JOB PURPOSE

To build networks and partnerships with government and other agencies that further enable RCA to deliver its strategy for the region, advocating for change that will improve the lives of street children in line with both RCAs strategic objectives and the UN General Comment 21 on children in street situations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Advocacy & Policy Change 

• Develop and oversee RCA’s advocacy strategy, articulating clear objectives for RCA, in relation to the scope of advocacy and partnership building.
• Identify in liaison with colleagues, partners and with external agencies working on the issue, priority areas for advocating for policy change and planning for the change process.
• Analyse national laws, policies, guidelines and plans as required and, in consultation with programme teams, articulate where and how potential changes could be made.
• Create and deliver networking and engagement plans for each advocacy issue agreed, highlighting who and how we need to connect with key stakeholders.
• Support the Country Director to build strategic alliances with key people or influencers in a number of government ministries, targeted civil society partners, private sector companies and diplomatic missions.
• Support the CD to work with the government to influence change and implementation at national level regarding children on the streets.
• Represent RCA in various networks as agreed with the Country Director by attending fora and meetings and engaging in online communications.
• Liaise and work with the existing networks in Tanzania and internationally as well as allied organisations to allow for the development of thematic papers, exchange of information and policy initiatives.
• Represent RCA including organisation of, and or participation and presentations at conferences and events.
• Develop structures to advocate for greater investment from government in services for children living and working on the streets (CLWS).
• Actively advocate for adoption of the UN General Comment no. 21 on Children in Street Situations and subsequent changes to the law in line with it.
• Build government commitment for the development and adoption of nationally recognized SOPs for work with children living and working on the streets.
• Work alongside the Programme Officers to ensure CSOs are supported to understand options and facilities available to facilitate access to legal aid for street children in conflict with the law.
• Work with Programme Officers to ensure CSOs build relationships with the police to help bring justice for street children who are victims of abuse.
• Work with the Consortium for Street Children, TCRF, CCR and other development partners to facilitate a consultation process with government, civil society and young people to develop nationally agreed SOPs for work with street children. 

Communications

• Oversight of all work streams that require communications support including leading on coordinating this support with the UK office.
• Oversee the development and delivery of the RCA Communications strategy, ensuring that all communications materials are developed to a high standard in line with RCA and donor brand requirement 
  
  

Senior Management Team

Work with the Country Director and the programme’s Senior Management Team to:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for East Africa which is consistent with Railway Children’s Vision, Mission, Strategy and Values.
• Develop and oversee the delivery of robust country plans that support RCA’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure the generation of and manage financial resources to ensure RCA’s long- term viability.
• Manage and monitor organisational activities in order to ensure that RCA fulfills its organizational plans and contractual obligations and achieves its strategic objectives.
• Represent and develop RCA’s interests through proactive management of positive relationships with key service providers, clients, stakeholders, partners, governments and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure effective and complimentary cross-departmental working that supports shared objectives and is in the best interests of RCA and its beneficiaries.
• Help ensure that RCA is recognised as the lead agency in the region working on the issue of children living and working on the streets.
• Support the compilation of reporting both internally and externally to donors and to national government.
• Provide external representation for RCA, promoting its profile and interests as and when required.
• Deputise for the Country Director as required 

Safeguarding

• Ensure that staff reporting to you are providing all beneficiaries of the programme with ongoing, age-appropriate verbal or written information in relevant languages about Railway Children’s Child and Adult Safeguarding, Code of Conduct and Whistle blowing policies.
• Ensure the way you are carrying out your work is not putting children at risk (or further risk).
• Promote the message of child safeguarding to colleagues in other organizations and government ministries, children and beneficiary families, and community members in general.
• Ensure that staff reporting to you are aware of and complying with the Safeguarding and Adults policy and the Code of Conduct and that a managerial environment is created where these policies are effectively implemented. 

General duties 

Uphold and work within Railway Children’s policies and procedures.

• Actively promote and embody Railway Children’s core values of Integrity, Bravery, Innovation and Effectiveness across the organisation and partners.
• Travel to Railway Children’s field operations as and when required.
• Undertake any other duties, as appropriate to the post, as delegated by the line manager. 

Person Specification

Experience

• At least 5 or more years of experience working in a similar role, preferably in an INGO.
• Experience of building networks among government and civil society in Tanzania that work together to achieve a common goal.
• Experience of securing funding from local and international funders.
• Strong experience of working with donors and government bodies, representational and advocacy skills.
• Experience in all aspects of project cycle, particularly in Human Rights, Child Rights and Protection.
• Excellent personal, self-management and communication skills.
• Team building and leadership skills.
• Solid experience in lobbying, advocacy and campaign.
• Practical experience of working with children and young people 

Knowledge and Skills

• Sound understanding of national laws pertaining to children and the overall legislative framework is desirable.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic and program planning plus excellent communication, documentation and analytical skills.
• Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control.
• Strong presentation, networking and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken Kiswahili and English.
• Proficiency in all applications of MS Office, especially Word and Excel. 

Education

• Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences – Development studies, Social Work, Sociology, Community Development or human rights background. 

How to apply

To apply for this post, please submit a letter outlining how you meet the criteria, including your current salary and benefit package and your current curriculum vitae to: jobs.mwanza@railwaychildren.or.tz
Closing date: 24th October 2018.