Program Officer - Africa

About Outright International

Founded in 1990 and guided by the values of collaboration, depth and feminism, Outright International strives to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people live safer, healthier, and more empowered lives worldwide. OutRight focuses its efforts on supporting organizations to effectively document human rights violations and advocate for the rights of LGBTIQ people. Outright ’s vision of change includes policy reform, legal challenges, increased coalition work, and stronger LGBTIQ communities worldwide.

Outright is currently seeking an Africa Program Officer who will work together with the Senior Africa Program Officer, based in Southern Africa. This is a full- time position with a contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension, funding permitting. The candidate reports to the Senior Director of Global Programs and Grantmaking.  The position has a focus on program development and management, Africa-wide, with a focus on Southern Africa. The post will carry forward current activities in Outright´s Africa program and will be responsible for the development of new initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Africa Program Officer serves as an expert on Outright’s work supporting human rights for LGBTIQ people.  The position will play an important role by both working directly on program development, implementation and communicating about them. The chosen candidate will be responsible for:

• Identifying, developing and (co-) implementing country-specific, regional, and Pan-African advocacy, community mobilization, and awareness and research programs, specifically around banning conversion therapy, anti-discrimination policies, law and policy change, inclusive humanitarian responses, and the influence of the anti-gender movement.
• Identifying and developing collaborative relationships with key stakeholders in the region among community organizations, civil society, media, different levels of government, private sector and others, who are working for, or are supportive of advancing the human rights of LGBTIQ people.
• Represents Outright in conferences, meetings, and events regionally relevant and appropriate for the program, its goals, and the organization as a whole.
• Works as a team with and informs the Senior Africa Program Officer and the Senior Director for Global Programs and Grantmaking on developments, news, and other relevant happenings in Southern Africa useful for Outright’s strategic position and its Africa program.
• Identifies and implements fundraising activities for the program and builds a network of resource partners for Outright´s Africa program.
• Participates in relevant media events, and (co-) writes press releases and website articles relevant to the program.
• Supports other tasks, as assigned related to the design, implementation, and promotion of Outright’s Africa program or the organization as such.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: University degree, preferably a Master’s, in political science, law, development studies, or related field preferably in social sciences.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in program and/or project management. Work experience in the human rights and/or LGBTIQ field is a strong asset for this job.

• Proven expertise in and knowledge on human rights international standards and equality issues, as well as the landscape and interpretation of these in Africa.

• Excellent political judgment and understanding of national and regional political dynamics in African countries, and especially in Southern Africa, international institutional frameworks and how they relate to the national processes.

• Experience in developing and conducting advocacy initiatives in the countries in the region aimed at the adoption of strong legislation and policies which effectively respond to needs of a marginalized group or a community.

• Fluent in spoken and written English. Language skills in Portuguese, French and other national languages of the Southern African region are an asset.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular ability to build meaningful relationships with institutional and other partners.

• Has an existing network of contacts and allies, including LGBTIQ activists and organizations and their allies in Southern Africa.

• Capability to take initiative, to plan and work independently, while being a strong and dependable team player; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Must be willing and able to travel extensively for work.

DURATION

• 1 year with possibility for extension, full-time

The position is based in any country in the Southern African region. Candidates should have a work and residence permit for any of the Southern African countries. It is a remote position, and the candidate is expected to work from home. Access to good connectivity to the internet is a must to be considered for the post.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply via BambooHR at this link. (https://outrightinternational.bamboohr.com/careers/56).  At this link, you will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume.

Outright is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  People of color, transgender/gender-variant individuals, and individuals from the Global South are strongly encouraged to apply.  Only qualified candidates will be contacted.  Please do not call.