The Elders

Job description

Girls Not Brides is a global partnership initiated by The Elders to work towards an end to child marriage.

The Partnership is seeking an experienced, energetic and committed Global Coordinator to lead a small team in supporting and coordinating the its global drive towards a world without child marriage.

Initiated by The Elders, Girls Not Brides brings together a broad range of non-governmental and civil society organisations from across the world working to address child marriage at the grassroots, national and global levels. The Partnership works to empower those seeking to end child marriage, to raise awareness of the harmful impact of this practice and potential solutions, and to call for urgent global action.

The Global Coordinator will lead a London-based secretariat of five people in their work with Girls Not Brides members to accelerate efforts to reduce and ultimately end child marriage. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the growth of Girls Not Brides and its impact on this neglected issue.

Every year, an estimated 10 million girls worldwide are married before they turn 18, usually with no say in when or whom they marry. Child brides are almost always forced to leave school when they marry, cutting their education short and trapping them and their children in poverty. Child marriage also threatens girls’ lives and health through early pregnancy and childbirth.

Since Girls Not Brides launched in September 2011, more than 100 organisations from over 30 countries have joined the Partnership, with a shared commitment to help girls at risk of child marriage realise their full potential. The Partnership has helped to build considerable impetus on child marriage, including increased media attention and greater inclusion of child marriage on the agenda of high-level meetings on development-related issues.

The ideal candidate will have experience with taking an overlooked global or policy issue to higher visibility and generating results-oriented action. S/he will have the instincts, sensitivity and know-how to encourage diverse people and groups to coalesce around a cause and join forces for demonstrable change. The candidate will need to be equally at ease with marshalling the substance of global advocacy strategies and interacting with grassroots change-makers. S/he will be able to ensure that the work of the Girls Not Brides continues to expand and have impact, often working behind the scenes with Partnership members and others.

Girls Not Brides is member-driven and has a simple structure. The work of the Global Coordinator and secretariat will be guided and supported by an Advisory Committee representing Partnership members. Funding for the early phases of Girls Not Brides’ work has been raised by Partnership members. As Girls Not Brides and its work continue to grow, the Coordinator will need to renew and mobilise new resource commitments to sustain and expand the effort.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Girls Not Brides’ strategy and campaign plans in collaboration with members;
• Liaise with Girls Not Brides members to identify strategic opportunities and coordinate and support advocacy efforts, including convening meetings of members;
• Build, support and drive joint advocacy and campaign activities to increase public and political support for ending child marriage, by harnessing the complementary expertise, talents and resources of different Girls Not Brides members and partners;
• Work with the secretariat to facilitate learning networks and information-sharing throughout the Partnership;
• Solidify and expand national and regional Girls Not Brides networks, with an emphasis on leadership from those regions most impacted;
• Communicate information about Girls Not Brides to external actors (such as government officials, journalists, international organisations, and donors);
• When appropriate, represent Girls Not Brides in meetings with external actors;
• Identify and facilitate the involvement of potential new members, partners and donors;
• Further strengthen the Partnership’s structure as an independent and self-sustaining entity, including ensuring on-going funding;
• Supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to the secretariat, which includes a Communications Officer, a Programme Officer, a Partnership Adviser for Africa and two interns. Recruit and manage consultants and other additional capacity as required; and
• Forge new alliances and create champions for ending child marriage across the public, private and NGO sectors, and across organisations working in different areas (health, education, livelihoods, etc.).

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience and qualifications in political science, public policy, sociology, anthropology, international development or another relevant field; an understanding of child marriage and/or gender policy issues is desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage effective international policy initiatives and advocacy strategies; campaigning experience is a plus;
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in working with and building coalitions, particularly across regions in Asia, Africa and/or Middle East;
• Keen political antennae, agility across cultural environments, and diplomatic finesse;
• Interpersonal skills and qualities that enable her/him to empower and inspire others to greater effort, commitment and action;
• Awareness of the importance of media messaging and media relations; prior experience in using communications as a tool for social change is desirable;
• Experience working with minimal supervision and delivering the utmost with a small staff team;
• A keen eye for accuracy and detail;
• Highly effective administration skills including computing and budget management; fundraising and events planning experience is a plus;
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in another relevant language, such as Arabic or French is highly desirable;

The Girls Not Brides secretariat is currently based in the London office of The Elders. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

How to apply

Please send a concise CV and one page cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this position to Jobs@GirlsNotBrides.org, clearly stating “Global Coordinator” in the subject line. Due to the large number of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 6pm GMT on Monday 21 May 2012.

