Policy and advocacy officer, Accountable governance, Central Africa

Governments that don’t listen and fail to govern in favour of the poorest. Abuses of human rights. These injustices rob millions of people of opportunity and make a life of hardship even harder. This role will support our advocacy for changes in the policies of northern countries that are urgently needed to bring an end to injustice and inequality in Central Africa.

It might mean working with the UK government and the EU to introduce policy changes that support improved governance, more respect for human rights and the improvement of understanding of governance issues in central Africa. Or you could be linking local Christian Aid partners in Central Africa to Christian Aid’s corporate campaigns. You’ll be contributing to the northern advocacy strategy for all of our three country programmes in Central Africa. And it will be down to you to establish a dialogue with governments, networks and alliances and colleagues within Christian Aid to relate the priorities as we see them on the ground and call for change where it will be most effective.

You will be a persuasive communicator, capable of engaging all kinds of people in innovative ways and carrying them along on the strength of your strategic vision. Chances are you’re already working in a similar role with another NGO. Ideally that will be with an organisation currently working in Central Africa. Either way you’ll have knowledge of Central Africa advocacy issues, including accountable governance.

More than half the world lives in poverty. Christian Aid aims to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the inequalities that keep people poor and we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. If you’re as determined as we are to end poverty and injustice across the world, work with us to make change happen.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Innovation and creativity

It is often surprising how effective it can be to look at something in a new or unconventional way. Tell us about a time when looking at a problem from a unique or unconventional angle helped you to come up with a solution.

Communication and interaction

Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex idea/problem to someone, in a credible and persuasive manner. Describe your level of success in getting the message across.

Analytical thinking

Please tell us about a situation where you had to analyse and synthesize information in order to produce a summary document for a particular audience. What response did you receive?

Critical judgement

Describe a recommendation you made or decision you took in which you had limited or no direct guidance.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Download the role profile (66 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed UK & Ireland application form to: recruitment@christian-aid.org (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid
35 Lower Marsh
Waterloo
London SE1 7RT

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Job reference: 242/MA

Closing date: 5pm (UK time), Friday 20 January 2012

Interview date: Monday 30 January 2012

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.