||||Panel of speakers at the We Are Able closing event in Uganda

We Are Able! Programme Celebrates Close-Out Ceremony in Kampala, Uganda

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Kampala, Uganda – 26 September 2025

The African Disability Forum (ADF), in partnership with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and other stakeholders, proudly marked the close-out of the We are Able! (WaA!) programme in Kampala on Friday, 26 September 2025. This celebration is part of a series of national ceremonies taking place across six African countries as the five-year programme (2021–2025) concludes.

We are Able! has been a flagship initiative in Uganda and beyond, working to strengthen the voices and capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), influence policy change, and promote disability-inclusive governance and development. Over the past five years, the programme has built strong partnerships, amplified advocacy, and fostered greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in national and community development processes.

ADF Project Officer, Betty Najjemba is handed a certificate by Consortium Coordinator We are Able!, Bob van Dillen
Panel of speakers at the We Are Able closing event in Uganda

Highlights of the Kampala Ceremony

The event brought together government representatives, consortium partners, OPDs, international NGOs, UN Agencies, the donor community including Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and other dignitaries to celebrate WaA!’s achievements and reaffirm commitments to disability inclusion in Uganda.

Key sessions of the day included: Official opening followed by a summary of WaA!’s achievements and impact in Uganda, showcasing how OPDs have been empowered to effectively advocate for their rights and engage in decision-making processes presented.Panel Discussion held highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for the disability movement in Uganda.A short film capturing inspiring stories and key milestones achieved under the programme screened. Certificates of Recognition was awarded to partners and participants for their contributions to the programme’s success. A symbolic celebration of five years of collaboration and impact made in cake cutting. The event conlluded with a pledge for continued dedication to advancing disability inclusive food security and disability-inclusive development beyond WaA!.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of NUDIPU, a member organization of ADF, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the technical support NUDIPU has received from ADF throughout the five years of the programme’s implementation. She emphasized that this partnership has been critical in strengthening NUDIPU’s advocacy efforts and enhancing its capacity to influence disability-inclusive policy and practice in Uganda.

As the We are Able! programme concludes in Uganda, its legacy is already visible in the stronger OPDs, improved collaboration with government and partners, and greater awareness of disability rights.

The African Disability Forum remains committed to working with NUDIPU and all stakeholders and partners to ensure that the gains made are not only sustained but also expanded. Together, we will continue to advance the vision of an inclusive Africa where persons with disabilities are empowered to claim their rights, shape their futures, and contribute fully to society.

The close of WaA! marks not an end, but a transition to renewed collaboration, shared responsibility, and deeper commitment to disability-inclusive development in Uganda and across the continent.

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We Are Able! Programme Holds Close-Out Ceremony in Juba, South Sudan

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Juba, South Sudan – 25 September 2025

The African Disability Forum (ADF), together with its consortium partners and stakeholders, marked a significant milestone yesterday with the close-out ceremony of the We are Able! (WaA!) programme in Juba, South Sudan. This event was the third in a series of national close-out ceremonies, following similar gatherings in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the five-year programme (2021–2025) comes to an end.

The We are Able! programme, implemented across six African countries (Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan and DR. Congo) implemented by a consortium of six partner organization (ZOA, ADF, TLM, SeeYou, THA and VNG) has focused on strengthening the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), promoting disability inclusive food security, and advancing disability-inclusive development. Since its launch in 2021, WaA! has played a crucial role in ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only consulted but actively engaged in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Highlights of the Ceremony

The Juba close-out event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from consortium partners, OPDs, international NGOs, UN Agencies, the donor community, and the diplomatic corps. The inclusive and diverse attendance reflected the spirit of partnership that has been central to the programme’s success.

The day’s major sessions included:

Opening Remarks – Delivered by representatives of the Government of South Sudan, partner organizations, CSOs and OPDs, among others. Speakers emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and the need to ensure that persons with disabilities remain at the center of national development efforts. The ADF Senior Program Manager (Mr. Abebaw Abebe) has also delivered a remark at the opening session of the event. In his opening message on behalf of ADF, the representative extended gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme. He highlighted how We are Able! has strengthened the voices of persons with disabilities, empowered their organizations, and advanced inclusive development across six African countries (Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo). He also emphasized the value of partnerships with governments, OPDs, civil society, and the donor—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands—in achieving the programme’s milestones. Looking ahead, ADF reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration and building a stronger, more resilient disability movement to achieve disability-inclusive development across Africa.

