The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) is seeking a qualified and motivated Advocacy and Research Officer to support its advocacy, research, policy engagement and knowledge-production activities across the Greater Horn of Africa.
The position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to regional work focused on women’s rights, gender justice and human rights. The role is primarily virtual, while requiring regional and international travel as part of relevant advocacy, research and engagement activities.
Applications for the position are currently open, with the deadline set for 15 September 2026.
The Advocacy and Research Officer will contribute to SIHA’s efforts to generate evidence, influence policy discussions and strengthen advocacy around issues affecting women and marginalized communities across the Greater Horn of Africa.
The successful candidate will work within a regional and international environment where research and advocacy are closely connected. The position is expected to support the development of evidence-based analysis that can inform campaigns, policy engagement, publications and broader conversations around gender justice and human rights.
The role may be particularly suitable for professionals with experience in research, advocacy, public policy, human rights, gender studies, communications, development or related fields.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Advocacy and Research Officer will support several important areas of SIHA’s work.
Research and Analysis
A major component of the position will involve contributing to research and analytical work on issues affecting women and communities across the Greater Horn of Africa.
This may include supporting research processes, reviewing evidence, analysing relevant developments and contributing to reports and other knowledge products.
Strong research and analytical skills will therefore be important for candidates seeking to succeed in the position.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
The role will also contribute to SIHA’s advocacy initiatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The successful candidate may support efforts to communicate research findings, participate in policy discussions and contribute to advocacy strategies designed to advance women’s rights and gender justice.
The position provides an opportunity to connect research with practical advocacy and policy engagement, helping ensure that evidence contributes to meaningful conversations and potential policy change.
Knowledge Production
Knowledge production is another important element of the position.
The Advocacy and Research Officer will contribute to producing materials that document evidence, insights and perspectives relating to women’s rights, gender justice and human rights.
Such work can help strengthen public understanding of regional challenges while providing useful evidence for advocates, policymakers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at professionals interested in advancing women’s rights, gender equality, feminist advocacy and human rights in the Greater Horn of Africa and beyond.
Candidates with relevant experience in areas such as:
- Advocacy and policy engagement
- Research and analysis
- Gender justice
- Women’s rights
- Human rights
- Development policy
- Knowledge production
- Civil society and social justice
may find the position particularly relevant.
Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy information to confirm the complete qualifications, experience requirements and application instructions before submitting their applications.
SIHA is an equal opportunity and feminist employer, and the organization encourages qualified candidates to consider applying.
Location and Travel Requirements
The position is listed as Virtual, making it suitable for professionals seeking a regional role that does not require permanent relocation to a physical office.
However, the position also involves regional and international travel. Candidates should therefore be prepared to participate in relevant meetings, advocacy activities, research engagements, events or other assignments that may require travel.
The combination of virtual work and regional engagement provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to work across geographical boundaries while contributing to SIHA’s broader regional agenda.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Women’s rights and gender justice remain important areas of advocacy across the Greater Horn of Africa, where women and girls continue to face a range of social, economic, political and human rights challenges.
Research and evidence can play an important role in identifying these challenges, documenting experiences and strengthening advocacy for change.
By bringing together research, analysis, advocacy and policy engagement, the Advocacy and Research Officer role provides an opportunity for a professional to contribute directly to regional efforts aimed at advancing gender justice and human rights.
The position may also provide valuable professional exposure to regional networks, civil society actors, policymakers, researchers and international stakeholders working on related issues.
Job Opportunity at a Glance
- Position: Advocacy and Research Officer
- Organization: Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network)
- Focus areas: Advocacy, research, women’s rights, gender justice and human rights
- Location: Virtual
- Travel: Regional and international travel
- Employer type: Feminist, equal opportunity employer
- Application status: Open
- Deadline: 15 September 2026
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should review the official vacancy announcement and submit their application through the designated application platform.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials carefully and ensure that their experience and skills clearly demonstrate their suitability for advocacy, research and policy-related responsibilities.
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/evzJmHXy
Candidates should submit their applications before the 15 September 2026 deadline and should refer to the official vacancy information for any additional requirements.
Final Thoughts
The SIHA Advocacy and Research Officer opportunity offers an important regional career opportunity for professionals passionate about women’s rights, gender justice, human rights, research and advocacy.
With a virtual working arrangement and regional and international travel, the position provides an opportunity to contribute to SIHA’s work across the Greater Horn of Africa while engaging with important policy and advocacy issues.
Qualified professionals who meet the requirements are encouraged to review the official vacancy and apply before 15 September 2026.
