Food & Water Watch is a leading U.S. consumer advocacy organization that runs dynamic, cutting edge campaigns challenging the corporate control of our food and water resources. Since 2005, we have won significant victories to protect our food and water. Our Take Back the Tap campaign continues to successfully challenge the privatization of public water resources in the United States and internationally, educate the public and policymakers about the dangers of bottled water, and secure increased legislative support for clean, public water.
 
We seek to expand our work on the African continent by creating the new position of African Coordinator to join our team of experienced campaigners, researchers, and lobbyists. The Coordinator will work to develop and implement field organizing and media strategies and campaigns to support our work and the work of our coalition partners in Africa. The African Coordinator will report to the International Policy Coordinator based in Washington, D.C. This newly created position will preferably be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Johannesburg, South Africa but other locations will be considered. 

Specific Responsibilities:   

• Coordinate and develop community-based coalitions on campaign issues and assist in implementing grassroots public education campaigns.
  
• Work with team to develop strategic campaign plans including long- and short- term goals, strategies and tactics.
  
• Maintain familiarity with a diverse set of issues related to water and agriculture and respond to information requests from activists, coalition members, and media.    
  
• Build a strong base of organizations and individuals in support of our campaigns. 
  
• Travel to target regions to motivate local organizations and develop coalitions through public speaking, media appearances, strategic planning and training, lobbying governments, and engaging local media.  
  
• Develop educational materials such as fact sheets, action alerts, web site content and newsletter articles on various campaign issues. Maintain activist database and email lists.  
  
• Engage and train student leaders and interns.  
  
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Experience:  At least five years experience in advocacy on public policy issues, development, and/or grassroots field organizing.

Knowledge: Experience with and passion for water issues is essential. Knowledge of agriculture issues and the politics of agribusiness a strong asset. Organizing, and advocacy techniques; familiarity with political campaigns; consumer and environmental issues; working with the media. Excellent knowledge of politics and national/international current events.

Skills and capabilities:  This position requires a high level of autonomy, initiative, strategic thinking, and an ability to communicate effectively with a range of players in the policy world. Must be a self-starter; able to work independently; have exceptional organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; and strong interpersonal and planning skills.

Ability to think creatively and quickly to take advantage of breaking news; demonstrated leadership capability; ability to work well with a wide variety of people and to coordinate diverse tasks; ability to present technical concepts to a mass audience; can-do attitude and commitment to public interest work.  Ability to take initiative and self-organize, work well with a wide range of people, take direction, form alliances with other organizations, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.

Location:  Preferably Nairobi or Johannesburg, but open to negotiation.

How to Apply:
Please tell us where you saw this announcement and send cover letter, resume, three references, and a short writing sample to jobs@fwwatch.org, or mail to:

Food & Water Watch
ATTN: African Coordinator
1616 P Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036