Presentation of Achievements – A review of the programme’s impact, highlighting success stories in strengthening OPDs, increasing community awareness, and influencing policies that support the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Panel Discussion and Audience Reflections: A lively exchange among selected speakers, followed by contributions from participants, underscored both the achievements and the challenges that remain and the way forward beyond the life of the programme for sustainability of its results and achievements.

Policy Recommendations: the session outlined key recommendations for disability inclusion and disability-inclusive development, serving as a roadmap for governments, partners, and donors to build on the WaA! legacy. Recommendations at general level, local and regional level, and at national level in the African countries for ensuring inclusive food security in particular and disability inclusive development in general have been presented by ADF’s Senior Programme Manager (Mr. Abebaw Abebe).

Closing Remarks: Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the momentum gained through the programme is not lost, and pledged to continue advocating for inclusive development in South Sudan and beyond.

Looking Forward: While the We are Able! programme is officially closing, its impact will be long-lasting. Through strengthened OPDs, enhanced partnerships with government and partners, stakeholders, and increased awareness of disability rights, the programme has laid a strong foundation for continued advocacy and inclusion in South Sudan.

The African Disability Forum is proud to have worked alongside the consortium partner organizations and stakeholders throughout the programme’s five years. ADF remains committed to supporting the disability movement in South Sudan and across Africa, ensuring that persons with disabilities are empowered to claim their rights, influence policy, and actively shape their communities.

A similar event is happening today, Friday the 26th September 2025 in Uganda, and will be followed by two more events that will be held in Sudan and Ethiopia on 29th September and 30 September respectively.

As ADF and its partners look to the future, the call remains clear: we must continue building on the achievements of We are Able! so that no one is left behind.

For more information about the We are Able! programme, please visit https://weareable.ngo

Shitaye Astawes, wearing a light blue jacket, speaks into a microphone while seated in a large conference hall with other participants in the background.

13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIII)

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Effective Approaches for Tackling Climate Risk in Africa

Ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), the African Disability Forum (ADF) participated in one of the pre-summits of the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIII), held from 5 to 7 September 2025. On this occasion, ADF’s Director for Advocacy and Communication, Ms. Shitaye Astawes, spoke on the panel Effective Approaches for Tackling Climate Risk in Africa as follows:

I am delighted and honored to speak at this panel on the occasion of the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa.

In line to this panel and its overarching focus on effective approach for tackling climate risk in Africa, I will speak from the perspective of people with disabilities in Africa. Then, I think one of the approaches can be:

Embrace diversity, intersectionality and inclusiveness

While leaving the technical details for experts in the field, embracing diversity, intersectionality and inclusiveness as an approach to tackle climate risk is important.

Increasing heat in Sub-Saharan Africa counted in as one of the leading causes for an alarming onset of skin cancer on people with Albinism while skin care treatments and sun screen creams for daily use and without subsidies from states are very much expensive for most people in this spectrum.

Climate change impacts and its accompanying risks threatened and collapses several small-scale businesses at grass root levels and that is where you find women with disabilities, mothers of children with disabilities and youth with disabilities. The situation is worse in most African countries as social protection scheme is thin across the region.

The March 2023 Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and the case in Mozambique did not discriminate persons with disabilities or others with intersectional identities and vulnerable communities. Those are the ones who disproportionately impacted with such disasters and mainly due to lack of inclusive response. The existing practices on climate finance, the context of loss and damage as well as adaptation mechanisms do not adequately address persons with disabilities. Established systems on early warning and evacuation are highly discriminatory as they failed to be accessible to all. Most of all the continent suffered from absence of disability dis-aggregated data. And we need action in those areas.

However, and beyond the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Africa continent now have an AU legal instrument as African Disability Protocol (ADP) which to date secured 17 ratification and which clearly stipulated the essence of disability inclusion in Climate Change Actions in its Article 12.