The closing date for applications for the Policy Internship was Wednesday 11 April 2012.

Due to the large number of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Update

The deadline for applications for the position of Media Officer was 26 January 2012. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, energetic Media Officer to join The Elders’ communications team. This job requires an all-rounder with strong writing skills, media relations and online communications experience. The successful candidate will need to be flexible and well-organised with a strong news sense and a keen eye for detail.

The Media Officer is responsible for media liaison and media monitoring, creation of website and social media content, management of photo and video archive and other communications activities. The Media Officer reports to the Media Manager, works collegially with the rest of The Elders’ team, and supervises a communications intern.

Key responsibilities

• Implement media strategies and assist Media Manager with media outreach;
• Filter and respond to media requests;
• Update and develop media contact database;
• Media monitoring of The Elders’ work; compilation of media coverage analysis reports as required;
• Maintain all media records – press clips, audio, video, photos;
• Manage requests for photos and other materials;
• Oversee production of daily news summaries for The Elders’ team;
• Draft and edit content for The Elders’ website and social media platforms;
• Draft and oversee production of brochures and printed materials as required;
• Assist production of video and audio material by external providers;
• Manage translations of Elders’ materials, media releases etc.;
• Draft internal communications materials as required;
• Oversee responses to enquiries received through the website;
• Support Communications Director, Media Manager and team during Elders’ events and trips as required;
• Desk research as required.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in media relations, media production and/or journalism;
• Demonstrated knowledge of or qualifications in media studies, development, international relations or other relevant field;
• Excellent written and spoken English, ability to write well for a range of audiences, especially online; proficiency in other languages desirable;
• Strong news sense and knowledge of global media landscape;
• A keen eye for accuracy and detail;
• Microsoft Office, database management and web editing skills;
• Flexible, friendly team worker; able to deal with multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines;
• Well organised, self-starter;
• Affinity with the mission of The Elders.

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

How to apply

Please send your application by email to jobs@theElders.org, clearly stating “Media Officer” in the subject line. Your application should include a succinct cover letter and CV explaining how you meet the criteria for this position. Due to the large number of applications expected, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Applicants should be able to present evidence that they have the right to work in the UK.

Applications close on 26 January 2012 at 18:00 GMT.

Update

The closing date for applications for the roles of Programme Officer and Communications Officer was 7 November 2011. Due to the large number of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Elders are independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.

We are offering a three to four months Policy Internship in our busy London office, starting in May 2012. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented graduate interested in international affairs to be part of a highly motivated and professional team.

Applicants must be enthusiastic and well-organised and have excellent research and writing skills. He or she should have a proven interest in international affairs, as well as an affinity with the work of The Elders.

How to apply

Please send a brief CV and a one-page cover letter by email explaining why you would like to be an intern with The Elders’ policy team and what you hope to achieve from the internship. Please send your application to jobs@theElders.org, stating "Policy Intern" in the subject line.

Main areas of work

The Policy Intern has the opportunity to work and develop skills in the following areas:

• Conducting research on areas of Elders' current engagement and potential new areas;
• Supporting Policy Officers in drafting strategic and substantive policy briefings and other writing tasks;
• Assisting with contact and information management;
• Assisting with organisational support to the policy team.

Internships with The Elders are highly competitive. We are looking for applicants with the following skills and qualities:

• Academic background or professional experience in politics, international relations, history, development or a related field;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Excellent research skills;
• Accuracy and an eye for detail;
• Well-organised and efficient;
• Good team player; flexible and keen to learn new skills.

If you also have a second language or work experience with an NGO, think-tank or government body working in a related field we would love to hear from you!

Eligibility criteria and terms

• UK or EU university graduates and post-graduate students are welcome to apply;
• Non-EU candidates must present a visa that permits student placement;
• This internship is offered on a minimum 4 days per week basis;
• A modest weekly allowance is offered to cover daily expenses.

Closing date: Wednesday 11 April 2012

We regret that due to the large number of applications we expect to receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Job description

Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage is seeking an experienced and dynamic Programme Officer to boost the impact of its global drive for a world without child marriage.

Girls Not Brides is a new global partnership initiated by The Elders that brings together a broad range of organisations from across the world working to tackle child marriage at the grassroots, national and global levels.

The Programme Officer will be part of a small secretariat based in London that coordinates, supports and promotes the Girls Not Brides partnership. The successful candidate will play a key role in the establishment and growth of Girls Not Brides. The position is initially offered for a period of one year, but may be extended if the partnership continues to develop successfully. Applicants should be able to present evidence that they have the right to work in the UK.

