The purpose of the position is to plan and carry out advocacy work promoting the rights of children in our target group (children at risk of loosing parental care and children who have lost parental care) at the level of the National Association (NA). The National Advocacy Advisor (NAA) supports the achievement of the strategic goals of the NA.

• Advanced studies in social sciences, political sciences, law, development studies, human rights, international relations, social work, child welfare, pedagogy, psychology or other relevant field

• Minimum of 3 years working experience in the social development, child or human rights sector, either with a non-profit organisation or with an intergovernmental or a governmental organisation. (Experiences in the field of advocacy preferable.)
• Knowledge about child protection and child care system in the country (legislation, institutions, and services) and about main stakeholders in the country in the field of child protection and care
• Ability and confidence to deal with senior government representatives, staff of other organizations, media representatives and experience of networking with other organizations
• Project cycle management skills
• Good knowledge of English, other foreign languages are an asset
• Computer literacy, including an ability to use a word processor and the internet
• Very good communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Basic research knowledge and monitoring and evaluation skills: ability to organise and analyse information and produce reports
• Ability to work individually or in a team, in a flexible, multicultural and interdisciplinary environment

• Propose strategic goals, targets, actions and budgets for the advocacy work of the NA, and include the main advocacy activities and projects in the NA National Plan
• Monitor and analyse trends and developments of the national child care legislation and practice which might affect the work of the NA, and suggest advocacy actions accordingly.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor the implementation of national advocacy projects and related partnership activities in the country, as approved by the National Director and according to the advocacy priorities of the National Association.
• Represent the organisation in SOS Children’s Villages internal and external, national and international conferences, working groups and networks or propose the nomination of the most appropriate co-worker(s) for attending such events.
• Ensure the information flow within the NA on external issues related to our target group, as well as on policy trends within the child welfare system in the country.
• Give input and provide feedback to internal advocacy tools, policies, and guidelines upon invitation by GSC advocacy co-workers.

2011-03-30