LWF Uganda is hiring a Program Officer – Social Emotional Learning Advocacy responsible for leading the strategic implementation of all activities aimed at securing institutional commitments for SEL integration within education systems across East Africa. He/she will focus on bridge-building: translating evidence from displaced contexts into compelling advocacy tools to influence policy at national (Uganda) and regional (IGAD/African Union) levels.
The ideal candidate is a blend of a researcher and a communicator capable of engaging everyone from local refugee-led organizations (RLOs), HINGOs, government institutions to Members of Parliament.
Reports to: Advocacy technical lead.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Evidence Generation and Research.
- Lead Comprehensive Research; Design and execute evidence-based analysis of SEL approaches, identifying gaps and impacts within displacement contexts.
- Stakeholder Consultation; Facilitate data collection and interviews with diverse groups, including church leaders, RLOs, children, teachers, and district local governments with regard to understanding and integration of SEL at different levels.
- Documentation; Analyze SEL evidence from LWF and member church programs to identify “what works” in the field.
- Advocacy and Communication.
- Tool Development; Transform research findings into policy briefs, spot messages, success stories, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials.
- Campaign Management; Lead social media campaigns and coordinate TV/Radio appearances to raise the profile of SEL.
- High-Level Lobbying; Organize and lead national policy dialogues with legislators, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC).
- Regional Diplomacy; Manage strategic engagements with IGAD (regarding the Djibouti Declaration) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
- Capacity Building and Visibility.
- Training Facilitation; Conduct capacity-building workshops for a wide array of stakeholders, including the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), PTA members, and Parliamentary Forums.
- Event Coordination; Organize inception meetings, webinars, and side events at major summits (e.g., AU Summit).
- Commemorations; Lead activities for International SEL Day (March 3rd) to drive policy momentum.
- Successful completion of the National SEL Research Report in Year 1.
- Number of policy briefs adopted or referenced by the NCDC or Parliamentary Forums.
- Execution of high-level side events at the AU Summit and IGAD lobby meetings.
- Documented increase in SEL awareness among targeted District Local Governments and other key local stakeholders.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field. Any other post graduate qualification is an added advantage.
- Professional Experience.
- At least 3–5 years of experience in policy advocacy or education programming, specifically within the East African context.
- Proven track record of working with Refugees/IDPs and understanding displacement related education challenges.
- Experience engaging with government bodies (MoES, NCDC) and regional bodies (IGAD, AU).
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
- Ability to draft high-quality policy briefs and advocacy reports.
- Proficiency in digital communication and social media campaign management.
- Relationship Building; Ability to navigate complex political and/or multi-stakeholder landscapes and build rapport with both grassroots community leaders and high-ranking government officials.
- Communication; Exceptional public speaking and writing skills; ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.
- Adaptability; Comfortable working in emergency or humanitarian contexts and adapting advocacy strategies to shifting political climates.
- Passion for SEL; A deep understanding of how social and emotional well-being impacts learning outcomes for marginalized children.
- Excellent command of English (both written and spoken).
- Knowledge of local languages spoken in the project areas is an added advantage
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and Interested applicants should apply online at the link below.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
