The Zero Dropout Schools Initiative (DMGT) Recent Job Opportunity

The Zero Dropout Schools Initiative (ZDSI) aims to halve the number of learners pushed out of the education system before grade 12. Through this ambitious vision, ZDSI sets a common agenda that mobilises and directs the activities of a diverse range of stakeholders towards enabling a significant decline in school dropout. ZDSI is a project of the DG Murray Trust (DGMT).

ZDSI is recruiting a Networks and Advocacy Lead to provide strategic vision and to drive the development and mobilisation of a network of schools committed to zero learner dropout. The Networks and Advocacy Lead will be required to:

Job Title: Networks & Advocacy Lead
Location: South Africa

Job function and responsibilities

Develop, execute and manage a national school mobilisation and behaviour change strategy:

• Develop and execute a mobilisation strategy to create a network of schools that are committed to the vision of zero dropout.
• Create and drive mechanisms to engage schools, communities and learners around an agenda for zero dropout.
• Surface learning and progress from school and stakeholder engagement and work with the Communication Manager to ensure these are documented and packaged as public communication products across various mediums.
• Build feedback loops for continued engagement and learning amongst schools and stakeholders.

Develop, execute and manage a public advocacy strategy for campaign management:

• Develop and manage mechanisms and platforms that allow the network of schools to collectively advocate for change.
• Identify and build relationships with relevant stakeholders across sectors to implement recommendations and learning.
• Identify and build platforms and coalitions that support and grow the movement.

Core skills and background

• A relevant post graduate qualification – e.g. in education, project management, and/or community development.
• Minimum 3 years work experience – preferably in advocacy, campaigning and/or coalition building.
• Managed a range of diverse stakeholders and facilitated processes for consensus building.
• Built strong coalitions to drive strategic outputs.
• Enjoys engaging with people, is persuasive and can inspire champions for the zero dropout agenda.
• Drivers license and willingness to travel essential.
• Preferably fluent in 2+ South African languages.
• Experience in working with schools is preferable.

To apply

Submit a motivation letter, your CV (including the details of 3 referees) to [email protected] with ‘Networks & Advocacy Lead’ in the subject line

Application Deadline: 25th October 2019