Policy and Advocacy Officer

• Develop, plan, and implement HDI’s policy and advocacy projects and campaigns
• Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis on relevant development advocacy issues
• Actively participate and represent the organization in various networks and coalitions to share HDI’s position on various issues
• Organize, and lead advocacy meetings with politicians, officials, and parliamentarians
• Produce reports, briefings, articles, updates, and summaries based on research on current development advocacy processes, policies, and practices
• Share content across various mediums (website, newsletter, and other publications)
• Keep up to date with global, regional, and national policies, frameworks, and guidelines that impact HDI’s work

Items indicated with an asterisk (*) are required

• At least one-year of experience planning and implementing an advocacy strategy, including conducting policy research*
• Past experience working in collaboration with others to shape an advocacy agenda at the community, national or global level*
• Strong writing skills, including experience drafting project proposals*
• Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and work independently*
• Familiar with national and global health policies and frameworks*
• Strong oral and written communication skills, evidenced by experience with public speaking (e.g. presentations, trainings, or workshops), as well as drafting documents (e.g. reports or summaries) for a wide range of audiences (technical, programmatic, policy makers, etc.)
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to ensure internal and external collaborators achieve a time-bound goal or project
• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, e.g. government officials, the media, and/or donors
• Experience with policy analysis
• Computer and IT skills in Microsoft applications
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills

Health Development Initiative (HDI) is a non-profit organization based in Kigali, Rwanda. HDI strives to improve both the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Rwandans through advocacy, education, and training. HDI was founded in 2005 by a dedicated group of Rwandan physicians working in health facilities and communities across the country. This diverse group of health professionals was united by a shared commitment to improve the health of disadvantaged communities within and outside of the healthcare system.

Today, HDI brings together a team with vast experience in medicine, public health, and community development to bridge the gap between communities and the healthcare system. HDI believes that health outcomes can be improved through parallel development of the community and the medical profession’s capacity to support prevention, care, and treatment of disease and illness. HDI supports community and health systems strengthening and works to empower individuals with tools and knowledge to advance the health of their communities, so that all Rwandans may lead healthy lives, free from preventable disease and premature mortality.

The current thematic areas for HDI include:

• sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), focusing on access to contraception and other SRHR services; HIV (and other sexually transmitted infections) prevention, testing and treatment; and, comprehensive sexuality education, particularly for adolescents, youth, and women
• human rights and the right to health, focusing on the rights of LGBTI persons, prisoners, drug users, sex workers, and refugees
• community health and development, particularly child nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene

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