Strong writing and communication skills, experience in research and policy analysis, and administrative skills are essential. Experience in gender issues, and in building and working with coalitions is highly desirable. Candidates must be fluent in English, excellent written and spoken French is highly desirable. The Programme Officer will report to the Girls Not Brides Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor major policy developments related to child marriage, and develop and implement advocacy strategies for the Girls Not Brides partnership;
• Produce written materials to support the partnership's work, including research briefs, website content and advocacy materials;
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the coordinator and the partnership, including event organisation and management;
• Assist in developing the Girls Not Brides membership base, including liaising with members, managing the contacts database and identifying potential member organisations;
• Help to develop and implement information-sharing practices between member organisations;
• Manage requests and expressions of interest from the membership, affiliated organisation and the public.

Skills and attributes

• Graduate qualification in a relevant area (such as public policy, development studies, international relations, human rights or gender issues) or proven experience in a related field;
• Demonstrated expertise in policy analysis and advocacy on international issues, experience in gender issues and in building and working with coalitions is highly desirable;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Strong project management skills;
• Experience in administrative support and events management;
• Willingness to work in a collaborative team and with diverse alliances , including an ability to work in different cultural environments;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and with a keen eye for accuracy and detail and potential implementation challenges;
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality;
• Excellent written and spoken English, fluency in French is highly desirable.

In the start-up phase, the Girls Not Brides team will be based in the London office of The Elders. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

How to apply

Please send a concise CV and one page cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this position to jobs@girlsnotbrides.org, clearly stating "Programme Officer" in the subject line. Due to the large number of applications expected, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: COB Monday 7 November 2011.

Job description

Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage is seeking an experienced, energetic Communications Officer to raise the profile of its global drive for a world without child marriage.

Girls Not Brides is a new global partnership initiated by The Elders that brings together a broad range of organisations from across the world working to tackle child marriage at the grassroots, national and global levels.

The Communications Officer will be part of a small secretariat based in London that coordinates, supports and promotes the Girls Not Brides partnership. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing external and internal communications strategies for the Girls Not Brides partnership across both English and French language platforms. The position is initially offered for a period of one year, but may be extended if the partnership continues to develop successfully. Applicants should be able to present evidence that they have the right to work in the UK.

Strong writing skills, experience in developing and managing communications for a global social issue, good media contacts and news sense are essential. Candidates must be fluent in English, excellent written and spoken French is highly desirable. The Communications Officer will report to the Girls Not Brides Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Develop effective communications strategies at the local, national and international levels that harness the expertise, talents and resources of Girls Not Brides partners to contribute to ending child marriage;
• Develop and implement effective tools to facilitate information sharing and communications among the members of the partnership – this could include setting up and managing an intranet for members;
• Draft, edit and supervise distribution of media releases and other materials for external communications;
• Maintain and update the Girls Not Brides/Filles Pas Epouses websites, and take responsibility for website management, e-communications, content creation and community management;
• Develop the Girls Not Brides social media presence to build and support a global campaign to end child marriage;
• Work with international media and national media in high prevalence countries to highlight issues of child marriage and to promote strategies to end it;
• Commission relevant print and broadcast material to be used by partners across different geographies;
• Build a global network of lead spokespersons or 'champions' to speak on behalf of Girls Not Brides across sectors (including politics, business, grassroots activists and NGOs).

Skills and attributes

• Demonstrated ability to create, develop and manage a communications strategy for a global social issue campaign;
• Expertise in creating traditional media content, web content, managing online community engagement and online campaigning, including a demonstrated ability to write engaging, clear and concise copy;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage internal communications;
• Proven experience in working with media contacts interested in global social issues;
• Expertise in the strategic use of social media to support conventional media;
• Strong project management skills, including experience in managing contractors, such as web developers and photographers;
• Willingness to work in a collaborative team and with diverse alliances, including an ability to work in different cultural environments;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and with a keen eye for accuracy, detail and potential implementation challenges;
• Excellent written and spoken English, fluency in French is highly desirable.

In the start-up phase, the Girls Not Brides team will be based in the London office of The Elders. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

How to apply

Please send a concise CV and one page cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this position to jobs@girlsnotbrides.org, clearly stating "Communications Officer" in the subject line. Due to the large number of applications expected, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: COB Monday 7 November 2011.

Update

The closing date for applications was 1 November 2011. Due to the large number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Convened in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, The Elders is an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights. The Elders are assisted by a small team based in London.

All job vacancies will be posted here as they become available – follow us on Twitter to receive updates about opportunities to work for The Elders.