Civil Society and Youth at Embassy of sweden Pretoria

We are looking for candidates who can collaborate and build trusting relationships with colleagues and external partners. Candidates should also be able to lead themselves, taking initiative and pushing issues forward. To succeed in your role, you should be able to communicate effectively, flexible, solution-oriented, and handle the unpredictable. The positions will also require travel on the continent.

Sweden uses the Guttmacher Lancet definition of SRHR, which includes working with a broader aspect of SRHR, including comprehensive sexual education, abortion and working with marginalised groups such as LGBTQI and sex workers. The candidate needs to be comfortable working with this broader definition. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Manage and follow-up on contribution with a thematic focus on civil society and youth in Western/Central Africa OR democracy and human rights.
• Engage in policy dialogue at sector and contribution levels, mobilising commitment based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and regional frameworks and commitments for human rights in Africa.
• Provide advice and support on SRHR perspectives in development cooperation, fostering internal and external learning.
• Contribute to portfolio analysis, operational planning, implementation, follow-up, and reporting within the regional SRHR strategy.
• Actively participate in Sida’s thematic networks.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of five years of professional experience with an Embassy or international organisation
• Minimum of three years of experience working with SRHR
• Solid knowledge of SRHR and development cooperation
• Excellent knowledge of English
• Good administrative abilities and experience in driving policy dialogue.

Merits:

• Experience working in the region
• Knowledge of additional languages such as Swedish, French, Portuguese
• Understanding the link between SRHR and Environment and Climate Change

Personal Qualifications:

• Willingness to internalise innovative ways of working while fulfilling the role of a Swedish civil servant and respecting ethical and professional standards.
• Capability to achieve and report on agreed results and to seek necessary support.
• Leadership skills to positively influence colleagues in applying new knowledge.
• Willingness to share information, competence, and knowledge with others.
• Capability to deliver and prioritise tasks during stressful situations.

Application Details:

• Applicants must be South African citizens or hold Permanent Residence status
• Applicants must have a clean criminal record
• Security clearance from relevant Swedish authorities will be required based on a South African police clearance
• Successful candidates will embody Embassy core values of equality, tolerance, and openness