Policy Analyst
A nonprofit focused on youth mental wellbeing
Remote, Johannesburg preferred
Closing Date:
Friday, 19 June 2026
Open
About the Organisation
This organisation is a South African non-profit dedicated to promoting youth mental wellbeing through creative expression, advocacy and community initiatives that create safe spaces for young people to thrive.
About the Job
The Policy Analyst / Researcher will provide the intellectual and analytical backbone for the organisation's advocacy, communications and stakeholder engagement work. Working across themes including climate justice, social justice, arts-based activism and mental wellbeing, the successful candidate will produce high-quality research, policy analysis, briefings and written content to support public engagement initiatives, media appearances, speeches and stakeholder engagements. This role requires someone who combines rigorous analytical thinking with the ability to communicate complex issues in clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
This is a remote, work-from-home position and candidates may be based anywhere in South Africa, although Johannesburg-based applicants will be preferred. The appointment is offered on a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and performance. Proficiency in any of the UN languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese or Arabic, would be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
Keep abreast of ongoing policy analysis and research across climate justice, social justice, fossil fuel industry developments, energy transition frameworks, international climate agreements, mental health, and artivism
Prepare briefing documents, position papers, and research summaries for Foundation staff engagements with governments, civil society, media, and international bodies
Write speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, and keynote addresses for panels, media interviews, and high-level advocacy meetings — in accessible language for both expert and popular audiences
Develop presentation decks and other visual communication materials as required
Support speaking engagements end-to-end: coordinate with event organisers on topic briefs, logistics, and post-event follow-up
Monitor the policy and media landscape relevant to climate justice (including the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative), the artivism,and mental health — flagging relevant developments in real time
Liaise with partner organisations, researchers, and academics to maintain an up-to-date knowledge base and support coalition positioning
Support the Foundation's digital reach by identifying how research and content can be amplified through social media and other channels
Requirements
Postgraduate degree in international relations, environmental policy, law, or a related field (equivalent demonstrated knowledge and experience will be considered)
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in policy analysis, research, or advocacy
Demonstrated experience in climate justice, artivism, mental health, or environmental policy
Track record of producing high-quality written content for both policy-oriented and popular/accessible audiences (e.g. speeches, op-eds, press releases)
Social media literacy and awareness of how research and advocacy content can be amplified digitally
Proficient in PowerPoint/presentation software
Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesise complex information quickly
Excellent written and verbal communication in English; proficiency in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, or other UN languages is an advantage
Comfortable working across multiple initiatives and shifting priorities, managing parallel workstreams to deadline
Discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive material
Ability to work independently within a remote, decentralised team
Genuine commitment to public service, climate justice, artivism, and mental health advocacy
To apply
To apply, email your application by Friday, 19th June to tracy@actionappointments.co.za
