GL Vacancy: WOSSO Programme Officer

Gender Links (GL), a dynamic Southern African NGO headquartered in Johannesburg that promotes gender justice and equality, seeks to fill the post of Programme Officer under the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) programme. This post is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the possibility of remote work for suitably qualified candidates located outside South Africa.

Background

WOSSO is a consortium led by Gender Links to deliver the Advocacy and Knowledge Components of the UK government’s support to Women Rights Organisations and movements.

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, lead agency Gender Links is an award winning WRO with offices in ten Southern African countries and a track record of working across Africa. With its head office in Kuala Lumpur, the Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW) works across Asia on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). ARROW has a strong track -record of amplifying the voices of grassroots women in global forums with tangible policy outcomes. MannionDaniels is a UK-based global health and social development consultancy and fund manager with extensive experience of FCDO grants and specialist knowledge of the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region.

Governed by a global Independent Advisory Body, the project has two main components: 1) facilitating WROs and women leaders to meaningfully participate in key meetings and influence policy, programmes and legislation, with British soft power and diplomatic leverage helping to protect civic space. 2) Increased capacity and will for FCDO, governments, donors and civil society to design and implement policies which reflect real-time, on the ground experience of women’s and girls’ needs.

Key responsibilities:

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the officer will be responsible for:

• Recruitment and support of fellows from the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
• Planning, coordination, and implementation of project requirements.
• Administrative and logistical support, including arranging meetings, taking minutes, and following up on action points.
• Drafting quarterly reports, annual reports, and other documentation for donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinating logistical arrangements such as travel bookings, event planning, and procurement of supplies.
• Managing calendars and scheduling for programme activities and stakeholder meetings.
• Supporting the implementation of the WOSSO communication strategy for internal and external audiences.
• Conducting research and data analysis to support programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Maintaining organised document management systems for programme documents.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Proven track record of advocating for women’s rights.
• Fluency in English; a second internationally recognised language would be an advantage.
• A national of a country in the global south. Residence in South Africa will be an advantage.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and document preparation.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and event coordination.
• Experience in communications, including social media management, and website content updates.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in project budget and work plan management.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Flexibility to travel.

Experience

• At least five years of experience in programme administration, coordination, or a similar role in the NGO sector.
• A strong background in gender advocacy work, with proven experience of conducting successful advocacy campaigns at national, regional and global level.
• Experience of managing donor relations; specific experience with FCDO-funded projects would be an asset.

Skills

• Strong strategic, conceptual and operational skills.
• Excellent verbal, analytical, writing and editing skills, including public presentations.
• Teamwork and facilitation.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions, and to exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies.
• Research, advocacy and training.
• Proven report writing skills;
• Excellent networking and inter-personal skills.
• Facility with IT and its strategic applications in research and advocacy.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal qualities

• Strong inter-personal skills
• Committed to youth feminism
• Persuasive, dynamic, determined and strategic

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity is at the core of Gender Links values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Conditions

The contract will be for an initial period of one year.  Ideally, the successful candidate will be based in Johannesburg, but this is flexible. The successful candidate will be periodically required to travel. Having a valid residence or work permit in South Africa will be an advantage. GL will offer a highly competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the skills and experience The offer will be subject to three months’ probation. While GL recognises the use of AI as a tool, applications must be authentic.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. GL reserves the right to re-advertise, should a suitable candidate not be found.

How to Apply

Using the online platform at the following link interested candidates should:

• Submit their CV (An up-to-date curriculum vitae (of no more than 3-4 sides of A4);
• References with the relevant contact information;
• Letter of motivation – a detailed statement (of no more than 2-sides of A4) explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable.
• A piece of written work that you have authored recently – a report, a proposal, etc.

Kindly note that you are required to merge your CV and all your supporting documents into one upload as the portal provides only one space for uploads.

Closing Date

Applications are welcome until the deadline of: midnight SATS on 28 March 2025.

Queries?

Please direct any queries to WossoProg@genderlinks.org.za