Consultant, Strategic Relations and Advocacy: Francophone Africa

DESCRIPTION OF SCOPE OF WORK

The Strategic Relations and Advocacy Consultant will lead ONE’s advocacy and strategic relations strategy across Francophone Africa. They will be responsible for managing and enhancing ONE’s relationships with government officials, policy-makers, lawmakers, and relevant stakeholders. This role involves creating and implementing strategies to influence public policy, governance and to advance ONE’s objectives, vision, and mission.

This role is crucial in maintaining and developing networks with individuals and organizations in government, civil society, and the private sector. The Consultant will develop and deliver global, Pan Africa, and national advocacy and campaigns, as well as engage with politicians, senior government officials, civil society and private sector leaders, and media on behalf of ONE.

The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial in nature and possess extensive experience in high-level relationship management, with excellent knowledge of Francophone Africa politics and decision-making processes in Francophone Africa countries, regional and continental bodies. They will be a strong presenter and communicator, be a flexible and enthusiastic leader. They must have a bias for getting things done and focusing on impact. They must have exceptional interpersonal and management skills as well as excellent media skills.

An in-depth knowledge of international development, health advocacy, economics, and/or finance is essential.

This is a 6-months consultancy, based on co-created deliverables, with a possibility of renewal based on performance. This role is based in Senegal and will report to the Africa Executive Director. Role is based in Dakar, Senegal.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Policy Advocacy

• Lead the development and implementation of ONE’s advocacy strategy in Francophone Africa, with in-depth knowledge of healthcare, economics, finance, and/or international development.
• Engage with high-level policymakers to advocate for policies that align with ONE’s vision, mission, and agreed-upon priorities. This involves monitoring political developments in the Francophone Africa region and globally as they pertain to Africa, making policy-influencing proposals, and formulating strategic approaches to influence decision-making processes.
• Demonstrate excellent influencing skills with high-level stakeholders, and depth of knowledge of advocacy with a clear understanding of the links between policy, lobbying, campaigning, and media work and of how policy change can be achieved through effective and impactful advocacy.

Networking and Relationship Management

• Foster productive partnerships and establish a network of contacts to build and grow strong relationships with government officials and policy-makers. The Consultant will effectively represent ONE’s interests and secure support for key initiatives that are in line with our work.
• Work effectively and sensitively with a wide range of strategic allies & partners at multiple levels (government, intergovernmental organizations, private sector, civil society).
• Maintain close links with other international development advocates in Africa and globally, including campaigners and political advisors working in think tanks, NGOs, trade unions, faith communities, political parties, and the private sector, ensuring their activities shape and inform ONE’s strategy.
• Engage Francophone countries civil society organisations and expert leadership in effective dialogue to ensure their input into the development of one’s targeted policy, campaigning, and advocacy areas.
• Secure access for ONE to high-level strategic meetings, conferences, and other events
• Represent ONE to senior government officials, politicians, and high-level events in Francophone Africa and globally.
• Develop strategic and effective programs and initiatives to advance ONE’s mission across Africa and within non-African countries working closely with global market teams

Communication and Brand Management

• Communicate complex and sophisticated topics in simple, “sticky” ways to increase understanding and advocacy among relevant stakeholders
• Work closely with communications, campaigns, media, and marketing staff across the organization to maximize ONE’s campaign assets
• Be ONE’s spoke person and seek media coverage for ONE’s policy advocacy and influencing work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 5+ years of dynamic experience in policy advocacy targeting governments and multilateral bodies in Africa and globally.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with a healthy appreciation for dynamism, speed, responsiveness, and impatience for impact
• A strong understanding of political dynamics and government processes in Francophone Africa and globally
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and develop proactive advocacy strategies
• Experience designing and implementing effective lobbying strategies to achieve policy change. Ability to work effectively and sensitively with a wide range of partners; highly proficient at establishing strong partnerships across organizations and influencing stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes

Skills and Attributes

Successful applicants will embody the following characteristics

• Proactive Ownership: Anticipates needs, takes initiative, and owns their tasks.
• Focus on Execution and Delivery: Prioritize results by setting clear, measurable goals and driving accountability for delivering outcomes on time.
• Culture of Continuous Learning and Improvement: Have a learning mindset that continuously develops skills that support their roles and the team’s goals.
• Encourage Proactivity and Personal Accountability: Prospective team members are self-starters who actively seek ways to contribute and improve.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Prospective team members build a collaborative culture where information is freely shared, and team members work together to solve problems.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Encourage a mindset that can handle setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances without losing momentum.
• Result-Oriented Communication: Ensure all communication is clear, purposeful, and focused on achieving results.
• Focus on Impact and Value Creation: Drive efforts toward outcomes that directly benefit the organization, “customers”, or stakeholders.
• Humility: Humility is the ability to recognize one’s limitations and value others’ contributions without ego. It involves acknowledging that learning is a continuous process and that others can offer valuable insights.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are ready to join the fight to increase investments for development finance for Africa, please submit your application to [email protected] with the subject line Consultant, Strategic Relations and Advocacy Francophone Africa.

ONE is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.