Come work with us in SAIH!

This programme advisor role is for someone who is resourceful and strategic, and who has a strong commitment to equitable higher education and decolonization perspectives. The responsibilities are primarily divided into two areas: partnership collaboration in Southern Africa and initiatives to secure long-term funding for SAIH’s solidarity work. This is a newly created position, with ample room for further developing the role.

SAIH is one of the few solidarity and aid organizations internationally with a clear focus on higher education and academic freedom. With us you get exciting challenges in a professional environment. Our partners include grassroots organizations, human rights networks, civil society organizations, higher education institutions, intercultural universities, and research institutes – all operating in complex and diverse contexts (currently South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Myanmar, Colombia, Bolivia, Nicaragua). Together, we work toward common goals in thematic areas such as academic freedom, protection of student activists and academics, rights for indigenous people, Afro-descendants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and fair access to higher education.

At SAIH, we strive to promote decolonization perspectives in everything we do. Therefore, you must feel comfortable working through a partnership model founded on reciprocity, dialogue, transfer of power, and local anchoring.

In this position you will be part of SAIH’s program department, consisting of nine people, and you will report to the department head. You will also collaborate closely with various smaller teams and the communication and advocacy department. Our work culture is rooted in values such as solidarity, inclusion, and participation.

Responsibilities:

• Partner follow-up and collaboration in Southern Africa (other regions/countries may also be relevant).
• Project support, including developing and quality-assuring plans, budgets, and financial reports.
• Results and learning work.
• Further development and integration of decolonization in partnership collaboration.
• Leading and contributing to concept notes and application processes for increased financial support.
• Building relationships with potential partners and donors.
• Additional tasks may also be added to the position.
• The role involves travel.

Qualifications:

• Relevant higher education.
• Strong contextual understanding and experience working in or with SAIH’s partner countries, especially Southern Africa.
• Good knowledge of higher education and aid work, as well as familiarity with other SAIH thematic areas.
• Practical work experience in managing development funds and projects with institutional and private donors.
• Experience in leading or contributing to funding application processes and building strong relationships with donors.
• Ability to communicate results and complex topics in an understandable and engaging (and preferably creative) manner.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; ideally also in Norwegian.  Spanish skills is also useful.
• Independent, proactive, and flexible approach.
• Good collaboration skills and ability to engage in cross-cultural dialogue.
• Can work effectively during busy periods.
• Reflections around decolonization are highly valued.

SAIH offers:

• A committed and socially engaged working environment in pleasant, newly refurbished premises at Grønland in the center of Oslo.
• Good opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Placement in the state's salary range 53-62 and a salary range up to salary 70. Tariff agreement.
• Flexible working hours, allowance for exercise and the possibility to exercise during working hours.
• Additional holidays during Christmas and Easter.
• Public service pension in KLP.
• SAIH is certified as a Great Place to Work.

If you have questions about the position, contact the Head of the Programmes Department, Kjersti Jahnsen Mowé on phone 46 81 41 77 or email: kjersti.mowe@saih.no

Application deadline: 15 August 2024.