Secondly,we need to apply the principle of stakeholders’ engagement at all levels.

The land mark principle, in UNCRPD, is meaningful engagement and equal participation.

Persons with disabilities including those who are underrepresented marginalized from climate actions while they are highly vulnerable to climate change risks and impacts. They need to be engaged so for their voice to be heard and to be included in matters that affected their lives.

Thirdly, building on climate smart, resilient and sustainable economy is Key:

The foundation for effectively tackling climate change impacts and risks is a strong national to local economy in all its forms.

Considering local economy, building on resilient and inclusive economy and keeping the effort to translate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practice is essential. I do not go to mention the goals as all the 17 Goals relates directly to economy. Is that not fantastic?

It is also good to Nurture indigenous knowledge

As Dr. Charles this morning also mentioned to be the “Continent of Solution” we must scale up indigenous knowledge. For instance, in this very land where we are having the conference and where we experienced painful landslides, the Ethiopian Konso people’s sophisticated, long-standing dry stone terracing system, which is a highly effective method for soil conservation and water management in that particular environment needs to be taken as best practice and nurtured as indigenous knowledge. This relates with the importance of scaling up and transforming indigenous knowledge.

As we pledge for more presence and participation in such platforms as well as for equity and equality, we need the understanding of climate and development experts and practitioners in changing the existing charity and medical based narrative to Human Rights Based Approach.

The reality, according to the World Health Organization report, is 1 in 10 people could have one or more forms of impairment and then disability.

Allow me to end by sharing the motto “Nothing About us without climate and development experts and practitioners all of us”. I thank you all!

Young leaders with disabilities and facilitators gather joyfully during the Youth Leadership Programme contact workshop in Addis Ababa, smiling, raising hands, and celebrating their shared leadership journey

ADF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CONTACT WORKSHOP

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ADF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CONTACT WORKSHOP

25th – 29th August 2025, Best Western Plus Hotel, Addis Ababa
Transformational Youth Leadership in Addis Ababa

In the heart of Addis Ababa, a new chapter of African leadership was written. For one extraordinary week, 28 young women and men with disabilities from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Kenya, and Nigeria came together from the 25th to 29th of August 2025 for the Contact Workshop on Transformational Youth Leadership.

They arrived as individuals and in country teams, having only met virtually during the months of a competitive selection process. They left as a community, bound by shared stories, new friendships, and a common vision to lead change across Africa.

Throughout the week, the workshop became a living classroom not with lectures but conversations. Sessions on identity and intersectionality gave space for youth to reflect deeply on who they are. Dialogues with seasoned disability leaders brought wisdom and challenge. Learning on legal frameworks, ICT, mentorship, and leadership projects equipped them with tools to step into advocacy and economic empowerment with courage and clarity. And in every conversation, story, and activity, one message rang clear: disability inclusion is not optional — it is the heartbeat of Africa’s future.

A defining moment came as they stood at the gates of the African Union headquarters. Cameras clicked, but what lingered was the vision in their eyes. Many imagined themselves stepping into such continental spaces in the future, not as visitors, but as leaders shaping policy, amplifying voices, and advancing inclusive economic empowerment for millions of Africans with disabilities.

Beyond the learning, there was celebration. A vibrant cultural evening lit up the week as participants showcased the beauty of their countries through attires, songs, dances, and languages. The night was crowned with the warmth of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where, like mothers around the fire, they sat together, sharing stories of the day while sipping coffee. And as the week drew to a close, the youth lifted their voices in song and dance, carrying the flags of their seven countries, a powerful picture of unity in diversity and the Africa they are ready to build.

And then, the moment of commissioning arrived. With words of encouragement from the ADF Executive Council Youth Representative, Eric Ng’ondu, who joined virtually, the young leaders were formally commissioned into their transformative leadership journey. It was both a challenge, a blessing and a call to step boldly into leadership, to speak truth with courage, and to carry forward the torch of inclusion.

