Are you driven to shape policy and influence decision-making to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis? Do you have the skills to connect evidence with advocacy, building coalitions that amplify youth voices on national and provincial platforms? Youth Capital is looking for astrategic doer who can turn research into action, mobilise partners, and push for systemic change that ensures young people have a fair shot at meaningful work.
Advocacy & Research
Based on Youth Capital’s key advocacy areas, design and implement advocacy strategies to influence policy and decision-making processes at national and provincial levels.
Track policy developments and identify opportunities and windows to engage with government, parliament, and key stakeholders.
Develop position papers, submissions, policy and research briefs on youth unemployment
Collaborate with researchers to ensure advocacy strategies are grounded in evidence.
Simplify and package data (e.g., Stats SA labour market indicators) into advocacy messaging.
Monitor and evaluate advocacy impact to inform future strategies.
Mobilisation Development
Lead the development of mobilisation strategy, in collaboration with the Community Mobiliser
Drive the Youth Manifesto to become the base of Youth Capital’s grassroot facilitation and advocacy
In collaboration with the Communications Lead and the Community Mobiliser, support development of accessible communication materials that translate complex research into clear, actionable messages.
Coalition Building
Participate in relevant coalitions, strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations, youth movements, think tanks, and grassroots groups.
Make written and oral submissions to relevant committees
Facilitate collaboration and alignment across partners to create a unified advocacy agenda.
Media & Public Engagement
Engage with journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to elevate the advocacy agenda.
4 – 6 years of experiencein advocacy, policy engagement and research (experience in youth, social protection, or employment sectors an advantage).
Experience in coalition-building and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to navigate multilateral spaces.
Media engagement and/or public speaking experience.
Track record of managing a small team
Experience working with young people and communities in participatory ways.
Excellent writing and communication skills - able to translate research into accessible messages.
Quantitative research skills
Creative thinker with experience in designing impactful campaigns and narrative change initiatives.
Understanding of South Africa’s socio-economic and political landscape (or broader Global South context).
Commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and amplifying young people’s voices.
Ability to balance detail-oriented policy work with bold, creative advocacy.
Applicants who wish to apply for the post must submit their letter of motivation and CV by no later than 21 September 2025, using the link below.
