Partnership and Advocacy Officer

Reporting: Program Manager

Supervises: None

Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Job Overview

The Partnership and Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading and executing strategic advocacy campaigns aimed at influencing key decision-makers and stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. This role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, civil society leaders, and other influential entities to advance the organization’s policy objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Advocacy Leadership: Develop, implement, and lead high-level advocacy strategies to influence policy decisions and promote the organization’s goals at the governmental, institutional, or international level.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with top policymakers, government agencies, international organizations, industry leaders, and key influencers. Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Policy Analysis and Advice: Conduct in-depth research and analysis of relevant policies, regulations, and legislation. Advise senior leadership on policy trends and emerging issues that could impact the organization’s mission.
• Public Relations and Communication: Develop compelling messaging and communication strategies to advocate for the organization’s priorities. Represent the organization in media interviews, public speeches, and written communications, including policy briefs, reports, and press releases.
• Coalition Building: Build coalitions with other organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups to strengthen collective advocacy efforts and broaden the impact of policy campaigns.
• Advocacy Campaign Development: Design, implement, and evaluate effective advocacy campaigns to promote specific policy reforms or initiatives. This may include lobbying efforts, public awareness campaigns, and coalition-building strategies.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor political developments, legislative agendas, and government actions. Regularly update senior leadership on progress toward advocacy goals, providing recommendations for adjustments to strategies as needed.
• Training and Capacity Building: Provide guidance and training to junior staff or partners involved in advocacy work. Help to develop the skills and understanding necessary for effective advocacy efforts.

Key Qualifications

Education

A degree in political science, law, international relations, public policy, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, or government relations, ideally with experience in high-level lobbying, international relations, or influencing policy at senior levels.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of the political landscape, public policy processes, and advocacy strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences, including high-level policymakers and the public.
• Proven experience in managing relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically, with a deep understanding of how to shape public opinion and drive political change.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse groups.

Attributes

• High-level negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Proactive, with a solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Discretion, with a keen understanding of confidentiality and professionalism in dealing with sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an international or global advocacy context.
• Familiarity with international legal frameworks and policy development processes.
• Fluency in multiple languages is an asset.

Work Environment & Conditions

• Travel may be required for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under tight deadlines.

Remuneration

An attractive package commensurate with the qualifications and relevant experience will be available to the successful candidate.

Applications

Submit your cover letter, up-to-date curriculum vitae (including names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three referees), and copies of relevant certificates to the Executive Director via info@cdf.or.tz or deliver in person at CDF’s office located at Ally Sykes Road, House No. 33 Ndafu Street, Mbezi Beach, Dar es Salaam; not later than 16th May, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information about CDF, please visit us at www.cdf.or.tz