This gathering was not the end, but the beginning. It marked the launch of the ADF Youth Leadership Programme, part of the We Can Work initiative. Implemented by the African Disability Forum (ADF) with national umbrella OPDs; UDPK (Kenya), JONAPWD (Nigeria), GFD (Ghana), NUDOR (Rwanda), NUDIPU (Uganda), FSAPH (Senegal), and FEAPD (Ethiopia) and supported by Light for the World in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, this program is unlocking doors and creating pathways for young leaders with disabilities across the continent.

What a week it was. A week of learning, laughter, dance, coffee, ideas, courage, and hope. A week where Africa’s next generation of transformational leaders declared with one voice: we are here, we are ready, for an inclusive Africa!

#YouthLeadership #DisabilityInclusion #AfricaRising #WeCanWork #YoungAfricaWorks #AfricaDisabilityForum #LightfortheWorld #MastercardFoundation

This poster is an announcement for a hybrid side event at the Second African Climate Summit. The event, titled "Leave No One Behind: The Intersect between Climate, Disability and Gender," will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 PM East African Time. The poster instructs people to register at AFRICANDISABILITYFORUM.ORG. The event is organized by the African Disability Forum (ADF), in partnership with Development Transformations and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).

ACS2 Side Event Webinar – Leave No One Behind: The Intersect between Climate, Disability and Gender

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Leave No One Behind: The Intersect between Climate, Disability and Gender

The African Disability Forum (ADF), in partnership with DevTransform and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), invites you to a critical hybrid side event during the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2).

As climate disasters intensify across Africa, women and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected, yet they remain largely excluded from climate policy, financing, and action. This session will spotlight the urgent need to bridge the gap at the climate–gender–disability intersection.

This Side Event Asks:

  • What is the interface between disability, gender and climate?
  • How can Africa’s climate policies, budgets, and programmes become truly disability inclusive?
  • What does it mean to centre the agency of those most affected, not as victims, but as right holders, contributors and leaders?

Objectives of the Side Event:

  • Examine gaps in ODA and domestic financing for the climate–gender–disability interface.
  • Expose the disproportionate impact of climate crises on girls and women in particular and persons with disabilities in general.
  • Identify strategies to mainstream disability and gender in climate action across policy, financing and implementation.
  • Centre African knowledge and lived experiences of persons with disabilities in global climate justice discussions.

Speakers include:

  • (Moderator) Mr. Elvis Lundberg, UNICEF
  • Mr. Jeleel Auberon Odoom, African Disability Forum (ADF)
  • Ms. Martha Bekele, DevTransform
  • Ms. Ruth Mkutumula, Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA)
  • Ms. Robinah Alambuya, Triumph, Uganda
  • Ms. Hope Okuthe, PACJA, Kenya
  • Mr. Bonface Massah, Africa Albinism Network
  • Ms. Emmanuelle Tchotchom, African Disability Forum (ADF)

Expected outcomes:

  • Visibility and ensuring voice for an under-researched and underfunded area in climate justice.
  • Concrete recommendations for disability inclusive financing and climate action strategies.
  • Strengthened alliances between feminist, disability and climate justice movements.
  • Contributions to ongoing policy work around COP30, the Loss and Damage Fund and climate finance frameworks.

👉 Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d81h01ChTuqHc3K-QFGKLw

Sign Language and French interpretation will be available.

Group photo - ADF Executive Committee Treasurer, Mr. Ayassou Germain, with other participants after the CSO wrap-up meeting|ADF Program Director, Mrs. Bethelehem Zewde, delivering a presentation|ADF Executive Committee Treasurer, Mr. Ayassou Germain delivering a presentation||

TICAD9: The voice of persons with disabilities in Africa heard

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From 20 to 22 August 2025, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) was convened at the PACIFICO Center in Yokohama. The conference was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, and the President of Angola and current Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. João Lourenço, under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions for Africa.”

The event brought together over 10,000 participants, including heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, the private and financial sectors, youth delegations, and civil society organizations. The African Disability Forum (ADF) (https://adfoldwebsite.neptunetechghana.com/) was represented by Mr. Komivi Ayassou, Treasurer of the Executive Council, accompanied by Ms. Adjoa Zewu, his assistant. This participation was made possible with the support of UNDP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Africa-Japan Forum, and DPI Japan.

