHRDN.
• Devising advocacy priorities and strategies, identifying advocacy opportunities, and undertaking advocacy directed at influencing governments, intergovernmental organisations, and human rights bodies and experts on protection of civic space and HRDs;
• Undertaking research and analysis, and preparing reports and publications, in relation to matters relevant to civic space, HRDs and human rights systems;
• Acting as a spokesperson for SAHRDN where appropriate, including through the preparation of statements, media releases, and op-eds and representing SAHRDN on panels and events;
• Manage the website and social media accounts of SAHRDN;
• Develop a Southern African-focused media list for SAHRDN;
• Monitoring key developments in relation to HRDs and threats to civic space, and preparing and publishing timely commentaries on such developments;
• Contributing to the writing, editing and publishing of SAHRDN publications;
• Provide the SAHRDN with an assessment of its media footprint, branding and reputation in the Southern African region;
• Assisting with planning, preparations and conduct of SAHRDN events;
• Undertaking all such other tasks, including administrative and logistical tasks, as necessary for the effective operation of a lean Network;
• Be available upon reasonable notice for regular meetings at the SAHRDN’s Offices or via Skype with SAHRDN Staff and other partner organisations; and
• Report to SAHRDN Coordinator through the Programmes Manager and coordinate with other SAHRDN staff and Network, including regularly sharing progress made with regards to all activities in terms of this agreement.
• Contribute to the compilation of the annual work plan and monitor progress of its implementation;
• Work as a team member and actively support the achievement of collective goals and professionalism in line with stated rules and specific global and individual achievements as stated in the work plan;
• Work in line with provisions stipulated in the SAHRDN’s human resource policy;

Essential requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in communication, media, advocacy work, advocacy work, training facilitation, fundraising with strong focus on Human Rights Defenders;
• Experience in human rights work in Southern Africa;
• Excellent level in English (written and spoken);
• Proven ability to write proposals, elaborate reports and budgets and to meet tight deadlines are an asset;
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and a respect for diversity in the working environment;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• University Degree in a relevant domain like Communications, media, journalism, law, political science, Human Rights, Psychology, Social Science etc.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience with regional human rights organisations
• Basic understanding of Portuguese and/or French and local major vernacular languages of Southern Africa is an added advantage

Selection Process:

Send your resume, contact details of 3 references of your line managers from the former organization or work places and a motivation letter (English only) before 30 December 2019 to the following email: [email protected] with “Communications and Visibility Consultant” subject line.

The application should include:

• Motivation letter (in English, no longer than two pages, incl. salary expectations)
• Curriculum vitae (in English, no longer than 2 pages)
• 3 reference persons (short-listed candidates’ reference persons will be contacted)

To apply 

Application should be sent to: [email protected]

Please note: Only short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews. Interviews are planned for January 2019.  Contact: [email protected]

Application Deadline: Monday, 30 December, 2019