Policy and Advocacy Advisor

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Rukungiri, Jinja and Lira. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org

Project information

SNV is currently implementing a 5-year (2024-2029) livestock project, INCLUDE (Inclusive Livestock Development for Smallholder Farmers). The project aims to improve resilient livelihoods for smallholder livestock farmers in Busoga, Rwenzori, Greater Ankole and Kigezi regions. The project targets 75,000 smallholder farmers in these four subregions. The project will adopt a farming systems approach integrating livestock and crops, having livestock (dairy cattle, piggery, sheep, and goats and poultry) as an intervention entry point.

To address this, the project applies the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach, an innovative method for transforming small-scale subsistence farm households into more productive and sustainable farms. At its core, the PIP approach motivates farmers to change their mindsets and improve their livelihoods through conscious, collective action.

Job Purpose

The Livestock Policy and Advocacy Advisor is responsible for policy and advocacy aspects in support of the overall project strategy, being the support to the formulation of a national livestock policy, smallholder farmer advocacy, relevant activities within the district ecosystem for livestock production, marketing and sales, related capacity-building activities with project implementation partners. The Advisor reports to the Project Manager and is member of the Project Management Team. The role also supports influencing and communication to support the policy and advocacy aspects as well as monitoring and evaluation and the building of the capacity of partners, farmer associations, women- and youth organisations in the same. In addition, the Advisor contributes to project planning, coordination, reporting and quality assurance in processes and deliverables in line with SNV/donor requirements.

Responsibilities

Networking and Partnership Development

• Participate in relevant conferences/events and communicate project results and best practices to a broader audience and stakeholders.
• Support multistakeholder innovation platforms in information sharing, learning and joint action for livestock development.
• Support district farmer associations in building working relationship with private sector, government, and relevant service providers.
• Build and maintain relationships with project stakeholders at national and district level, including ministries, local government authorities, private sector, and partners.

Operational Support

• Prepare cost benefit assessment on macro- level on policies recommended.
• Provide operational support to project activities, including financial management, work-planning, and budgeting.
• Support preparations of periodic reports as per SNV/donor requirements.
• Manage and supervise of consultants and local service providers engaged in policy and advocacy activities.
• Communicate and correspond with project partners and relevant stakeholder on policy and advocacy matters.

Knowledge Development

• Provide support in policy and influencing, knowledge development, case studies, testimonials and documentation of the evidence and results from the project interventions.
• Support in the SHF voicing.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science or International development with post graduate qualifications in Policy planning and Analysis, Advocacy, Project Planning and Management or Research.
• At least 10 years relevant experience and a thorough understanding of the livestock value chain as well linkages to current development projects/agriculture programmes in Uganda.
• Demonstrated experience in technical assistance, communications, publishing, networking, alliance building and facilitation of multi-stakeholder processes, packaging information, organizational learning, project design/proposal formulation and access to finance.
• Knowledge and skills in communication, planning, M&E, working with media tools, use of media, infographics, social media etc. 
• Leadership, coaching, mentoring, back-stopping, and self-reflection skills.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, business oriented.
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills (in English).
• Good analytical skills combined with a practical and pragmatic approach oriented towards lasting results.

Additional requirements: 

• Conceptual thinking: Having and gaining insight into situations, problems, and processes. Deconstructing problems and systematically investigating the various components. Having a complete picture of the context and overview of the whole problem.
• Coaching: Encouraging and guiding employees to make their performance more effective and to Enhance their self-perception and problem-solving skills. 
• Focus on quality: Setting high-quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance. 
• Result orientation: The ability to take direct action to attain or exceed objectives.
• Persuasiveness: The ambition to win over other people for one’s views and ideas and to generate support.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and motivation letter in English on Smart Recruiters. Deadline is Tuesday 22nd September 2026.

Working at SNV

We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an international global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org.

NB: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.