Advocacy Officer NGO Wash Forum

ZAMBIA NGO WASH FORUM

We are a network of non-governmental organizations working together to advocate for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access and practices. We strive to amplify the voices of our members and achieve positive change through collaboration, capacity building, knowledge sharing and impactful advocacy.

The Water Voices United Project

The Water Voice United project, funded by the European Union, led by SNV Zambia in partnership with NGO WASH Forum aims to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) in Zambia working on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues. Over a 4-year period, the project will focus on strengthening CSOs, providing capacity building and advocacy support, and raising public awareness about WASH issues, with a specific emphasis on cooperation for the Human Right to Water and Sanitation in Zambia. The initiative aims to have a significant impact by supporting 40CSOs and reaching various parts of Zambia, ultimately improving access to clean and safe water and sanitation.

The project is initially concentrated in Lusaka but will reach out to other parts of Zambia throughout its 48month duration ending in February 2028. By supporting 40 CSOs, Water Voices United aims to make a significant impact on WASH advocacy and access to clean water and sanitation in Zambia.

1. Advocacy Officer

The Advocacy Officer will be based in Lusaka and is expected to develop, implement advocacy strategies, partnership building and managing knowledge sharing activities for our network of WASH CSOs engaged in field implementation work for the progressive achievement of WASH national targets and the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. She/ he will report to the Forum Coordinator.

The purpose of the position is to ensure that network development and management, coordinating and facilitating learning activities, policy advocacy and dialogue, and reporting and monitoring. The Advocacy officer would also be tasked with leading advocacy efforts, to develop, strengthen and implement innovative frameworks to protect and ensure access to the Human rights to water and sanitation for the most vulnerable and communities where members of the NGO WASH Forum implement their activities; whilst providing timely and adequate backstopping and guidance in line with the project’s objectives and objectives. This is to be in close collaboration with other NGO WASH Forum team members and with the project’s co-implementer, SNV.

Specific Scope of work

In line with the project’s objectives and plan, design, but not limited to

• Network Development and management, support the capacity building efforts of local civil society organizations for evidence-based WASH-advocacy and tailored support to strengthen their ability to hold WASH service providers and policy makers accountable both at national and subnational levels.
• Coordination and Learning, together with member organisations, and the co-implementor SNV, research and monitor wash related policies in support of evidence-based advocacy campaigns.
• Develop targeted advocacy strategies, tailored to policy processes. Support reporting and monitoring by tracking and documenting the effectiveness of network activities and advocacy efforts.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the activities stated in the NGO WASH Forum work plan and in compliance with the organization’s procedures, ensuring coherence and mutual synergies with the other team members and with co-implementor SNV.
• Consistently monitor and critically assess progress, pro-actively providing input to adjust/improve the outcomes whenever relevant.
• Actively contribute to project’s evaluation and learning activities.
• Ensure the project’s visibility and profiling in line with its branding guidelines.
• Comply with NGO WASH Forum’s administrative and financial procedures for project planning, implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or economics or international development
• A minimum of 3 years working experience working in the WASH sector, preferably with experience in advocacy and policy engagement.
• Strong understanding of WASH issues and challenges in the relevant local and national context
• Excellent communication, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills
• Experience in organising and facilitating meeting, workshops, and online events.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to prepare concise and effective reports and briefings.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, proven ability to manage priorities, solve problems while delivering high quality work independently.
• Proficient in MS office suite and online collaboration tools