Policy and Advocacy Specialist at Habitat for Humanity Zambia

The Policy and Advocacy Specialist will serve as the key technical expert in the area of security of Land Tenure and pro – poor housing polices, to identify emerging issues and trends, and developing evidence based policy positions and support program implementation. S/He will coordinate with community structures, government, civil society and private sector partners to implement housing and land policy initiatives. S/He will provide knowledge, expertise and advocacy related support to various aspects of shelter/ housing programs conducted by Habitat for Humanity Zambia and its implementing partners. S/He will spearhead the Solid Ground campaign in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Zambia units/departments.

Policy Analysis & Monitoring

• Lead land and housing policy research and analysis at local and national level in Zambia ensuring actionable outcomes are identified through research.
• Coordinate the identification of specific Land and Housing policy inefficiencies (issues) in country policy frameworks that hinder equitable access to affordable housing or security of tenure for the most vulnerable and low income families.
• Produce policy analysis, reports and briefings with recommendations for changes in the policy and practice on land and housing.
• Coordinate with other relevant staff in supporting the implementation of the National Housing Policy.
• Monitor policy, political debates and developments on current issues on land and housing rights.
• Monitor government policy changes affecting land and housing rights.
• Analyse in-country housing and land tenure policies to ensure that implementation of programs is informed by the regulatory environment.
• Provide policy advice and analysis to management on emerging issues and trends.

Lead on Advocacy

• Develop and update Habitat Zambia Advocacy Strategy.
• Build capacity of staff and community Change Agents/ Study Circle Groups in advocacy skills.
• Support Habitat for Humanity Zambia in developing effective land and housing advocacy plans and actions within the different sectors that affect shelter/housing, to ensure context appropriateness, and alignment with regional and global strategies and priorities.
• Lead and coordinate advocacy efforts in coordination with community structures, government, civil society and the private sector.
• Spearhead the Solid Ground campaign grants received by Habitat for Humanity Zambia.

Communication, Coordination and networking

• Contribute to strengthening knowledge and awareness of Habitat for Humanity Zambia about housing, land, WASH and savings and financial literacy policies and practices.
• Identify and act on opportunities to communicate Habitats Policy position through writing articles, blogs, online debate, and success stories on land and housing rights.
• Coordinate the development of a research agenda for housing and land policy issues.
• Coordinate and share quarterly regional advocacy reports based on Global Metric Tool, SOE and narrative reports.
• Build, nurture and maintain strategic relationships with external actors and its members to contribute to organizational learning and build Habitat for Humanity Zambia’s credibility and influence in the area of land tenure, pro-poor housing and housing support services.
• Promote collaboration with external actors for joint program implementation or policy change initiatives, organization of events, coalition building or join country strategy development.
• Develop and deliver presentations on HFHI positions, vision and current work in housing and secure land tenure.
• Pro-actively work with the Resource Development & Communications Manager to develop and implement creative, effective campaigns to leverage, promote and support Habitat’s advocacy, policy and research priorities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify current and emerging issues that impact their areas of responsibility, and support appropriate knowledge transfer and translation into programs and projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders relevant to Habitat’s policy, advocacy and research work and influence government on implementation of key policies affecting housing.
• Coordinate closely with programmes staff to ensure advocacy alignment and that housing and land policy programming represents needs of the field.
• Participate in HFHI advocacy meetings and events and share knowledge.

Project Design and Reporting

• Provide technical input to the proposal development process and resource acquisition of projects with advocacy components at national or regional level.
• Produce relevant evidence, information, policy analysis and advice, and reports to support submissions, funding applications, project management, planning and reporting.
• Grant canvassing – monitor funding opportunities for advocacy work and participate in proposal development.

Undertake any other duty as assigned by supervisor/management.

JOB HOLDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

In a series of brief statements identify the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required.

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

• Degree in Relevant Field (Land economy/planning, Social Sciences, Development Studies)
• Minimum of 5 or more years working experience, ideally in an NGO environment, broken down as:
  • with at least 3 years in land tenure and housing policy/programming
  • At least 2 years of experience in advocacy in housing and pro-poor housing policy



• High level of critical thinking and analytical skills


• Self-motivated, possesses a positive and proactive outlook, flexible and able to work well under pressure and without close supervision.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)


• Good written English skills


• Ability to multi task and manage diverse array of partners/stakeholders


• Good IT skills: Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and Power Point


• Ability to understand and work with project budgets, forecasts and reports.


• Research Skills


• Clean Drivers Licence

Key Behaviours:

• Ability to deal with stress & meet deadlines


• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity


• Team Working


• High degree of integrity


• Good Listener


• Social and receptive

KEY RELATIONSHIPS (excluding own line manager and staff)

Internal

• National Director


• All Heads of Departments


• Office support staff


• Senior Advocacy Specialist – Regional Office

External

• Partners


• Civil Society Organizations


• Government agencies


• Community leaders

.