Civic Space and Governance Advisor in ActionAid Uganda - 2015

ActionAid Uganda (AAU) seeks an experienced Civic Space and Governance Advisor to provide efficient capacity building to its staff and ActionAid Federation members signed up to the Shrinking Space Project 5, which is aimed at expanding civic and political space across the world. An overall objective of the placement is to support the development of consensus on strategies for, and programmatic policy responses to, addressing the challenges, risk mitigation; and identifying emerging opportunities for engagement around shrinking political space.

ActionAid Uganda (AAU) is an International Non-Governmental Organization affiliated to ActionAid International. AAU works directly with people living in poverty and their organizations by mobilizing, strengthening and connecting them to other solidarity platforms; and campaigning with them to challenge the structural causes of poverty and injustice. Currently AAU supports 72 Partners and has offices in 10 locations across the country. The Advisor will build the organizational capacity of ActionAid International Federation members and partners so that they are able to develop and implement local strategies to protect civil liberties; and help them target regional and global institutions of influence to collaborate in responding to different global manifestations of shrinking political space.

Reports to: The Country Director, ActionAid Uganda

Location: ActionAid Uganda Head office Kampala, Uganda

Role Definition:

Engage with AAI secretariat, and respective country programs and partners from community, national, regional and international level to appreciate and integrate Shrinking Political Space (SPS) in programs. The candidate is expected to engage proactively with the issue of shrinking political space with local and regional figures to help advance AAI agenda on shrinking political space.

Key Result Areas:

Engage with AAI secretariat, Project 5 signed-up country programs and partners from community, national, regional and international level to appreciate and integrate Shrinking Political Space (SPS) in programs
To take stock of efforts, strategies and actions being used to respond to shrinking political space by ActionAid and its partners
Support the development of policy positions on shrinking space; and the development of AAI Advocacy strategy on shrinking political space
Support the development of curriculum for building capacity in aspects of shrinking political space by a sister institution, MS Training Centre for International Development and help roll out training and impact evaluation
Enhance skills and knowledge in understanding the implication of shrinking political space to CSOs and citizens engagement
Support AA to develop and reach consensus on strategies for, and programmatic policy responses to the challenges, risk mitigation, and emerging opportunities for improved political space
Guide research and advance knowledge generation and preparation of policy and other position papers on political space

Required qualifications

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in governance, political science, international relations, law, or other relevant fields
A minimum of 10 years of capacity building experience in governance work, coalition building and issues advancement through advocacy
Traceable experience of working in a capacity building position in an international organization is a must; preferably 3 years’ experience should be in capacity building initiatives within civil society
Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a cross-cultural team is essential
Ability to develop and maintain a range of mid to high-level working relationships within ActionAid and; among international partners, and with civil society is desirable
Must have advanced people skills in facilitating/training teams in the use of research and campaign methodologies
In-depth knowledge of the socio, political and economic situation in East and Southern regions of Africa is vital

Application procedure and deadline:

Forward a letter of motivation and an updated CV of less more than 5 pages by email toadvisor1@ms.dkwith a subject line Ref: Uganda – Civic Space and Governance Advisor. The application package should not exceed 2 MBs.

Deadline for application submission is: 11th September, 2015

Due to the large number of applications received for these positions, it is not possible to provide feedback to all applications. Therefore, only shortlisted candidates will be notified at each stage of the recruitment process. If you have not received any reply to your application by September 15th, then should consider yourself unsuccessful for this position

Contract start

Contract start is subject to approval of work and residence permit, which can be a lengthy process. Therefore, the expected start date is January 1st, 2016. The assignment is for 24 months, with the possibility for renewal.

Proposed Recruitment Schedule

September 18^th_____ Shortlisted candidates are contacted
September 25^th______ Skype interviews with shortlisted candidates
October 15 th_______Final interviews

More information:

A comprehensive job description is available for download at: www.actionaid.org. The job description includes thorough information about the job content, basic salary, and background for the placement. All interested candidates are recommended to go through the detailed job description before applying. For more information on the People4Change program, please visit the ActionAid Denmark website:www.ms.dk. For information on ActionAid Uganda, please visit:www.actionaid.org/Uganda
The Civic Space and Governance Advisor is placed through ActionAid Denmark’s People4Change program; a people-to-people programme providing development support to ActionAid Country Programs and there partner organisations. As People4Change is a cross-national program, aiming at building tolerance, respect and expertise across cultures and borders, this position is not available for permanent residents of Uganda. If you are a permanent resident of Uganda and find this job interesting, you are encouraged to apply for similar Advisor placements in other countries; and these are regularly advertised at:www.actionaid.org

For practical questions related the advertised position, please contact:

ActionAid Uganda Head of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Christine Aboke:Christine.Aboke@actionaid.org