Job: Project Leader: Gender Justice and Reconciliation, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (Deadline: March 11, 2015)

Job: Project Leader: Gender Justice and Reconciliation, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Deadline: March 11, 2015

Project Leader: Gender Justice and Reconciliation

Closing Date: 2015-03-11

Job Description:

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) was founded in the wake of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and promotes fair, democratic, and inclusive societies in post-conflict states across Africa.

In the aftermath of the deaths of Anene Booysen and Reeva Steenkamp and the debate their respective deaths sparked in and around South African communities and in the media with regards to gender relations in the aftermath of conflict, IJR formed a voluntary in-house gender working group in 2013. Since then, vigorous discussions have taken place amongst staff, management and IJRs partners as to whether IJR should be contributing more actively to promoting gender equality and women’s’ rights in South Africa and the continent . Notably, the nexus between gender justice and reconciliation appears not to have been meaningfully explored at IJR nor in the field of transitional justice as a whole.

The Gender Justice and Reconciliation Project Leader is thus tasked with taking further IJRs research and practice as to the linkages between these two themes. The dynamic individual will develop a strategy document for IJR which will guide IJR’s work in this field and will contribute to challenging conventional modes of thinking about gender; especially where the persecution of women as well as LGBTI communities is concerned. Following on IJRs successful trajectory of using dialogue and stakeholder engagement as a tool towards understanding complex situations and dynamics, the Project Leader is required to lead a variety of projects, aimed at positioning IJR as a leading organisation in the field of Gender Justice and Reconciliation.

Due to the fact that this is an emerging desk; initial funding is for a part-time employee 50%.

Leading the Gender Working Group, develop an IJR strategy document for IJR’s future work on Gender Justice and Reconciliation;
In collaboration with the BIS HOD, develop a workplan and dialogue engagement plan for the coming 18 months;
Participate in the development and implementation of the overall BIS strategy as well as the general IJR strategy;
Produce quarterly and annual reports for the Gender Justice and Reconciliation project
Interpret and analyse trends and events, providing relevant high-quality feedback and input to IJR as well as appropriate stakeholders and policy makers;
Identify opportunities for cross-programme collaboration within IJR;
Develop working relationships with relevant stakeholders working on gender justice related issues in South Africa and Africa;

Educational requirements/skills:

Bachelors degree in Gender Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology or a closely related and relevant discipline. A post graduate qualification or working towards a qualification would be an advantage;
3 -4 years relevant working experience;
Analysis, skills and awareness of current debates and policies relating to gender justice, transitional justice and reconciliation in South Africa, Africa and internationally
Understanding of, and ability to analyse and interpret relevant data;
A demonstrated interest in gender and reconciliation related issues in South Africa, Africa and internationally;
In depth knowledge of feminism, feminist theory as well as reconciliation related theory in South Africa;
A thorough understanding of transformational politics in South Africa;
An ability to engage in academic and popular debates;
A talent to communicate, which includes excellent writing and editorial skills, interaction with the media, and public speaking;
Some experience in the administration of budgets, fundraising, and communication with donors;
Self starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision;
Proactive, innovate and open-minded;
Ability to engage in difficult conversations with confidence;
Fluency in English and another South African language;
Valid Drivers License.

IJR, in return, offers a competitive all inclusive salary package and a dynamic working environment, which prioritises the professional development and wellbeing of its employees.

Documents required for application:

Submit a letter of motivation, CV with one contactable references, and salary expectations to Eleanor Du Plooy (eduplooy@ijr.org.za)

Contact:

Name: Eleanor Du Plooy
Phone: 021 202 4071
Email: eduplooy@ijr.org.za

Other Info:

Shortlisted candidates will participate in an initial interview and final candidates will be asked to complete a practical assessment.

If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, you can assume your application has been unsuccessful. We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged individuals.

Commencement date: April 2015