VACANCY: Policy Officers

An exciting opportunity awaits you. The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) invites suitable applications to fill TWO positions of Policy Officer within the organisation.

Position Title	Policy Officer
Department	Policy
Reports To	Programme Manager & Executive Director

1. Job Purpose

The Policy Officer contributes to APA’s policy and advocacy work through the planning and implementation of policy-related activities; monitoring and analysis of national, regional and international initiatives, policies, legislation, platforms and processes affecting Indigenous Peoples in Guyana; research; preparation of briefs and recommendations; capacity building; development of information and resource materials; stakeholder engagement; and representation. The position provides technical leadership and support within its assigned areas of work and collaborates with APA staff, the Executive Committee, partners and technical peers.

2. Key Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Programme Coordination & Collaboration

• Contribute to the coordination and planning of policy and advocacy programmes and activities.
• Collaborate with other departments of the Association to support the smooth implementation of the policy and advocacy programme.

Policy Research, Analysis & Technical Support

• Monitor and track national initiatives, policies and legislation that have or may have implications for Indigenous Peoples in Guyana, and prepare briefs and recommendations for further action for the APA Executive Committee, policy and other staff.
• Conduct in-depth research on priority national initiatives, policies and legislation affecting or that may affect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana. Such rights may include, but are not limited to, rights to land, self-determination, free, prior and informed consent, a healthy and safe environment, the extractive sector and development issues. Make recommendations arising from such research to guide further action.
• Monitor regional and international platforms and processes for issues that may have implications for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana and for opportunities to contribute to relevant discussions, and prepare briefs and recommendations for further action for the APA Executive Committee, policy and other staff.
• Provide technical leadership and support to APA staff and the Executive Committee in drafting policy and related content on Indigenous Peoples.
• Collaborate with APA partners and technical peers to enhance the drafting of policies, briefs and other materials related to the work of APA.

Information Materials, Training & Capacity Building

• Prepare information materials for use in teaching and training activities with Indigenous communities and to provide ready and easy-to-read information.
• Engage in the development of resource materials and content for social media for APA’s awareness and advocacy work, in collaboration with the Communication and Visibility Coordinator.
• Coordinate Indigenous rights and advocacy capacity-building and other training activities with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders.
• Carry out community field visits to acquire data to inform the planning and content of activities.
• Conduct periodic in-house workshops or briefing sessions to update APA staff on relevant policy developments, indigenous rights issues, research findings and other matters within the Policy Officer’s area of work.

Information Management & Reporting

• Gather, organise and store data for easy retrieval on issues of concern to the Association and Indigenous communities.
• Prepare or contribute to the preparation of technical and financial reports for activities carried out individually or in collaboration with others.

Partnerships, Representation & Networking

• Take an active role in the establishment and maintenance of networks between the Association and other like-minded organisations and individuals.
• Represent the Association in meetings and other forums and engage with policymakers on issues under the Policy Officer’s purview.
• Carry out other duties within the scope of the job description to ensure the effective implementation and management of relevant activities.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Social Sciences or a related field, or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a related field would be an asset.
• Extensive experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Previous supervisory, leadership or team coordination experience would be an asset.

4. Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Working Requirements

• Knowledge of issues affecting Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of the geography of Indigenous communities.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and similar applications.
• Strong interpersonal, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide guidance and work collaboratively across departments, with partners and other stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Indigenous communities from time to time.