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 University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) together with the African Disability Forum (ADF) are going to implement the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Partners will implement a 2-way international exchange for emerging leaders ages 25–40 to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build sustainable partnerships with the goals of increasing civic engagement of people with disabilities and strengthening civil society in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Specifically, the program will support 12 mid-level professionals (Fellows) from the target countries to participate in a 5-week Fellowship on inclusive civic engagement. The program will also select five
American professionals (American Fellows) from the host site organizations to participate in a 2-week trip to visit their respective Fellow and their organizations in Africa to support and sustain project impact and long-term collaboration. Fellows will focus on a key policy or practice issue related to disability and civic engagement in their country. During their placements, Fellows will develop an action plan for an individual follow-on project to implement upon returning home.

This will provide an opportunity to prepare the next generation of leaders for their critical roles in ensuring
that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life and society in Africa.

Job Summary: To support the recruitment of 12 mid-level emerging leaders (Professional Fellows) in the
disability and civic engagement field in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia through an open, merit-
based, competitive process for participation in a five-week US-based Fellowship Program on disability-
inclusive civic engagement.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and use targeted methods and creative channels for outreach and recruitment (e.g., media
  engagements, social media, relevant events etc.).
• Coordinate with Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in the four countries.
• Coordinate dissemination of the call for application.
• Organize and facilitate virtual and in-person information sessions targeting in-country disability partner
  organizations and prospective program applicants and track attendance.
• Work to engage program alumni in the implementation of outreach and recruitment effort.
• Respond to applicants’ inquiries.

• Participate in the screening of applicants and selection of interview candidates.
• Handle logistical arrangements for the interviews, including communicating to semifinalists on their
  selection and scheduling interviews in conjunction with ICI the U.S. Embassies, and the interviewer
  panels.
• Co-facilitate the semifinalist interviews and provide input on the selection of finalists and alternates.
• Provide logistics support and reimbursement to semifinalists in preparation for interviews and to
  finalists/alternates in preparation for the US Fellowship.
• Assist with Fellow communication and preparation leading up to their US departure.
• Participate in project team meetings, as needed.
  

Job Requirements

• First degree in communications, journalism, public relations, business administration or other related field.
• 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.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a role similar to the one described in this advertisement, and ability to work under pressure, deliver and meet deadlines.
• Candidates with disabilities are very welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• Age 25-40
• 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 those based (willing to work) in South Africa, Niger or Kenya.

How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should submit their CV with a 1-page motivation letter
through jobs@adf-secretariat.org before December 25, 2023.

Persons with Disabilities and Women are highly encouraged to apply.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for exam/interview, no phone calls please.