Program Officer, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Advocacy job at Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

The Program Officer for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Advocacy will report to the Advocacy technical lead. He/She is responsible for leading the strategic implementation of all activities aimed at securing institutional commitments for SEL integration within education systems across East Africa. He/she will focus on bridge-building: translating evidence from displaced contexts into compelling advocacy tools to influence policy at national (Uganda) and regional (IGAD/African Union) levels.

The ideal candidate is a blend of a researcher and a communicator capable of engaging everyone from local refugee-led organizations (RLOs), HINGOs, government institutions to Members of Parliament.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Evidence Generation and Research.

•  Lead Comprehensive Research; Design and execute evidence-based analysis of SEL approaches, identifying gaps and impacts within displacement contexts.
•  Stakeholder Consultation; Facilitate data collection and interviews with diverse groups, including church leaders, RLOs,  children, teachers, and district local governments with regard to understanding and integration of SEL at different levels.
• Documentation; Analyze SEL evidence from LWF and member church programs to identify "what works" in the field.

2. Advocacy and Communication.

•    Tool Development; Transform research findings into policy briefs, spot messages, success stories, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials.
• Campaign Management; Lead social media campaigns and coordinate TV/Radio appearances to raise the profile of SEL.
•    High-Level Lobbying; Organize and lead national policy dialogues with legislators, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC).
•  regional Diplomacy; Manage strategic engagements with IGAD (regarding the Djibouti Declaration) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

3. Capacity Building and Visibility.

•    Training Facilitation; Conduct capacity-building workshops for a wide array of stakeholders, including the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), PTA members, and Parliamentary Forums.
• Event Coordination; Organize inception meetings, webinars, and side events at major summits (e.g., AU Summit).
• Commemorations; Lead activities for International SEL Day (March 3rd) to drive policy momentum.

Required Qualifications & Experience.

Academic qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field. Any other post graduate qualification is an added advantage.

Professional Experience.

At least 3–5 years of experience in policy advocacy or education programming, specifically within the East African context.

Proven track record of working with Refugees/IDPs and understanding displacement related education challenges.

Experience engaging with government bodies (MoES, NCDC) and regional bodies (IGAD, AU).

Technical Skills.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Ability to draft high-quality policy briefs and advocacy reports.
• Proficiency in digital communication and social media campaign management.

Core Competencies

•    Relationship Building; Ability to navigate complex political and/or multi-stakeholder landscapes and build rapport with both grassroots community leaders and high-ranking government officials.
• Communication; Exceptional public speaking and writing skills; ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.
•  Adaptability; Comfortable working in emergency or humanitarian contexts and adapting advocacy strategies to shifting political climates.
• Passion for SEL; A deep understanding of how social and emotional well-being impacts learning outcomes for marginalized children.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful completion of the National SEL Research Report in Year 1.
• Number of policy briefs adopted or referenced by the NCDC or Parliamentary Forums.
• Execution of high-level side events at the AU Summit and IGAD lobby meetings.
• Documented increase in SEL awareness among targeted District Local Governments and other key local stakeholders.

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of English (both written and spoken).
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in the project areas is an added advantage

• Lead Comprehensive Research; Design and execute evidence-based analysis of SEL approaches, identifying gaps and impacts within displacement contexts.
• Stakeholder Consultation; Facilitate data collection and interviews with diverse groups, including church leaders, RLOs, children, teachers, and district local governments with regard to understanding and integration of SEL at different levels.
• Documentation; Analyze SEL evidence from LWF and member church programs to identify "what works" in the field.
• Tool Development; Transform research findings into policy briefs, spot messages, success stories, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials.
• Campaign Management; Lead social media campaigns and coordinate TV/Radio appearances to raise the profile of SEL.
• High-Level Lobbying; Organize and lead national policy dialogues with legislators, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC).
• Regional Diplomacy; Manage strategic engagements with IGAD (regarding the Djibouti Declaration) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
• Training Facilitation; Conduct capacity-building workshops for a wide array of stakeholders, including the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), PTA members, and Parliamentary Forums.
• Event Coordination; Organize inception meetings, webinars, and side events at major summits (e.g., AU Summit).
• Commemorations; Lead activities for International SEL Day (March 3rd) to drive policy momentum.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Ability to draft high-quality policy briefs and advocacy reports.
• Proficiency in digital communication and social media campaign management.
• Relationship Building; Ability to navigate complex political and/or multi-stakeholder landscapes and build rapport with both grassroots community leaders and high-ranking government officials.
• Communication; Exceptional public speaking and writing skills; ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.
• Adaptability; Comfortable working in emergency or humanitarian contexts and adapting advocacy strategies to shifting political climates.
• Passion for SEL; A deep understanding of how social and emotional well-being impacts learning outcomes for marginalized children.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Any other post graduate qualification is an added advantage.
• At least 3–5 years of experience in policy advocacy or education programming, specifically within the East African context.
• Proven track record of working with Refugees/IDPs and understanding displacement related education challenges.
• Experience engaging with government bodies (MoES, NCDC) and regional bodies (IGAD, AU).
• Excellent command of English (both written and spoken).
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in the project areas is an added advantage.