Advocacy Coordinator

ADVOCACY COORDINATOR
Project to support increased investment and awareness in Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato

Background
Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in preventing and treating blindness and malnutrition. To accomplish its work, HKI builds the capacity of local governmental, civil society and private sector systems and infrastructure, and promotes the development of sustained, large-scale programs that deliver effective services for nutrition, eye health and neglected tropical diseases. As part of its nutrition actions, HKI has been working on agricultural approaches to combat undernutrition and improve incomes of vulnerable households. In sub-Saharan Africa, one of the key strategies that HKI promotes is the introduction of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) cultivars, which are rich in pro-vitamin A and can be easily introduced as women have traditionally grown white-fleshed sweetpotatoes.

HKI’s work in OFSP has been in close partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP). Currently HKI is launching a new regional project in Sub-Saharan Africa, titled Reaching Agents of Change (RAC). The project focuses on enhancing the capacity of African institutions and implementing organizations to generate awareness, obtain funding and effectively implement OFSP programs as a means of combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and food insecurity. HKI’s efforts in the project will be to work with a strong team of African advocates, in order to influence political leaders and government leaders in the agriculture, nutrition, and health, as well as NGOs and donor organizations, to support and expand investment in OFSP. HKI efforts will also include efforts to create a favorable policy environment for food-based interventions to combat VAD at regional, sub-regional, and country levels.

HKI is seeking a motivated and energetic young professional to coordinate and support advocacy and communication efforts under RAC. Reporting to the Gender and Advocacy Advisor, the Advocacy Coordinator will be work as part of a 6 member HKI team on this new project.

Scope of the Position:
The Advocacy Coordinator will report to and work under the supervision of the Gender and Advocacy Advisor. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and open citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country. HKI will not be able to process work visas for this position so only candidates with current authorization to work in Kenya will be considered

Specific responsibilities of the Advocacy Coordinator include:
• Assist in the overall set-up, coordination and monitoring of the project’s Advocacy component
• Assist in the preparation and management of budgets and workplans
• Support editing and finalization of documents including funding proposals and communication materials
• Support country teams in designing and developing materials to disseminate information on OFSP projects as well as related policy issues
• Act as focal point for communication between country teams including in-country advocates, staff and other key stakeholders.
• Organize, manage and minute meetings and events
• Set up and manage a Customer Relation Management system (CRM) for management and monitoring of OFSP advocacy contact relations
• Assist in preparation of reports, presentations, communication and advocacy materials
• Support development and printing of communication and advocacy materials
• Handle other administrative tasks as needed including correspondences and procurement of goods and services

The following qualifications are required:
1. Proven experience managing projects including development of work plans and budgets, organizing events and work shops
2. Master’s degree with + 4 years professional experience in Business Administration, Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field
3. Prior experience working in the agriculture or nutrition sector and knowledge of agriculture, food security and/or public health and nutrition issues in the region
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
5. Good IT Skills – including Microsoft Word (Advanced); Microsoft Excel (Intermediate); Microsoft PowerPoint (Advanced), and good internet skills. Editing and graphics skills and a good grasp of a database software like Microsoft Access and other software are additional advantages.
6. Practical experience with experience with data management including CRMs
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese an additional advantage.
8. Documented authorization to live and work in Kenya.
HKI is seeking organized, efficient, self-motivated, and IT literate candidates with ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

To Apply:
The initial contract is for 18 months with possibility of renewal. Interested persons should submit: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae in English, including min. three professional references, (3) a short writing sample (2-3 pages) in English to: Cord-Advocacy@hki.org , with a copy to Human Resources at hkihr@hki.org . Please note RAC-.Advocacy Coordinator in the subject line. Applications should be submitted by August 10, 2011. Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.