Networks & Advocacy Lead 280 views1 applications

Zero Dropout Schools Initiative – Networks & Advocacy Lead

The Zero Dropout Schools Initiative (ZDSI) aims to halve the number of learners pushed out of the education system before grade 12. Through this ambitious vision, ZDSI sets a common agenda that mobilises and directs the activities of a diverse range of stakeholders towards enabling a significant decline in school dropout. ZDSI is a project of the DG Murray Trust (DGMT).

ZDSI is recruiting a Networks and Advocacy Lead to provide strategic vision and to drive the development and mobilisation of a network of schools committed to zero learner dropout. The Networks and Advocacy Lead will be required to:

Job function and responsibilities

Develop, execute and manage a national school mobilisation and behaviour change strategy:

• Develop and execute a mobilisation strategy to create a network of schools that are committed to the vision of zero dropout.
• Create and drive mechanisms to engage schools, communities and learners around an agenda for zero dropout.
• Surface learning and progress from school and stakeholder engagement and work with the Communication Manager to ensure these are documented and packaged as public communication products across various mediums.
• Build feedback loops for continued engagement and learning amongst schools and stakeholders.

Develop, execute and manage a public advocacy strategy for campaign management:

• Develop and manage mechanisms and platforms that allow the network of schools to collectively advocate for change.
• Identify and build relationships with relevant stakeholders across sectors to implement recommendations and learning.
• Identify and build platforms and coalitions that support and grow the movement.

Core skills and background

• A relevant post graduate qualification – e.g. in education, project management, and/or community development.
• Minimum 3 years work experience – preferably in advocacy, campaigning and/or coalition building.
• Managed a range of diverse stakeholders and facilitated processes for consensus building.
• Built strong coalitions to drive strategic outputs.
• Enjoys engaging with people, is persuasive and can inspire champions for the zero dropout agenda.
• Drivers license and willingness to travel essential.
• Preferably fluent in 2+ South African languages.
• Experience in working with schools is preferable.

To apply, submit a motivation letter, your CV (including the details of 3 referees) to [email protected] with ‘Networks & Advocacy Lead’ in the subject line by 25 October 2019.