Head Of Advocacy & Engagement - Youth Empowerment Synergy

Youth Empowerment Synergy (YES-Ghana) is an ECOSOC-accredited NGO at the forefront of youth development policy, practice and research in Ghana. For more than 15 years, we have provided tailored skills training for youth, leading to improvements in their leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and life planning skills. Through our service delivery, we have provided education, skills training, and technical support to thousands of youth and helped them transition to self and wage employment. Our research has contributed to filling the gap in youth data and the evidence base for public policy. And, we continue to use our national appeal and grassroots constituency, through our Voices of Youth Coalition, to advocate and campaign for youth-inclusive policies at all levels. We are entering an exciting phase of growth at YES-Ghana and are looking for new people to help take us forward.

Job Description

• No. of Positions:1
• Sector: Programme Administration
• Employment Category: Fixed Term
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Contract Duration: One year, renewable
• Open to Expatriates: No
• Reports to:  Executive Director
• Start Date: Immediately or as soon as possible

Purpose of the role:

As Head of Advocacy & Engagement, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating YES-Ghana’s work in advocacy, communications and stakeholder engagement. You will oversee the organisation’s strategic and policy engagement in advocacy, while ensuring that advocacy activities remain focused on established priorities and contribute to concrete deliverables. You will further position, build the profile and manage the reputation of YES-Ghana via government, development partners, and the media, with a particular focus on expanding our digital and social media footprint. You will also oversee key national and international public engagements as they pertain to advocacy and engagement, and ensure that the views and perspectives of young people are fully represented. You will take lead on enhancing YES-Ghana’s influence and position as a leading youth focused organisation in Ghana and Africa. If you believe that young people have a critical role to play both as targets and agents in national and global development, and if you enjoy working in a fast-paced and creative organisation, then we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Advocacy
• External engagement
• Communications
• Project leadership
• Team leadership
• Strategy and direction as part of the Management Team
• Other duties
  • Other duties may be required from time to time, including responsibilities which require work on weekends and holidays for which time off in lieu (TOIL) may be taken

Salary & benefits:

• Competitive salary structure
• Accra Cost of Living allowance
• 13th month salary
• SSNIT contributions
• Medical and dental cover
• Group Personal Accident cover
• Time off in lieu (TOIL)
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Parental leave (maternal and paternal)
• 2 weeks Christmas and New Year break
• Professional development initiatives

Required Skills or Experience

• Master’s degree in development studies, international development, communications, social sciences or related fields required
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in advocacy, campaigns, communications, and government and stakeholder engagement required
• Experience of working in similar role at an NGO or other development organisation essential
• Must have ability to manage a multi-disciplinary portfolio
• Advanced understanding of social accountability methodologies
• Ability to engage at a strategic level and build collaborative relationships with government, donors, media and civil society organisations
• Experience in developing an array of communication materials such as publications, video segments, web and other new media
• Strong track record of designing workshops and other training essential
• Experience in contract and budget management essential
• Experience in event organisation essential
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills essential
• Excellent planning and organisational skills essential
• Demonstrated team management and leadership experience
• Ability to support cross-organisational projects as essential
• Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of Twi, Ga and/or Ewe desirable

Click here for full job description

YES-Ghana is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organisation.

YES-Ghana has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the organisation, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and processes, and discrimination. YES-Ghana also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards
and principles.