Africa Programme Officer

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Position description

International Detention Coalition (IDC) is a unique global network, of over 200 civil society organisations and individuals in more than 75 countries, that coordinates with members and partners on advocacy, research, coalition and capacity building, to eliminate immigration detention and advance rights-based alternatives to detention.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual with a solid background in advocacy on migration and human rights. The ideal candidate will coordinate projects and events efficiently, contribute to strategic advocacy efforts and support the development of the capacity of IDC members. Strong communications, organizational, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Role Summary

The Africa Programme Officer will play a key role in supporting IDC’s mission in the region by combining strong organizational and coordination skills with a solid understanding of advocacy on migration and human rights. Working closely with the Africa Regional Manager, the Programme Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of regional programs, events, and advocacy strategies. The role involves providing operational, administrative, research, and communications support, as well as helping to strengthen networks with members, partners, decision makers and other key stakeholders across the Africa region. The Programme Officer should be available to travel within the region as needed.

Role Responsibilities

Project implementation, admin support and support to IDC members and partners

• Contribute to the implementation of national and regional projects and events by providing technical, administrative, and logistical support to the Africa Regional Programme and in collaboration with relevant IDC staff and members.
• Support the overall implementation of IDC’s mission and strategic priorities in the Africa region through a balance of operational efficiency and advocacy engagement.
• Support IDC’s members in the region and support in network building.
• Maintain a high level of organization in managing project timelines, deliverables, and follow-ups in coordination with the Africa Regional Manager.
• Support administrative processes related with finances in the Africa Programme.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development and implementation of advocacy strategies related to immigration detention, alternatives to detention, and broader migrant and refugee rights.
• Engage effectively and in coordination with the Africa Regional Manager with a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society actors, UN agencies, and regional networks, to build partnerships and advance shared objectives.
• Contribute to drafting and disseminating advocacy materials, briefing notes, and strategic communications tailored to diverse audiences across the Africa region.
• Maintain regular contact with IDC members and partners to identify policy gaps, advocacy opportunities, and spaces for support, partnership and coordinated action.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of stakeholder consultations, trainings, and regional events that promote rights-based alternatives, pathways and regional dialogue.

Communication

• Assist with developing print and digital communication materials for the region, including social media material for different platforms.
• Disseminate and share resources among members through different platforms.
• Contribute to monitoring media platforms and keep track of reports and updates on relevant developments in the region.

Internal Systems, Monitoring, Fundraising, and Institutional Support

• Actively contribute to IDC’s fundraising efforts by providing background research, identifying potential funders, coordinating inputs, and play an active role in the drafting of proposals aligned with regional priorities.
• Ensure accurate and timely monitoring and reporting of programmatic activities, supporting internal evaluation processes and donor accountability in line with IDC’s MEL systems.
• Maintain organized records of project outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and communications to support institutional memory and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in the preparation of high-quality reports, updates, and documentation for internal use, funders, and external dissemination.
• Support budget tracking, planning, and financial monitoring processes in collaboration with the Regional Manager, Executive Director, and relevant IDC staff.

Core Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and support within the IDC team.
• Demonstrate a passion for and alignment with the IDC’s mission, vision and core values of innovation, collaboration, respect, representation and being solutions focused.
• Demonstrate an understanding of IDC policies including IDC Children and vulnerable Adults Safeguarding policy to ensure a positive and safe working environment for all.
• Actively engage with organisational systems, processes, and infrastructure to ensure sustainability and appropriate safeguarding of institutional knowledge, assets and core activities over time.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of the Africa contexts, particularly related to migration, human rights, and advocacy.
• A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, migration studies, political science, or social sciences.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience, including project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy in the migration and/or human rights sectors.
• Proven experience in reporting and follow-up, including contributions to monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) processes and reporting experience.
• Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote setting.
• Experience engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, government actors, and international organizations, to advance advocacy and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and facilitate events such as meetings, workshops, and advocacy activities.
• Excellent organizational and coordination including good attention to detail.
• The ability to take initiative and to work remotely and autonomously, to manage competing deadlines, prioritise workload appropriately and work in a flexible manner.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms, including social media.
• Ability to undertake travel in the region for the role.
• Residing in Senegal preferably with the legal right to work in the country of residence.
• Fluency in both English and French (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Strong commitment to IDC’s mission and values, including its safeguarding and child protection principles.

Application instructions

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