ADF Executive Committee Treasurer, Mr. Ayassou Germain delivering a presentation
ADF Executive Committee Treasurer, Mr. Ayassou Germain delivering a presentation

ADF took part in the official opening ceremony, the welcome dinner, several plenary and thematic sessions, as well as the closing ceremony. Notably, during the thematic session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ADF delivered a communication entitled “Challenges and Opportunities towards Achieving the SDGs in Relation to Disability Issues in Africa,” which included concrete recommendations.

In addition, ADF attended the TICAD9 preparatory meeting and the CSO wrap-up meeting held before and after the conference, respectively. The mission concluded with a working lunch in Hachioji, Tokyo, with DPI Japan representatives, including Ms. Midori Hirano (President), Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi (Vice President), and Mr. Hiroaki Furihata, who accompanied ADF throughout the mission.

On August 19, prior to the official opening of TICAD9, a special event under the Africa and Culture Series was held on the theme “Connecting Uniqueness: The Future of Co-Creation – Exploring Disability and Development, and DE&I from Africa and Japan.” The event, organized by JICA, featured the participation of ADF, represented by its Program Director, Mrs. Bethelehem Zewde.

ADF Program Director, Mrs. Bethelehem Zewde, delivering a presentation
ADF Program Director, Mrs. Bethelehem Zewde, delivering a presentation

The presentation highlighted both the successes and challenges in mainstreaming Disability and Development as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in Africa and Japan. The Ethiopian delegation also included artist Tesfaye Bekele, a person with a disability and recipient of the 2024 HERALBONY (https://www.heralbony.jp/en) Award.

As part of the program, the delegation visited Atelier Yamanami (http://a-yamanami.jp/), which provided valuable insights into the role of art in the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities. The visit further demonstrated how partnerships with the private sector, such as HERALBONY, can contribute to economic empowerment and help transform the narrative around persons with disabilities.

For the first time, the TICAD final declaration explicitly referenced persons with disabilities, identifying them as a priority within Japan–Africa cooperation for the next three years, particularly in the area of human resource development.

This recognition represents a significant step forward for the disability movement in Africa. ADF and its member organizations now have an important opportunity to intensify advocacy efforts to ensure that this political commitment translates into tangible outcomes for persons with disabilities on the continent.

interpretation poster

Call for Expression of Interest for Professional interpretation (English-French) services

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Call for Expression of Interest for Professional interpretation (English-French) services and equipment during Youth Leadership Programme Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The African Disability Forum is the continental membership organization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Africa. ADF currently has members from 44 African countries (National Federations of Organization of Persons with Disabilities), 9 continental OPDs and 4 sub-regional OPDs.

ADF is a strategic partner for Light for the World in the We Can Work (WCW) program, which is a signature program to improve access to dignified and fulfilling work for young women and men with disabilities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. As a strategic partner, ADF is leading on Youth Led Advocacy in the programme and has scheduled a Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) Workshop from the 25th to the 29th of August 2025. It is against this background that ADF is seeking in-country professional interpretation services in Ethiopia for the upcoming YLP workshop in Addis Ababa.

How to Apply

For more information see the Terms of Reference here. Any interested applicants can submit the proposal according to the ToR via the following email: jobs@adf-secretariat.org, with the subject line: Interpretation Services YLP Workshop

Deadline to submit the proposal: 8 August 2025, on or before 5:00 pm East African Time (EAT).

All applicants should be based in Ethiopia.

Graphic with the African Disability Forum (ADF) logo and text that reads “VACANCY announcement” with a megaphone icon. A speech bubble says “Join our team!” and text below reads “Visit our website for more info africandisabilityforum.org”. The graphic has a blue border.

