Local Government Engagement Officer at Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Title: Local Government Engagement Officer (LEO)

Location: Jigawa

Role Purpose

• The LEO will contribute to Save the Children’s efforts to influence and bring about change in the awareness, attitudes, behaviours and policies related to the rights of children in the country programme and in the state of posting.

Key Areas of Accountability
Strategy Development:

• Support the development of the implementation and advocacy strategy for gender equity.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the programme objectives and initiatives, both short and long term, encompassing a wide range of issues particularly on social protection.
• Contribute to all efforts to raise/nurture CSOs and champions for programme and actively participate in all Save the Children and CSO Coalition driven activities in the state.
• Keep a watching brief on policy makers and other key players in relation to child protection issues and identify opportunities to raise awareness and influence policy change.  
• Engage with the state and local governments in policies review

Influencing:

• Develop good knowledge of state and national government structures, parliamentary and political processes, traditional and religious structure and any other key decision making structures and how to influence them.
• Undertake a range of lobbying, communications and other activities to inform and persuade policy makers, religious/traditional leaders, community members, donors and politicians. Ensure Save the Children visibility and acceptance in the state and LGAs
• Provide support for research, analysis and documentation that underpin the development of the programme and used as evidence based advocacy to influence both at state and national levels.
• Produce reports, briefing papers and presentations for internal and external audiences, as directed.

Collaboration & Representation:

• Maintain a strong relationship with the Advocacy officer and other state LEOs in the states.
• Strong relationship with other partners should be maintained.
• Provide leadership to partner CSOs and maintain a strong relationship.
• Facilitate meetings of the coalition groups
• Develop and maintain a network of external contacts with key individuals in the communities, government, NGO sector, civil society and the media.
• Represent and act as a spokesperson for Save the Children at various policy forums and advocacy opportunities at state level or as directed.

Programme Development:

• Support the programme team in the development of research methodologies, data analysis, M&E. report writing and publication.
• Ensure clear links and mutual reinforcement between programmatic approaches and advocacy strategies.
• Write regular progress reports (monthly reports of activities carried out in the state and LGAs) including annual impact monitoring reports.
• Perform other tasks, as required, to ensure the smooth running of the country programme.

Skills & Experience
Administrative & General Skills:

• The post holder will possess a high degree of analytical skill, political acumen, ability to facilitate change, ability to influence, and ability to communicate key advocacy messages effectively and convincingly to a diverse audience at local, national and international levels.

Essential:

• University degree in Health, Education, Communications or related social science field.
• Substantial experience in child protection, advocacy and policy development / research, sexual and gender analysis and assessments in the development context.
• Good understanding of the possibilities and tactics for influencing decision and policy makers, politicians, donors, and other key actors.
• Knowledge of the media and its role in raising awareness and shaping public policy.
• Good understanding of strategies for achieving sustainable child health, protection and education policies through participatory processes, and the links with gender, diversity and other aspects of identity.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to ensure achievement of desired change objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences at local and state levels.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society and media sectors.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, adaptability and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email / internet) and ability to be self-supporting in most administrative tasks.
• Fluent English and Hausa language skills (written and verbal).
• Commitment to the values, mission, aims and policies of Save the Children.

Desirable:

• Experience in training others in advocacy techniques and influencing tactics.
• Prior work experience in advocacy in Nigeria.
• Knowledge of the policies, functions, structures and decision-making processes of key national institutions with regard to child protection and sexual and gender disparities.
• Experience working with children on protection, health and education will be an added
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