Uganda: Policy/Advocacy Coordinator

The Sudan Democracy First Group (SDFG) was formed as an umbrella group of leading Sudanese independent and democratic civil society and media actors to serve as a think tank and venue for indigenous research, analysis and advocacy on human rights, development, peace and democratic transformation in Sudan. SDFG is a coalition of democratic, activist, trade unionist and academic Sudanese men and women representing different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The main agenda of the initiative is to voice the concerns of voiceless Sudanese people across the country around questions of democratization and its intersection with peace, justice and development in Sudan. SDFG focuses on providing Sudanese and international audiences with this type of knowledge and analysis by publishing regular updates, policy briefs and position papers on major political and human rights issues. In addition to raising public awareness both inside and outside Sudan, SDFG works to promote civil society dialogue on crucial issues affecting Sudan, by convening meetings and roundtables bringing together diverse sectors of Sudanese society.

Job description

This is a writing-intensive position. The SDFG Policy/Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for researching and writing on social and political developments in Sudan as they relate to democracy, governance, conflict and human rights; and contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of SDFG’s research, policy and advocacy agenda by planning, developing, and contributing regular content that is dynamic, original, grounded in policy expertise, and accessible to a broad audience
• Routinely research, monitor and analyze the social and political landscape in Sudan
• Draft content to be finalized and published as SDFG newsletter updates, policy and research briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, editorials and other materials as required
• Contribute to the formulation of policy recommendations, and help shape advocacy materials
• Organize advocacy activities, includes meetings and roundtables with key advocacy targets
• Participate in meetings, conferences and other events relevant to SDFG’s research and policy agenda
• Work closely with the Executive Director and other staff to strategize policy and advocacy agendas
• Provide succinct weekly analysis to Executive Director and other team members; some more time sensitive assignments require quicker turn-around
• Build and maintain SDFG’s relationships with key advocacy targets, at the national, regional and international level
• Build and maintain contacts with relevant NGO networks working on similar issues to ensure the inclusion of SDFG’s key messages into joint policy documents, meetings and events as appropriate

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to political science, with commensurate professional experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills, and proven experience with research and writing.
• Strategic and critical thinking is essential.
• An ability to write for weekly articles (persuasive brevity needed over long form academic writing).
• Superb organization and time-management skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in both written and oral Arabic and English, and excellent communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, and initiative.
• Ability to keep calm and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good humor and general problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel in the east Africa region.
• A strong commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights and to SDFG’s mission.

Desirable

• Direct experience writing under tight deadline for publication.
• Master’s degree in law, political science, public policy or relevant field.

Please send a cover letter, CV, and one writing sample (in English) to jobs@democracyfirstgroup.org by Friday 28 August.

SDFG Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from SDFG