About Free the Slaves

Founded in 2000, Free the Slaves (FTS) is a pioneer and leader in the global effort to eradicate modern slavery. Our mission is to end the conditions that allow modern slavery to exist. Free the Slaves works at the grassroots level to empower vulnerable individuals and communities to achieve freedom from slavery and develop resistance to slavery. We work with and through local partners to build the capacity to combat slavery and trafficking. We advocate for policies and laws that help in the fight against slavery. We are committed to rigorous assessment of our work and scrupulous integrity in the use of donor funds. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with regional programs and offices in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and Asia. Free the Slaves has a diverse and expert staff and a highly engaged and supportive board of directors. Free the Slaves runs the Freedom from Slavery Forum and it is a member of the Global Coordinating Group (GCG) of the Alliance 8.7 where it is one of the three organizations representing Civil Society. For more information, see www.freetheslaves.net.

Position Overview

The National Engagement and Outreach Officer leads FTS efforts on engaging key actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) including embassies, governments, UN agencies, survivor networks, NGOs and coalitions, government agencies that focus on forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labor. The Engagement and Outreach Officer will manage work with key institutions and stakeholders in the DRC including the government and its specific agencies, regional institutions based in the DRC, United Nations agencies, financial institutions, Civil Society Organizations, coalitions and networks, foundations and other entities working or established in the DRC. The Engagement and Outreach Officer leads the design, strategies and implementation of the FTS engagement in the DRC and works closely with key allies, the DRC coordinator, the senior regional manager, the programs teams, as well as the East and Central Africa regional team. The Engagement and Outreach Officer represents FTS at meetings and other advocacy initiatives. The Engagement and Outreach Officer reports to the Senior Regional Manager for East and Central Africa and supervises other staff as needed. The Engagement and Outreach Officer coordinates closely with the DRC Country Coordinator, the Head of Development, the Head of Programs, other FTS staff on fundraising, program design, planning, and budgeting. The Engagement and Outreach Officer closely monitors national affairs and identifies opportunities for FTS to lead advocacy with allies and stakeholders in the DRC.

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Principal Responsibilities

• Represent Free the Slaves at relevant policy and advocacy meetings and conferences and serve in leadership positions at those meetings and conferences. This includes identifying interested audiences, presenting information about FTS, and increasing awareness of the objectives of Free the Slaves and the work of the organization.
• Engage relevant stakeholders including Kinshasa-based embassies, national government and its agencies, United Nations agencies, CSOs and Coalitions, survivor networks, regional and global institutions based in the DRC, etc.
• Design and implement FTS engagement and outreach strategy through the use of credible information to determine engagement and outreach priorities for Free the Slaves.
• Design and implement a national advocacy strategy and work with key partners and allies to implement the strategy
• Lead the fundraising effort at the national level and secure needed resources to advance FTS objectives in the DRC.
• Manage the Kinshasa office and its budget in accordance with FTS policies and procedures
• Demonstrate leadership in shaping and leading the organization’s national advocacy agenda, and ensure buy-in from allies, partners, and stakeholders.
• Build the capacity of national allies and key actors
• Support the DRC government implements its pathfinder country roadmap and provide guidance in line with the Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country Accountability Framework.
• Mobilize key allies and partners to achieve tangible outcomes on achieving Sustainable Development Goal’s target 8.7.
• Raise awareness as part of the FTS national strategy to increase the visibility of modern slavery issues by working with partners, allies, and key stakeholders to achieve specific goals and objectives.
• Create partnerships and alliances with key actors in development, finance, education, communication and policy.
• Develop and oversee FTS outreach strategy in the DRC and strengthen FTS partnership portfolio in the country.
• In the role of influencer, create and lead an advocacy agenda related to the eradication of modern slavery in the DRC.
• Work with the national Coordinator to create and strengthen anti-modern slavery coalitions or networks including survivor networks.
• Act as the organizational point of contact in Kinshasa or lead for the organization in education campaigns with a focus on policy and advocacy as determined by the Executive Director.
• In consultation with the Head of Communications and the country coordinator, draft and disseminate digital advocacy messaging through social media and online outlets.
• Attend organizational meetings, workshops, and other engagements as required.
• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Supervisor.
• Supervise and orient designated staff as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Person’s qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, international affairs, management, economics, social sciences, or related field
• 5+ years of proven experience working with and leading on policy and advocacy.
• 5+ years of proven experience working in the NGOs, UN agencies, Regional Institutions, and multi-lateral sectors
• Progressively increasing responsibility as field liaison
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the NGO culture, the DRC field knowledge
• Demonstrated experience and skills in policy and/or advocacy at national, regional, and global levels.
• Demonstrate experience, knowledge and skills in diplomacy
• Demonstrated experience and skills in management (financial, administrative, human and logistical)
• The ability to lead and engage in global coalitions and networks, government affairs, and initiatives aimed at creating a sense of need for impact around modern slavery conditions and to advocate for systemic and social change.
• Superb written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in events and conference organization including logistics preparedness, event planning, etc.
• Experience in fundraising including proposal writing, donor relationships, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Keen and detail-oriented
• Minimum 3 years experience in engaging with government and/or other bilateral institutions
• Demonstrated experience in managing and working with a wide range of national partners, allies, and stakeholders
• A current understanding of human rights and the movement against human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the DRC.
• Demonstrated experience in new technologies including social media.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, work under tight deadlines, and deliver on projects and within budgets.
• Experience leading and working with staff in an innovative environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and consistently with a variety of technical and non-technical audiences including staff, stakeholders, donors, and board members both orally and in writing.
• High level of French both in writing and speaking is key

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of national and regional affairs related to anti-modern slavery
• Acceptable level English language is required; at least two national languages including Swahili and Lingala, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with new technologies as a tool for training and mobilization is an asset.
• A strong field experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the United Nations, European Union, and African Union systems is a great advantage.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is commensurate with the person’s experience.

Benefits include national paid holidays and other benefits as required by the national policies, 5 personal leave days and 15 days of paid vacation annually.

Work Location: Kinshasa, DRC

This position is based in Kinshasa, DRC with no option for remote working. The candidate must be located in the Kinshasa area and be able to commute to the office in Kinshasa and attend important meetings in Kinshasa and elsewhere as needed.

How to apply

How to Apply

Please submit your application to careers@freetheslaves.net

with the subject line: DRCEngagementOfficer:Lastname_Firstname.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter that outlines how your interest, skills, and experience meet the qualifications for the position.
• A resume
• Three references with contact information and relationship to the applicant

Application deadline August 30, 2023.

Free the Slaves is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against. Survivors of forced labor, human trafficking, modern slavery and child labor are highly encouraged to apply.