About the Organisation
My Vote Counts (MVC) is a growing social justice NGO committed to a more participatory and accountable democracy. We focus on removing the influence of money in politics, political and electoral reform, and building people’s power. Our work spans research, advocacy, litigation, and supporting social movements.
About the Job
The Advocacy Lead is a senior role at the heart of MVC's campaign work. It carries significant strategic responsibility for how we further our campaigns, how we show up in public debate, and how our voice contributes to building and organising civil society.
We are looking for someone who leads with strategy. Someone who can read the political moment, identify where pressure can be applied and where power can be leveraged, and build the narrative architecture that makes a campaign land.
You'll translate rigorous research into persuasive public arguments, turn position papers into political pressure, and position MVC as a credible, critical voice in South Africa's democracy struggles.
Key Responsibilities
Advocacy & stakeholder Communications
Lead and implement MVC’s existing brand strategy.
Lead communications strategy across MVC's advocacy campaigns and research — from framing to public execution.
Turn position papers into messaging pillars and the foundation of campaigns.
Anticipate and read political moments relevant to the work and craft strategic responses that move the debate.
Produce campaign materials: press statements, videos, social media plans, popular education tools, and more.
Help build and sustain coalitions and alliances — bringing together civil society organisations, social movements, and other stakeholders around shared goals relevant to MVC campaigns.
Thought Leadership & Public Positioning
Position MVC as a thought leader in South African democracy, political reform, money in politics and public accountability debates.
Drive the public life of MVC's research and position papers — translating them into op-eds, public arguments, media interventions, and campaign narratives.
Identify opportunities to intervene in public debate and shape MVC's voice in those moments.
Produce and maintain a regular newsletter that goes beyond updates — one that analyses political developments, advances MVC's positions, and actively shapes how readers understand and engage with democracy issues.
Media & Public Influence
Build relationships with journalists, editors and producers.
Secure coverage that applies public pressure and advances campaign goals and shape media interventions that apply public pressure at the right moment.
Ensure campaigns are accompanied with media releases, briefing documents, explainers and other materials that give journalists what they need to engage, analyse, and report accurately.
Prepare MVC spokespeople, craft talking points, and develop media lines that are sharp, principled, and uncompromising.
Popular Education & Public Communication
Translate complex political and governance issues into accessible, resonant content.
Develop popular education workshop materials, explainers, videos and infographics that deepen public understanding and support organizing and coalition building.
Experiment with formats that go beyond traditional NGO communications.
Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in advocacy communications or political campaigning.
Relevant degree or equivalent experience in media, communications or a related field.
Demonstrable strategic ability — the capacity to analyse a political landscape, identify leverage points, and build a communications approach that moves people and shifts debate.
Strong political instincts and an ability to read the moment.
Demonstrated experience building or coordinating coalitions, alliances, or civil society networks.
Excellent writing and storytelling across formats.
Ability to translate complex research and policy positions into clear, powerful public arguments.
Comfort with experimentation, non-traditional formats, and pushing boundaries.
A commitment to justice, democracy, and building people's power.
To apply
To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter, updated CV and two samples of communication work (written, visual, or multimedia) [all in MS Word format]) by Friday, 29th May 2026 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
