Program Advocacy Coordinator

Are you passionate about being an advocate for children? Do you want to use your expertise to bring about lasting change for children and be a part of an inspiring, dynamic global movement? 

Save the Children is implementing several projects in Kasese. They are integrated in nature and are designed to be mutually reinforcing. Thematic areas included in this programming include youth resilience and livelihoods, climate change and anticipatory action, child protection, health and nutrition, education and WASH. 

The Program Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for the planning, implementation and monitoring of advocacy and influencing initiatives for all awards/projects in Kasese. They will also provide support to the development of communications materials. The role holder will ensure that the planned activities contribute towards the achievement of project goals and objectives, and to the overall Save the Children Uganda advocacy strategy. 

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

• Collaborate with the Project Coordinator to plan effective implementation of planned advocacy and communications activities, ensuring compliance with approved project documents. 

• Contribute to the development of project management documents including procurement plans, MEAL plans and phased budgets and workplans. 

• Ensure compliance with Save the Children policies, standards and procedures. 

• Contribute to achievement of key performance indicators 

• Maintain high standard of integrity, transparency, and accountability during implementation project advocacy activities.

• Identify, monitor and mitigate actual and potential risks that may impact the delivery of planned activities, in collaboration with the Advocacy and Campaigns Manager and Project Coordinator. 

• Develop and submit concept notes on a timely basis, with accurate budgets, for relevant approvals prior to activity implementation, and implement activities in line with agreed spending plans 

• Produce accurate, clear and consistent coordinated advocacy and communication outputs relating the project including key messages, internal, dashboards, factsheets, for media and advocacy work.

• Conduct stakeholder analysis, map and profile key actors/stakeholders at national and sub-national levels with a specific focus on project advocacy objectives 

• Support existing or establish functional participatory platforms that advocate for increased investment in children, adolescents and youth at district and national level.

• Contribute to the capacity building of CSOs and other structures on advocacy and child participation.

• Facilitate, contribute to and participate in policy and budget consultations and processes by government. 

• Represent Save the Children in external engagements, and deliver messaging aligned to the strategic plan. 

• Build the capacity of children, youth and CSOs on budget and policy advocacy.

• Plan and conduct district and national influencing dialogues that contribute to the achievement of project objectives.

• Lead planning and execution of activities for the commemoration of international celebration/advocacy days.

• Participate in relevant coordination fora, and ensure coordination with other CSOs and champions, including for sharing and learning purposes to improve programming. 

• Support the development of concept notes and proposals as required.

• Ensure that project advocacy and communications activities are effectively documented, with a view to demonstrating impact throughout the life of the project 

• Participate in the development of required donor and internal reports, under the leadership of the Project Coordinator

• Collaborate with project teams to identify and document relevant and impactful case studies

• Utilize quality benchmarks to plan and monitor the delivery of activities

• Contribute to regular monitoring of program results in accordance with the MEAL plan 

• Participate in regular project review meetings, including providing leadership on advocacy and communications activities

• Participate in planning and execution of assessments and evaluations to ensure alignment with advocacy strategies and goals 

• Ensure that feedback received in relation to advocacy and communications activities is acted up and responded to in collaboration with MEAL teams. 

• Identify opportunities for safe, structured and meaningful child and youth participation in Save the Children’s programming 

• Ensure children, youth and stake holders they interact with have the capacity to enable meaningful participation

• Ensure the application of safer programming principles and requirements as per safeguarding policies in all activities 

• Ensure informed consent and/or assent is collected from all beneficiaries prior to participation in external engagement and documentation. 

• Ensure activity implementation is informed by robust safeguarding risk assessment.

• At least a degree in governance, Development Studies, International Development, Social Works or equivalent.

• At least 5 years’ progressive experience in the delivery of advocacy activities, as well as experience contributing to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies.

• Highly knowledgeable of Child Rights Governance and Public Investment in Children.

• Excellent understanding of Uganda’s budget cycle (at sub county, district and National level).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (English) including ability to translate complex arguments into accessible language for a non-specialist audience, and the ability to write articles that would be published in accordance with SCI communications procedures. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, appropriate for high level of external representation (for example lobbying with sub county and district stakeholders)

• Experience in developing advocacy strategies, knowledge, and understanding of a range of advocacy techniques. 

• A team player and outstanding interpersonal communication skills 

• Able to plan effectively and work collaboratively with others to execute planned activities 

• Strong analytical skills and strategic planning abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain conducive collegial relations and perform effectively with partners. 

• Computer literacy and excellent documentation skills 

• Ability to troubleshoot as necessary. 

• Ability to capture high quality photo and video content is highly desirable