Vacancy Advertisement: Senior Gender Officer

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Vacancy Advertisement (Internal and External)
Senior Gender Officer

The African Disability Forum (ADF) is a continental membership organization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Africa whose vision is to see an inclusive Africa where all persons with disabilities and their families have their rights and voices respected and participate actively in the life of their communities and nations as outlined in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA) is implemented through a consortium composed of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), African Disability Forum (ADF) and OPDs Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) and Inclusion Africa (IA). The project aims to advance gender and disability rights in Africa, starting by Benin, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia, through the strengthening of OPDs’ capacity, the establishment of cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at both Pan-African and national levels, and the modernization and implementation of legal frameworks at the community level.

The inception and transition phases were completed in December 2024. The main phase, led by ADF, began in January 2025, with the project continuing to focus on its three thematic areas: inclusive education, social protection, and access to justice. The project is financially supported by the Government of Sweden.

Job Summary: Support the consortium’s (ADF, DIWA and IA) efforts to integrate gender equality across SPADRA and ADF’s programs, policies, and advocacy initiatives. This role focuses on promoting the rights of women and girls with disabilities and ensuring that all activities are informed by a strong intersectional gender lens.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide technical guidance to SPADRA consortium members to implement gender-responsive activities.
  • Design and deliver training sessions for consortium staff members on gender and disability.
  • Contribute to consortium advocacy efforts focused on the rights of women and girls with disabilities at national and regional levels.
  • Support consortium’s engagement with mechanisms such as the African Union, UN bodies (e.g., CEDAW, CRPD), and COSP.
  • Produce knowledge products, policy briefs, and case studies highlighting best practices and gaps in gender and disability inclusion.
  • Support the Consortium in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with women’s rights organizations and other key stakeholders.
  • Ensure the integration of gender and disability inclusion in the expansion of SPADRA across Africa.
  • Lead the implementation of ADF’s gender strategy across programs and initiatives.
  • Represent ADF in relevant meetings, forums, and working groups.

Job Requirements

  • First or second degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, or other related fields.
  • A minimum of eight years of relevant experience for candidates with first degree and four years for those with second degree in gender-related work.
  • Knowledge and good understanding of disability rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and exposure to Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) is an asset.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, deliver results and meet deadlines.
  • Language requirements: Fluent in English. Ability to communicate in French is an advantage.
  • Computer skills (Word, Excel and Power Point) and experience of using online/virtual communication platforms.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
  • The position is open to citizens of any African country.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should submit their CV and a one-page motivation letter to jobs@adf-secretariat.org with the subject line: Senior Gender Officer Vacancy, by 22 June 2025.

Persons with Disabilities and Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for exam/interview, no phone calls please.

Graphic with the African Disability Forum (ADF) logo and text that reads “VACANCY announcement” with a megaphone icon. A speech bubble says “Join our team!” and text below reads “Visit our website for more info africandisabilityforum.org”. The graphic has a blue border.

Vacancy Advertisement: Senior Communications Officer

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Vacancy Advertisement (Internal and External)
Senior Communications Officer

The African Disability Forum (ADF) is a continental membership organization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Africa whose vision is to see an inclusive Africa where all persons with disabilities and their families have their rights and voices respected and participate actively in the life of their communities and nations as outlined in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA) is implemented through a consortium composed of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), African Disability Forum (ADF) and OPDs Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) and Inclusion Africa (IA). The project aims to advance gender and disability rights in Africa, starting by Benin, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia, through the strengthening of OPDs’ capacity, the establishment of cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at both Pan-African and national levels, and the modernization and implementation of legal frameworks at the community level.

The inception and transition phases were completed in December 2024. The main phase, led by ADF, began in January 2025, with the project continuing to focus on its three thematic areas: inclusive education, social protection, and access to justice. The project is financially supported by the Government of Sweden.

