Development Worker – Advocacy

Progressio (formerly known as CIIR) has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than forty years. Whether through placing development workers overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, Progressio has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none.

Development Worker – Advocacy and Communications (water and climate change)
Peruvian Centre for Social Studies (CEPES)
Based in Lima, Peru (with regular travel throughout the country)
Two-year placement
Please note that the successful candidate will be required to speak and write fluent English and Spanish

The aims of this placement are to: a) strengthen the advocacy and communications capacity of the Peruvian Centre for Social Studies (CEPES); b) strengthen the capacity of CEPES’s work on water issues, particularly with regards to advocacy planning, campaigning, research, policy analysis and media work within Peru; c) as most of our partners work in networks the Development Worker (DW) may be requested to support the strengthening of the advocacy and communications capacity of other partner organisations working on the same theme in Peru; d) produce communication materials on themes such as water and climate change; e) strengthen Progressio’s international and regional advocacy on water and climate change through local research, policy dialogue, opinion sharing, case studies, developing communications material and contributing to international campaigns.

The DW’s time will be divided as follows: 50 per cent: to liaise with CEPES; 50 per cent: to liaise with Progressio, contributing to the organisation’s communications, advocacy work and institutional learning.

You should be educated to degree level in Communications or a related subject. You should have a minimum of three years’ experience in advocacy with a Northern audience; experience in water and climate change issues; in research methodologies including critical analysis and participatory methods; and of working within a geographically dispersed team with multiple demands.

Proven skills in advocacy and campaigning; sound knowledge and understanding of development and related policy issues; good understanding of civil society and non-governmental organisations and networks engaged in advocacy; and knowledge of international institutions which are likely to be the subject of advocacy campaigns (e.g. the UK and other EU governments, the EU, the UN) are essential. You should also have sound political judgement and the ability to engage and deal with sensitive issues with a variety of audiences; the ability to identify newsworthy issues and stories, media opportunities and outlets; excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish (written and spoken); excellent writing skills (to publication standard); the ability to absorb and translate complex ideas/issues into briefings and campaigns; excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people in a culturally sensitive way, and a well developed gender analysis and commitment to mainstreaming gender in all areas of work. Willingness to travel frequently within Peru, and commitment to Progressio’s purposes, aims and values are also essential.

A postgraduate qualification in environment studies or a related field; experience of working with NGOs and community-based organisations; of international advocacy in the Latin America and Caribbean region, and sound knowledge and understanding of development and related policy issues in the region are highly desirable.

It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview. Please note that CVs/resumes will not be accepted.

For further information and an application form visit www.progressio.org.uk/jobs.

Closing date: 7 June 2009 Interviews: Mid/end June 2009

Please return the completed application form to: Recruitment@progressio.org.uk.

– Progressio does not place development workers in their own countries –

Please note this placement is being re-advertised, previous applicants need not re-apply.