Advocacy Coordinator (KP_PWID)

TB HIV Care; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A health advocacy organization in Gauteng is searching for an Advocacy Coordinator to strengthen the PWUD sector's representation within decision-making forums. The role requires proven advocacy skills, community engagement experience, and familiarity with public health policies. Candidates must have a degree or equivalent experience and be fluent in English along with two other local languages. This position emphasizes collaboration and skills transfer within marginalized communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in advocacy, preferably in HIV or harm reduction.
• Experience in lobbying and community engagement in public health.
• Fluent in English and at least two local languages.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for representation of voices of people who use drugs.
• Support networking and engagement between stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver training and workshops.

Skills

Advocacy initiatives

Policy engagement

Community engagement

Facilitation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

University degree in social sciences or related field

Grade 12 with 3 years experience in advocacy

Grade 11 with 4 years experience in advocacy

Job description

Job Advert Summary

TB HIV Care (THC) promotes health care services across South Africa to the general population and to communities at increased risk for HIV and TB, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers and people who use drugs. THC offers a stimulating work environment and opportunities for career development while connecting people with care.

Purpose of the position

The Advocacy Coordinator will play a central role in strengthening and advancing the work of the PWUD Sector within the South Africa National Aids Council (SANAC) Civil Society Forum. The position coordinates advocacy, builds leadership capacity and ensures meaningful representation of the voices and needs of people who use or inject drugs across national and provincial decision-making and coordination platforms. The Advocacy Coordinator serves as a vital link between PWUD sector leaders, provincial structures, civil society partners and government departments, ensuring the sector’s priorities are advanced in policy, programme and service delivery.

This position will be based in Gauteng, but will support PWUD sector development in focal provinces: NW, FS, MP and EC.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 and a university degree (social sciences, public health, law, development studies or related field), OR
• Grade 12 with at least 3 years’ experience in advocacy, policy or community engagement, preferably in the field of HIV, harm reduction or human rights, OR
• Grade 11 with at least 4 years proven experience in advocacy, policy or community engagement, preferably in the field of HIV / AIDS, harm reduction or human rights
• Experience in advocacy initiatives for people who use drugs
• Formal or informal training in advocacy or stakeholder engagement will be an advantage
• Strong links with the community of people who use drugs and / or civil society organisations working with people who use drugs
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in lobbying / advocacy / human rights or programming in the public health or HIV field
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder platforms or community networks is highly desirable
• Experience in advocating for health, social and legal rights of key and vulnerable population groups
• Experience in conducting trainings coupled with computer literacy is essential
• Fluent in English and at least two of the following languages (Sesotho / Setswana / Sepedi and IsiZulu / IsiXhosa / SiSwati)
• Ability to travel as and when required
• Lived experience of drug use will be an advantage

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocate for the representation of people who use drugs voices in decision making and coordination platforms that relate to the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs in selected provinces
• Support strengthening of the PWUD sector of the South African National AIDS Council’s (SANAC) Civil Society Forum
• Support networking and engagement between PWUD sector representatives and key stakeholders such as provincial substance use fora / local drug action committees, AIDS Councils and key government departments
• Collaborate with and support other TB HIV Care staff working in the programme / district / province
• Ability to develop and deliver training and workshops to build advocacy, leadership and knowledge of the PWUD sector structure leaders, networks of PWUDs and PWUD communities
• Identify opportunities for skills transfer, knowledge exchange and leadership development for PWUD representatives and communities
• Coordinate implementation of advocacy components within the project’s operational plan, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with programme objectives
• Document and report on meetings, trainings and advocacy engagements using programme tools
• Prepare and submit high-quality monthly activity reports
• Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements
• Track policy developments in HIV, TB, STIs, substance use and harm reduction to inform advocacy priorities and strategies

Skills and Competencies

• Facilitation skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including being a team player
• Respectful and empathetic approach when engaging with marginalised communities
• Strong advocacy, policy and / or networking skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Reporting and statistics