Advocacy Specialist

Advocacy specialists champion specific causes by raising awareness, influencing policies, and mobilizing resources to create meaningful social change.

What is a typical day as an Advocacy Specialist? 

– Develop in-depth understanding on the pertinent issues around the chosen problem area in the community. Problem area examples include Youth Engagement, Climate and Sustainability, Freedom & Justice, Refugees among others.

– Designing and conducting research to draft position papers, policy briefs, or fact sheets and develop campaign messaging,

Meeting with legislators, policymakers, or institutional leaders, community leaders, and stakeholders to advance initiatives. 

Attending or speaking at public forums, workshops, or stakeholder consultations.

Monitoring media coverage and public sentiment related to their advocacy area.

– Organizing events, workshops, or media campaigns to increase awareness, garner public support and engagement, fundraise in support of the chosen issue.

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Facilitate training sessions or workshops for community mobilization, grassroots organizers and community advocates.

– Develop and maintain relationships with journalists or influencers.

-Use social media platforms to amplify campaign messages.

– Conduct field visits to gather testimonials and community insights to prepare grant applications or donor reports related to advocacy outcomes.

– Represent the organization in national or international advocacy networks.

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

– A degree in Law, Social Sciences, Communications, with a Masters in Public Policy or Development Studies is beneficial. However, the knowledge and expertise on a subject as well as passion and influence may be more important than academic credentials.

– Certification in Monitoring & Evaluation or data-driven advocacy may be useful.

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Persuasive, passionate, and self-motivated individuals thrive in this role to lead, persuade, and drive systemic change.

– Extraversion and Openness/curiosity is necessary to engage with people from different walks of life.

– Creativity is also an asset in designing campaigns, storytelling, and messaging strategies.

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Navigating resistance from opposing stakeholders or policymakers. 

-Securing funding and resources to sustain advocacy campaigns. 

– Addressing misinformation or negative perceptions about the cause. 

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required?

a Kenyan citizen? 

– Excellent verbal and written communication with confidence to speak in public.

– Strong emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.

– Strategic thinking and negotiation skills as well as research and analytical abilities.

– Resilience and perseverance.

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects ?

– Kenya and Africa: Currently a volatile work sector as it is dependent on foreign funding and thus affected by global political dynamics. However, demand for advocacy linked to climate change, governance reform, gender rights, and youth empowerment is still strong.

– International: Global organizations like the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam recruit Advocacy Specialists. Diaspora-based advocacy, remote roles, and international consultancy projects offer additional avenues for Kenyan professionals. 

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Develop skills in public speaking, campaign strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Take part in Debate, EAMUN as extra-curricula activities.

– Build knowledge about policies and issues related to your advocacy area. 

– Start developing a voice or point of view by talking about your thoughts in both private and public platforms. 

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Policy Analyst 

– Communications Manager 

– Program Coordinator in Advocacy Projects 

– Consultant for Advocacy Strategy