Advocacy and Research Officer

About the Organization

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.

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.

Key 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.

Required 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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their current CV and a cover letter outlining their motivation for applying and relevant experience/expertise through the following link: https://airtable.com/appHNyMhgTH7cHVt3/shrWMTdHte879f8WN.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the anticipated volume of applications.