WPS Advocacy Officer

Organizational Background

The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) is a non-partisan, non-governmental network organization established in 2003, and currently NEWA has 50-member local organizations and associations seeking to create a stronger advocacy voice for women’s advancement. NEWA has a twofold goal: synchronizing the individual activities of women’s associations into an integrated collective effort and synergy to realize their common aspirations for gender equality; and launching a vigorous public campaign of promotion, advocacy, and lobbying for women’s rights

Position Overview

The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) is seeking a dynamic and committed WPS Advocacy Officer to lead and support NEWA’s Women Peace and Security /WPS/ advocacy initiatives. The WPS Advocacy Officer will work collaboratively with the NEWA team, members, and partners to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and inclusive policies from the lense of WPS. This role involves building partnerships, leading campaigns, and engaging stakeholders to drive meaningful change in the lives of Ethiopian women and girls. The postion holder will represent NEWA in different platforms related to peace and security, coordinate and lead NEWA’s peace structures found at different level.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy and policy influencing

• Represent the organization in meetings, coalitions, and forums (e.g., legislative desks, UN, AU).
• Develop policy briefs, position papers, gender alerts, and media materials to shape decisions and public discourse.
• Design and execute advocacy strategies targeting national/subnational governments, civil society, media, and private sector.
• Monitor policy developments and accomplishment and contribute to NEWA’s official responses and positions on national gender-related issues particularly on peace and security agenda.
• Develop impactful communication materials, including factsheet, position statements, newsletters, policy briefs and press releases on gender and human rights issues.
• Engage with media outlets and digital platforms to raise public awareness of NEWA’s work and amplify women’s voices.
• Provide regular reports and updates on advocacy efforts to NEWA leadership and partners.
• Work in close collaboration with NEWA’s communication team, Program Manager and Executive Directress

Communication and Messaging

Partnership and Networking

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, and networks in the fields of human rights, justice, democracy, and gender equality.
• Design and implement targeted advocacy campaigns that address policy and structural barriers to women’s inclusion and promote social equity.
• Represent NEWA at meetings, conferences, and public forums at both national and regional levels.
• Support national policy engagement, including advocacy for the meaningful inclusion of women in dialogue and peace processes.

Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct training sessions and capacity-building workshops for NEWA staffs, members and stakeholders on women’s rights, advocacy, and gender-responsive policy.
• Mentor and support local advocates and emerging women leaders, particularly at the regional level.

Project Management and Reporting

• Integrate advocacy during project design and implement advocacy activities at different level in collaboration with program team
• Develop work plans and manage budgets for advocacy initiatives; provide monthly/quarterly reporting.

Fundraising and Sustainability Support

• Contribute actively to fundraising initiatives that support and align with NEWA’s advocacy goals and strategic priorities.
• Assist in the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and other resource mobilization efforts to enhance the organization’s financial sustainability.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, Peace and Security, public relations, gender, social studies, language and literature, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree: 7 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree: 4 years of relevant experience.

Proven track record in advocacy, women peace and security, gender equality, or women’s rights programming within a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing advocacy strategies and public campaigns.
• Have excellent understanding about the women peace and security landscape
• Experience in research, policy analysis, and producing advocacy materials.
• Prior experience engaging with government, coalitions, and UN/AU bodies
• Experience managing media relations and cultivating relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant communication and content development tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written/oral communication; storytelling; public speaking.
• Excellent networking, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Extensive experience in media relations, advocacy, crisis communication, and reputation management.
• Proficient in using communication platforms including social media management tools, content management systems, and digital research tools.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively build and maintain professional relationships.
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to design innovative communication strategies.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills for effective decision-making and problem-solving.

Competencies and values:

• Committed to Gender equality
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Teamwork and respect for diversity
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Planning and organizing
• Effective communication
• Flexibility and adaptability