Advocacy Lead - African Center for Economic Transformation

ACET is seeking to recruit an Advocacy Lead to work with partners across the institution to build a strong advocacy architecture within ACET for stronger impact and influence on issues related to Africa’s economic transformation.

Job Summary

The Advocacy Lead will work with partners across the institution to build a strong advocacy architecture within ACET for stronger impact and influence on issues related to Africa’s economic transformation.

ACET’s advocacy approach is based on being a critical friend and a thought leader for Africa and is grounded in solid analysis and economic policy prioritization to influence decisions and drive action; it is not an activist organization by nature but makes evidence freely available for use by activists, civil society, and other groups in their work to influence the public and policy decisions.

Understanding this approach and possessing the judgment necessary to do this successfully will be essential to the role. Key priority areas for ACET advocacy in 2024 and beyond include Africa’s Agenda for Global Financial Architecture Reform; Gender Equity and Economic Transformation; Climate Finance; Driving Economic Transformation; Jobs and Skills for Youth; and more.

The ideal candidate will have experience building and sustaining institutional networks and will have an in-depth understanding of the political and economic landscape on the African continent to identify opportunities for engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Map out relationships and potential reach of ACET staff, Board, Transformation Leadership Panel, Fellows, and other partners.
• Help identify and sustain advocacy partnerships with influential institutions and individuals across the African continent and beyond to move forward regional and global issues that need a collective African position.
• Identify opportunities for ACET network members to help move agendas forward through personal relationships and public appearances.
• Plan and implement strategic convenings to help move agendas forward.
• Work with ACET Directors and team leads to enhance program and project advocacy and to develop senior-level networks to promote uptake of policy recommendations.
• Develop and implement a robust and forward-looking advocacy strategy for ACET.
• Keep abreast of current issues relevant to ACET’s positioning and partnership work and provide periodic issue summaries.
• Possess a well-developed network of contacts and partners in African organizations and governments as well as development organizations, and/or the skill to track down and make connections with new organizations and individuals when needed.
• Develop and maintain key contact database reflecting status of engagements.
• Work with Resource Mobilization team to hone pitches and donor outreach materials, and identify potential new funding partners.
• Work closely with Communications Team members to develop strong messages that can be used by ACET network members.
• Other duties as necessary in support of ACET’s Advocacy, Resource Mobilization, and Partnership goals.

Qualification Required & Experience

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in Public Policy, Economics, International Affairs, or related field.
• A proven track record of delivering advocacy programs in the international development space.
• Ideally a strong network of contacts in African economic and finance ministries, agencies, and organizations.
• A history of engaging key stakeholders on the African continent, for example, the African Union, African Development Bank, country governments, civil society organizations, and economic policy institutes.

The preferred candidate will meet the following criteria:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing skills and organization.
• Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Tact and understanding of how to engage with leaders of all levels.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a growing team.
• Flexibility to manage multiple projects and prioritize as necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain a strong network of partners for advocacy.
• Strong team mentality.
• Constructive attitude.
• High standard of ethics and professionalism.

Location: Accra