Programme Officer – Regional Land Network: Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)

Deadline: 16 July 2018

The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) is a regional membership-based organisation representing the common interests of farmers in southern Africa. Its Secretariat is based in Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa.

SACAU is facilitating the establishment of a land network for southern Africa on behalf of one of its partners, and seeks to recruit a Programme Officer to spearhead this initiative which is expected to be fully operational in 2023. The land network will be a multi-stakeholder forum of civil society organisations bound together by the common interests on a fair and equitable access to farming land and secure tenure, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Key responsibilities include
Identify and mobilise various civil society organisations including farmers, women and land rights based organisations, in the different countries in southern Africa for participation in this initiative; Spearheading the development of a strategy and operational plan for the network; Facilitating the registration of the network in southern Africa and the adoption of governance instruments; Positioning of the network as a regional key player and voice for farmers and rural landholders in the region; Mobilising financial, technical and other resources; Representing members of the network in policy processes and at different events and structures at regional, continental and international levels; Undertaking and/or facilitating policy analysis and research; Facilitating the development and adoption of policy positions; Organising learning, knowledge-sharing and exchanges; Development of an information database, including policies; Coordinating a common regional response on land issues in the region and beyond; Other related duties that may be assigned from time to time

Requirements
At least a post graduate qualification in social science, strategic management or development-related field. Good general knowledge of land policies, tenure and governance systems in the region. A minimum 10 years demonstrated practical experience in at least two of the following areas: institutional development/organisational strengthening, policy development, resource mobilisation/fundraising, multi-stakeholder engagement and partnership development; Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English; strong analytical and conceptual skills; good presentation skills; strong facilitation and coordination skills; team player; good interpersonal skills; must be a citizen of a southern African country, and if not a citizen of South Africa, be a holder of a South African permanent resident permit or an appropriate work permit for South Africa. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage. The post entails extensive travel in the region.

To apply
This post is offered on a 2-year contract renewable for another 2 years and a remuneration package which is based on qualifications and experience. Suitably qualified and experienced candidates are invited to submit their application indicating the position applied for, CV with at least three contactable references and their expected total cost to company. All applications should be by e-mail to [email protected] and copy to [email protected] by 16 July 2018. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Women candidates are specifically encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates are expected to start on 03 September 2018.