Advocacy and Research Officer

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Position description

Duration: One-year renewable contract

Location: Virtual, with frequent regional and international travel

Reporting Line: The Advocacy and Research Officer will report to the Knowledge Management Lead and work closely with SIHA’s Programme Management, Communications, Documentation, MEL, and country teams.

About SIHA

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a regional feminist network comprising women’s rights organizations and activists working to advance gender equality, women’s rights, peace, security, and social justice across the Greater Horn of Africa. SIHA works in partnership with grassroots organizations, civil society actors, and regional and international stakeholders to strengthen feminist movements, promote women’s leadership, prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, and influence policies and practices that advance the rights of women and girls. More information about SIHA is available at www.sihanet.org.

Job Summary

SIHA is seeking a Research and Advocacy Officer (RAO) with a strong understanding of gender equality, feminist perspectives, human rights, and women’s rights. The RAO will coordinate advocacy and research initiatives, oversee SIHA’s research projects, and support the management and coordination of SIHA’s advocacy and documentation efforts. The RAO will also coordinate SIHA-published research, advocacy reports, and statements, working closely with the Knowledge Management Lead, Communications and Documentation team, Programme Management team, and country teams across the region.

Candidate Profile

The successful applicant must have strong qualitative and quantitative research skills and excellent written English. Knowledge of French, Arabic, Amharic, and/or Somali will be an added advantage.

The selected applicant must have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Horn of Africa, particularly Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Proficiency in copy editing, strong analytical skills, and experience drafting public statements, advocacy submissions, and briefings are essential. A demonstrated commitment to women’s rights, gender equality, and engagement with social movements is crucial.

SIHA welcomes applicants who are committed to strengthening African civic space, feminist organizations, and their essential role in improving conditions for women, girls, and communities across the Horn of Africa.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with SIHA programme management, country teams, and the communications and knowledge production teams to strengthen and promote SIHA’s advocacy, research, and feminist analysis across the Horn of Africa.
• Provide input into and coordinate SIHA’s research projects, and contribute to publications across all countries of operation, including formal research reports, position papers, briefings, and other knowledge products.
• Review and edit research outputs and reports, and use findings to inform advocacy priorities and strategies.
• Work with area coordinators and SIHA country teams to regularly identify needs and opportunities for research that responds to emerging country-level priorities and aligns with SIHA’s strategy.
• Support and collaborate with SIHA’s MEL, documentation, and programme teams to maintain an updated understanding of evolving contexts on the ground.
• Monitor relevant calls for papers and research opportunities, alert SIHA to potential opportunities to conduct or present research, and coordinate support for research launch events.
• Work with SIHA country offices and coordinators to elevate advocacy priorities and support research activities.
• Participate in developing SIHA’s advocacy strategy to align with SIHA’s programmes, engagements, and the priorities of SIHA members.
• Coordinate the development of SIHA publications in collaboration with the Communications and Knowledge Management teams.
• Initiate and coordinate the preparation of human rights submissions, country reports, press statements, and research papers.
• Support the development of SIHA publications, including the SIHA Journal, Women in Islam, manuals, guides, and other knowledge products, and coordinate related launch events.

Qualifications

• At least four years of relevant work experience and a postgraduate degree in human rights, social studies, women’s studies, development or humanitarian studies, gender studies, law, or a related field.
• Proven qualitative sociological, socio-legal, feminist, and/or human rights research experience, together with strong writing skills, is required.
• A strong understanding of the political context and gender relations in the Horn of Africa is essential for this role.
• Ability to work in a culturally and politically diverse environment and travel to countries and regions across the Horn of Africa as required.
• Experience working on advocacy and/or research within the human rights or non-governmental organization sector, with the ability to provide relevant references.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to work additional hours during peak periods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local-level stakeholders and influential actors, with the ability to liaise with them on SIHA’s work in the region.
• Punctual, attentive, and enthusiastic, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• SIHA is committed to offering fair remuneration based on qualifications and experience.

Application instructions

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