Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Advocacy
- Closing Date: 2026-09-07
Key Responsibilities
- Strengthen and support lobbying and advocacy initiatives and engagements with government, local authorities, civil society, private sector, media, academia and citizens. Identify relevant networks, platforms and stakeholders, develop and maintain stakeholder relationships, and attend, convene and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings.
- Prepare and facilitate multi-level and multi-stakeholder meetings, policy dialogues, workshops and trainings, as required.
- Conduct in-depth policy research and analysis, develop evidence-based recommendations and key messages, prepare and dispatch a variety of credible advocacy materials (reports, policy briefs, position papers etc.), and make presentations to relevant audiences.
- Monitor the operational environment, track relevant policy development/implementation processes at local, national and international levels, and support management and project staff in identifying opportunities and challenges for policy influencing.
- Support management and project staff in designing and implementing high impact advocacy projects, strategies and frameworks with S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound).
- Design and implement communication campaigns/strategies and arrange and conduct media engagements to promote the work and key messages of the organisation.
- Develop and disseminate tailor-made information content to a variety of stakeholders, the media and wider public (e.g. press releases, project updates, stories of change, newsletter).
- Regularly update and share engaging content on the website and social media handles, attract relevant audiences, and track and analyse content engagements and interactions.
- Guide and support project staff in collecting, compiling, editing and packaging information and media content required for communications purposes
Requirements
- Degree in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other relevant fields from a reputable institution
- At least 3 years relevant work experience in civil society or the public sector, with proven experience in advocacy/policy influencing.
- Knowledge and experience in natural resource governance, right to food and food systems, local governance, irrigation scheme governance and/or conflict management are an added advantage.
- Skills and experiences in communications/media editing are an added advantage
- Excellent analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, diligence and integrity
- Excellent communication skills and good team player
- Strong time-management skills and ability to pro-actively set targets and self-organise work
- Well spoken and written English
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Advocacy Officer role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Political Science, Communications, or a related field is commonly required; some employers prefer postgraduate qualifications like an LLB or MA in Human Rights or Public Policy. Relevant short courses from local institutions—such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission training or ZACC-certified ethics modules—are increasingly valued, especially when paired with demonstrable advocacy experience.
What does a typical day look like for an Advocacy Officer working in Zimbabwe?
Day-to-day tasks often include drafting policy briefs in alignment with Zimbabwe’s national frameworks (e.g., Vision 2030 or the National Development Strategy 1), coordinating community dialogues in both urban and rural settings, and liaising with provincial ministries or traditional leaders. Fieldwork is frequent, requiring flexibility to travel across provinces and adapt messaging to local languages and cultural norms, particularly in Shona-, Ndebele-, or Tonga-speaking areas.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for Advocacy Officers in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels is important—reports and submissions are usually routed through designated officers before reaching senior management or government counterparts. Employers also expect strong contextual awareness: sensitivity to political dynamics, adherence to statutory reporting timelines (e.g., under the Public Order and Security Act or Access to Information Act), and discretion when engaging with sensitive human rights or governance issues.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Advocacy Officers in Zimbabwe?
With 3–5 years’ experience, professionals often advance to Senior Advocacy Officer or Programme Coordinator roles within NGOs or UN agencies operating in Zimbabwe, such as UNDP or ZimRights. Others transition into policy advisory positions with line ministries (e.g., Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Women’s Affairs) or pursue leadership roles in civil society coalitions like the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD).
What benefits are typically offered to full-time Advocacy Officers in Zimbabwean organisations?
Most reputable employers provide at least 22–30 days of annual leave, basic medical aid coverage (often through local providers like NSSA-affiliated schemes or private insurers such as Fidelity Life), and mandatory NSSA pension contributions. Some international NGOs or donor-funded programmes may offer additional allowances—for example, hardship or rural posting allowances—but these vary significantly by employer and funding cycle.
How should I apply for an Advocacy Officer position in Zimbabwe, and what do employers specifically look for?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals with a tailored CV, cover letter referencing Zimbabwe-specific legislation or campaigns (e.g., the Marange diamond advocacy or recent civic space engagements), and writing samples like policy memos or media statements. Employers prioritise candidates with proven grassroots engagement, fluency in local languages, familiarity with Zimbabwe’s legal and regulatory environment, and references from recognised Zimbabwean civil society or government partners.