Communications and Advocacy Officer or (Director) of a small non-profit trust,  Identify opportunities to influence policy and decision makers using organizational research and other products;Serves as the outreach and public affairs officer;Plans and implements advocacy initiatives and campaigns for the organisation; and Maintains an open, inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamwork Strategic Vision � understands and advances the organisational mission and values: Identifies opportunities for building relationships with the communication and advocacy officers of key institutions, and the public;Contributes to the unit�s assessment of the external environment and proposes advocacy campaigns, activities, including approaches appropriate for specific audiences that achieve organisational goals;Develops the advocacy work plans and collaborates with other staff in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for the organisation, individual products or specific activities; andCommunicates effectively internally and externally about organisational strategic, research and program activities.Managing for Results (MFR) � is accountable for C&A products, maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders and managing assigned resources:Routinely writes briefing papers, press releases, campaign dossiers, speeches and other materials designed to inform and/or influence expert and non-expert audiences often under tight deadlines, including managing all aspects of document production, copy-editing, lay-out, reproduction and dissemination in consultation with the researchers;Ensures briefing papers and other materials are provided timeously to participants and audiences;Maintains all aspects of the advocacy activities, including planning, regular reporting and successfully meeting production deadlines and directing effective outreach activities;Ensures that extracts of relevant press and research materials are scanned, filed and shared, and any other duties that entail reference and documentation;Liaises with the Administrator to routinely update the website, Maintain Facebook, Twitter, and other social and multi-media outreach platforms; and Attends and arranges training for colleagues and new employees in advocacy skills.Representation & Building Coalitions:  Forges multiple alliances and partnerships with advocacy colleagues in other organisations, both public and non-governmental with purpose of broadening outreach, collaborating on shared strategic goals or to leverage resources:May occasionally represent the organisation domestically in the presentation, discussion and defense of organisational products,Builds network of cordial relationships with civil society, academia, students/youth, government and media and serves as point of contact and principle liaison in responding to requests for information; and Teamwork Conducts self, according to the highest ethical standards and recognizes organisational values, including: open communication:Promotes expression of a range of views and encourages consideration of alternative approaches;Recognizes contributions of others;Ensures workplace is free from harassment and discrimination; and Constructively gives and receives performance feedback, volunteers to train peers in use of information technology and problem solving office IT equipment problems.     At least a Bachelor Degree, preferably development studies or media/communications, or an appropriate mix of study in media, or fields that relate to RAU work  1 year Written and spoken fluency in English, Sindebele or Shona is required; other international or regional languages highly desirable; writing samples will be requested for candidates who meet initial screening requirements,able to develop, plan, organise and effectively align assigned resources to achieve unit goals with only periodic supervisory oversight; able to conduct work independently while collaborating with colleagues in research and finance to take personal accountability for effective and transparent use of resources;shown to promote positive change; learns from failure/champions best practices; communicates effectively at all levels, encourages dissenting views; welcomes questions and responds persuasively; and consistently meets high standards for service to colleagues and customers.Technical: demonstrated writing skills, able to capture essence succinctly and accurately, including both summarizing documents and writing persuasive arguments; possesses knowledge of information technology, use of the internet, the full Microsoft Windows environment; experience with social science software�s highly desirable; and possesses or able to quickly acquire knowledge of laws regarding access to information.able to evaluate the interpersonal characteristics and demeanor of individuals or groups in order to respond appropriately to a variety of personalities and situations; able to act tactfully and in a politically sensitive manner even under duress; possesses excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to work harmoniously with others and promote respect for diverse groups and views; and exhibits a history of exemplary personal integrity and fosters it in others and admits mistakes.  

Job evaluation subgrade: C