Job Summary: To manage the consortium’s (ADF, DIWA and IA) communications to ensure the program is impactful and visible. The person is responsible for ensuring that information and messaging from the consortium effectively reach key stakeholders, including government, donors and community members.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

  • Review, implement and regularly evaluate the communications strategy for the consortium that contributes to the SPADRA objectives.
  • Produce media tools such as press releases, promotional communications, videos, infographics, newsletters, etc.
  • Provide and produce online content through a variety of social media channels and ADF’s website.
  • Manage social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter etc.) accounts, ensure a consistent, targeted, and impactful message is disseminated that positively build SPADRA/ADF’s image and visibility.
  • Work with graphic designers and printers to produce relevant communications materials such as the Annual Report, publications etc.
  • In consultation with ADF’s Director for Advocacy and Communications, provide information on ADF and its work to outside groups/individuals when necessary.
  • Ensure the dissemination of communications elements of ADF’s advocacy work both in French and English-speaking countries.
  • Ensure colleagues are trained in the use of social media for advocacy purposes
  • Manage the SPADRA communication platform.
  • Assist in the production of ADF reports: Work with program team to get details, especially storytelling.
  • Respond to communication-related issues in a timely manner and in consultation with the Director for Advocacy and Communications.

Job Requirements

  • First or second degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or other related fields.
  • A minimum of eight years of relevant experience for candidates with first degree and four years for those with second degree in communications-related work.
  • Knowledge and good understanding of disability rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and exposure to Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) is an asset.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, deliver results and meet deadlines.
  • Language requirements: Fluent in English and French.
  • Computer skills (Word, Excel and Power Point) and experience of using online/virtual communication platforms.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
  • The position is open to citizens of any African country.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should submit their CV and a one-page motivation letter to jobs@adf-secretariat.org with the subject line: Senior Communications Officer Vacancy, by 22 June 2025.

Persons with Disabilities and Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for exam/interview, no phone calls please.

Graphic with the African Disability Forum (ADF) logo and text that reads “VACANCY announcement” with a megaphone icon. A speech bubble says “Join our team!” and text below reads “Visit our website for more info africandisabilityforum.org”. The graphic has a blue border.

Vacancy Advertisement: Senior MEAL Officer

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Vacancy Advertisement (Internal and External)
Senior MEAL Officer

The African Disability Forum (ADF) is a continental membership organization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Africa whose vision is to see an inclusive Africa where all persons with disabilities and their families have their rights and voices respected and participate actively in the life of their communities and nations as outlined in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA) is implemented through a consortium composed of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), African Disability Forum (ADF) and OPDs Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) and Inclusion Africa (IA). The project aims to advance gender and disability rights in Africa, starting by Benin, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia, through the strengthening of OPDs’ capacity, the establishment of cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at both Pan-African and national levels, and the modernization and implementation of legal frameworks at the community level.

The inception and transition phases were completed in December 2024. The main phase, led by ADF, began in January 2025, with the project continuing to focus on its three thematic areas: inclusive education, social protection, and access to justice. The project is financially supported by the Government of Sweden.

Job Summary: Support the consortium (ADF, DIWA, and IA) in developing and implementing an effective MEAL framework by designing monitoring plans, collecting high-quality data, creating feedback mechanisms, tracking and evaluating project performance, and documenting lessons learned and best practices.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide technical guidance to SPADRA consortium members to design and implement MEAL framework.
  • Develop and implement monitoring plans and tools to track project progress against indicators and targets, and regularly collect high-quality, disaggregated, and gender-sensitive data, analyze to assess performance and prepare reports.
  • Undertake field visits when necessary.
  • Undertake mid-term evaluation and support final project evaluation.
  • Establish and manage feedback and complaints mechanisms.
  • Document lessons learned and best practices.
  • Manage the project MEAL platform.
  • Train staff and partners on MEAL tools and practices while providing ongoing technical support and mentoring.

Job Requirements

  • First or second degree in Project Management, Sociology, Social Work, or other related fields.
  • A minimum of eight years of relevant experience for candidates with first degree and four years for those with second degree in MEAL related work.
  • Knowledge and good understanding of disability rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and exposure to Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) is an asset.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, deliver results and meet deadlines.
  • Language requirements: Fluent in English. Ability to communicate in French is an advantage.
  • Computer skills (Word, Excel and Power Point) and experience of using online/virtual communication platforms.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
  • The position is open to citizens of any African country.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should submit their CV and a one-page motivation letter to jobs@adf-secretariat.org with the subject line: Senior MEAL Officer Vacancy, by 21 June 2025.

Persons with Disabilities and Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for exam/interview, no phone calls please.