Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Advocacy Coordinator -UGAASO Ethiopia

Background:

 Ugaaso is one of very few, if not the only, women-led CSOs in the region working to promote women’s meaningful participation in decision-making, politics, and women, peace, and security. The Women’s Dialogue Space (WDS) is a platform for current and emerging women leaders in politics, civil society, and business in the Somali Regional State (SRS) of Ethiopia.

Established primarily to support women in having their own political space, the WDS facilitates joint discussions on political developments, strategizes for increased participation and positive gender outcomes, and amplifies women’s voices in the public sphere. The platform’s creation was supported by Conciliation Resources (CR) and KasmoDev, funded by IrishAid, based on recommendations from women engaged in Somali regional politics.

Position Overview:

Under the International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) funded project, the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Advocacy Coordinator will lead and coordinate efforts to prevent violence against women and girls through advocacy, policy change, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with stakeholders. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a strong understanding of gender-based violence (GBV), women’s rights, and the political, social, and cultural dynamics that contribute to prevention of violence against women and girls.

The project will be carried out in two distinct phases: a planning phase, focused on developing strategies, building partnerships, and setting objectives, followed by an implementation phase, where the planned activities will be executed, monitored, and evaluated to achieve the project’s goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Coordination

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Prevention of VAWG advocacy initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day activities, ensuring the project adheres to timelines and meets objectives.
• Coordinate with other program teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure integrated GBV services and advocacy efforts.

Develop and Implement Advocacy Strategies:

• Design and implement a comprehensive advocacy strategy aimed at preventing violence against women and girls at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Promote legal and policy reforms that address VAWG, including the development of laws, policies, and services that prevent violence and protect women and girl’s rights.
• Advocate for the adoption of gender transformative laws and practices within public and private institutions that impact women and girls, including justice systems, education, and healthcare.

Campaigns and Public Awareness:

• Lead the creation and execution of public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the causes, impact, and prevention of VAWG.
• Coordinate events, workshops, and media campaigns to mobilize communities, raise public awareness, and shift social norms surrounding violence against women and girls.
• Develop and disseminate information and educational materials related to VAWG prevention and rights protection.

Stakeholder Engagement and Networking:

• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders including government ministries, law enforcement, Shari’a, Islamic supreme council, international organizations, local NGOs, community groups, and civil society actors to strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Engage with national and local policymakers, civil society organizations, and grassroots networks to create a unified, coordinated approach to preventing violence against women and girls.
• Represent the organization in national and international forums, conferences, and meetings related to VAWG and women’s rights.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Organize and lead capacity-building initiatives and training sessions for key stakeholders (e.g., government representatives, law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders) to increase their understanding of VAWG and the best practices in prevention and response.
• Provide technical assistance and resources to local partners on integrating VAWG prevention strategies into their programs and policies.
• Facilitate workshops on gender equality, women’s rights, and VAWG prevention with community groups and other stakeholders.

Communications and Media Outreach:

• Develop and maintain a media strategy to increase public awareness of VAWG and advocate for change at zonal and regional level
• Engage with media outlets to ensure accurate reporting on VAWG issues, and help drive media narratives that challenge harmful gender norms and violence.
• Manage social media platforms and online campaigns to spread awareness, share resources, and drive engagement on VAWG issues.

Project Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy campaigns and activities, providing regular reports and updates to donors, stakeholders, and senior management.
• oversee and ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring that all financial activities align with the project or organizational goals. This involves regularly tracking expenditures, comparing actual costs to budget forecasts, and identifying any discrepancies or potential risks.
• Prepare detailed donor reports on advocacy progress, policy changes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future action.

Qualifications:

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Work, International Relations, Law, Public Health, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in gender equality, VAWG prevention, women’s rights advocacy, or related fields.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing advocacy campaigns, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence, women’s rights, or social justice.
• Experience in advocacy and surveys
• Experience working with international development organizations, NGOs, government agencies, or civil society groups.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesize information, generate insights, and evaluate advocacy outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of VAWG, gender transformative approaches, and international frameworks for women’s rights and protection.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in English

Personal Attributes:

• Deep commitment to gender equality and social justice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with partners, stakeholders, and communities.
• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of the challenges faced by women and girls, especially those affected by violence.
• Ability to work in challenging, diverse, and multicultural environments.