Government Relations Specialist - International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

IJM Ghana partners with Ghanaian government agencies to tackle human trafficking by rescuing victims, ensuring perpetrator accountability, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and supporting public justice actors to strengthen systems that protect the vulnerable.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Government Relations Specialist, Ghana (GRSG).

The GRSG is responsible for building and sustaining strategic relationships with government institutions, implementing partners, civil society organizations, industry stakeholders and key influencers to advance IJM's mission of protecting vulnerable people from trafficking, violence, exploitation and abuse. The role influences policy implementation, government responsiveness, resource allocation, systems strengthening and multi-stakeholder collaboration while supporting government and partner capacity to deliver sustainable, data-driven protection and justice outcomes.

The position serves as a strategic liaison between IJM, government actors and external partners, helping to strengthen national responses to human trafficking and related forms of exploitation through stakeholder engagement, partnership development, advocacy and systems strengthening initiatives. This a full time position and require occasional travels.

This position is based in Accra, Ghana and reports to Director, Advocacy and Partnerships, with occasional travels to other regions in Ghana.

Responsibilities

• Influence government institutions to enforce Ghana’s laws on child trafficking;
• Influence government institutions to enable and support IJM’s casework model;
• Speak/represent IJM at strategic national level engagements;
• Evaluate national level government engagement and responsiveness to issues of violence, exploitation, abuse, human trafficking and identify opportunities for strategic intervention;
• Guide implementing partners in effectively engaging government systems and stakeholders in alignment with IJM's protection and justice system strengthening models;
• Identify and develop relationships with key partners including implementing partners, members of parliament, government agencies and national level influencers;
• Position IJM to support, align, influence and implement the National Plan of Action (NPA) against human trafficking;
• Raise and maintain IJM’s profile as a thought leader on fighting human trafficking.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of processes and personnel involved in the domestic and international;
• Build consensus regarding just and effective prosecution of trafficking perpetrators as the best long-term solution to ending human trafficking in Ghana;
• Analyze government systems, policies, practices and stakeholder relationships to identify gaps and recommend actionable strategies that advance protection and justice outcomes;
• Promote data-driven decision making and collaboration among government stakeholders and partners in addressing trafficking and exploitation;
• Identify, develop, and maintain strategic working relationships with key personnel within government, media and other agencies;
• Advocate for effective enforcement of laws protecting the vulnerable and exploited.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with other IJM partners, including CSOs/NGOs;
• Facilitate and sustain multi-stakeholder platforms, forums and collaborative partnerships that strengthen systemic responses to trafficking and exploitation;
• Strengthen collaboration between government institutions, implementing partners, NGOs, CSOs, community leaders and other strategic stakeholders;
• Train and equip government personnel, influencers, implementing partners and other stakeholders on human trafficking, child protection and related justice issues;
• Design, facilitate and coordinate capacity-building workshops and learning initiatives for government stakeholders and implementing partners;
• Perform any other responsibilities that may be assigned;
• Submit reports on activities for input to monthly and quarterly team/office reports;
• Data entry on IJM database on engagements;
• Support implementation of standard operating procedures, government reporting frameworks and data management processes related to trafficking cases;
• Monitor and promote accurate reporting and utilization of trafficking-related data within government systems and mechanisms; and
• Assist with Advocacy & Partnership team at occasional events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Development Studies, Governance Studies, or a related Social Science field required. A master's degree in any of these disciplines is an advantage.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Ghana's public sector, legislative processes, and government decision-making processes is strongly preferred.
• Relevant work experience and knowledge of government entities, social service programs, NGOs, and implementing partners operating in Ghana is preferred.
• Experience engaging government stakeholders, coordinating multi-sector partnerships, facilitating trainings, and supporting protection, anti-trafficking, or justice-related programming is highly desirable.
• High level of skill and confidence in building, maintaining, and influencing strategic relationships with government officials and other key stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Local language proficiency is an advantage.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, discretion, and integrity.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and government relations skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning, coordination and implementation skills.
• Very good negotiation, facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate government systems, identify service and protection gaps and recommend strategic interventions.
• Knowledge of government structures, public administration processes and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Capacity-building and adult learning facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of data collection, reporting systems and monitoring practices.

Critical Qualities

• Personable; creative; bridge builder and strategist
• Persuasiveness
• Decision Making
• Networking
• Interpersonal communication
• Savvy about people, organizations and settings
• Self-starter with strong initiative.
• A genuine passion for IJM and for biblical justice
• High level of honesty and integrity
• Influencing and stakeholder management.
• Collaboration and partnership building.
• Cultural awareness and ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Adaptability and systems thinking

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