Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF)

The Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF) is a Platform of agricultural stakeholders comprising of five categories, namely: the Public Sector, Private Sector, Research Institutions, Cooperating Partners(Donor agencies) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The forum provides agricultural stakeholders with a platform for voicing their concerns and interests in the public policy making processes as well as during implementation of policies and programmes.

What we stand for?

Since its creation in 1998, the Forum has been particularly working to:

a) Promote in a non-partisan manner, private/public sector consultation and participation in the development of agricultural sector policies. This is being achieved through providing an environment of constructive dialogue, information sharing, and communication amongst private and public sector stakeholders in the agricultural sector

How we take action?

a) We engage stakeholders at various levels in policy advocacy and emerging issues in the agricultural sector.

b) We generate credible (quality) evidence and performance data for timely policy decision making and implementation;

c) We provide a reliable and relevant source of information and knowledge in the agricultural sector;

The Forum is seeking highly motivated, result-oriented, well-qualified and experienced professional to fill the vacancy:

POLICY ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION EXPERT

Purpose

Reporting to the Manager – Programmes, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation, the position will bridge the gap between research/programmatic evidence and actionable policy change. The position will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing strategies that influence decisionmakers, stakeholders, and the public to adopt, improve, or uphold specific policies.

Responsibilities or duties

Key Responsibilities and Duties

a) Policy Analysis and Development: Analyze identified policy issues, conduct research, and develop evidence-based policy positions, proposals, and campaign asks. This often involves producing written briefings, position papers, reports, and proposals.

b) Advocacy Strategy and Implementation: Develop and execute advocacy strategies and campaigns to effect specific systemic changes or influence relevant institutions (e.g., governmental bodies, commodity associations). This includes organizing policy debates, attending external meetings, and building alliances with strategic stakeholders.

c) Information and Communications Management: Produce and disseminate high-quality written materials for various channels, including press releases, brochures, articles, blog posts, and social media content. This also involves managing content for organizational webpages, monitoring media, and coordinating public awareness campaigns.

d) Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, partner organizations, members, the media, and the public.

e) Advising and Supporting: Provide policy and advocacy advice, briefing materials, and capability building support to internal teams and members.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Skills & Abilities:

a) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and editorial skills.

b) Strong analytical, research, and synthesis skills to distill complex material into clear and concise information.

c) Ability to work independently, prioritize a diverse workload, and meet tight deadlines under pressure.

d) Political sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with potential conflicts and various stakeholders.

Qualifications:

A degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, international relations, development studies, or social science

Experience needed

Experience:

a) Significant experience in policy analysis, development, advocacy, and/or research, often within a specific sector like humanitarian affairs, conservation, or digital rights.

b) Proven track record of engaging and influencing external audiences and political stakeholders.

c) Experience in managing information and communications tools, including digital platforms.

• Analyze identified policy issues, conduct research, and develop evidence-based policy positions, proposals, and campaign asks. This often involves producing written briefings, position papers, reports, and proposals.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies and campaigns to effect specific systemic changes or influence relevant institutions (e.g., governmental bodies, commodity associations). This includes organizing policy debates, attending external meetings, and building alliances with strategic stakeholders.
• Produce and disseminate high-quality written materials for various channels, including press releases, brochures, articles, blog posts, and social media content. This also involves managing content for organizational webpages, monitoring media, and coordinating public awareness campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, partner organizations, members, the media, and the public.
• Provide policy and advocacy advice, briefing materials, and capability building support to internal teams and members.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and editorial skills.
• Strong analytical, research, and synthesis skills to distill complex material into clear and concise information.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize a diverse workload, and meet tight deadlines under pressure.
• Political sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with potential conflicts and various stakeholders.
• Experience in managing information and communications tools, including digital platforms.

• A degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, international relations, development studies, or social science
• Significant experience in policy analysis, development, advocacy, and/or research, often within a specific sector like humanitarian affairs, conservation, or digital rights.
• Proven track record of engaging and influencing external audiences and political stakeholders.