The Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria represents and promotes Swedish political and economic interests in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, and Botswana, and implements the Swedish Regional Strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Africa. The Embassy´s core functions include advancing trade and business relations, managing development cooperation, and providing consular services. The Embassy comprises of approximately 30 employees.
The Embassy welcomes applications for the position as Program Officer within the development cooperation section, with a thematic focus on SRHR in Africa. The position contributes directly to the implementation of Sweden´s Regional SRHR strategy in Africa 2022-2026, promoting human rights, democracy, gender equality, and equitable access to health and SRHR.
The development cooperation section operates with both a thematic and regional scope, engaging closely with implementing partners across the continent, other Swedish Embassies in Africa, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
We seek a candidate who demonstrates collaborative abilities and build and maintain constructive professional working relationships. The successful candidates will be expected to work independently, take initiative, and drive processes forward. Excellent communication skills, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset are essential. The position entails regular travel within the region.
Sweden uses the Guttmacher Lancet definition of SRHR, covering a broad spectrum of rights and services, including comprehensive sexuality education, safe abortion and engagement with marginalised groups such as LGBTQI persons. Applicants must be fully comfortable working within this broad and rights-based framework.
Roles and Responsibilities:
·Manage and follow-up of development cooperation contributions
·Engage in policy dialogue at sector and contribution levels, promoting commitments grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and regional African human rights frameworks
·Provide technical input and guidance on SRHR within development cooperation, fostering learning internally and externally
·Contribute to portfolio analysis, operational planning, implementation, follow-up, and reporting under the Regional SRHR strategy
Requirements:
·Master´s degree in a relevant field
·Minimum of three years of professional experience with an embassy or international organization
·Minimum of three years of experience working with SRHR, human rights, gender equality, health
·Experience in conducting policy dialogue
·Excellent command of English
·Strong administrative skills
In addition, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
a) Very good knowledge of French, or
b) Experience in communication and social media
Merits:
- Experience working in the region
- Knowledge of additional languages such as Swedish, Portuguese or other
Personal Qualifications:
- Ability and willingness to adopt innovative ways of working, while upholding the standards, ethics, and responsibilities of the Swedish civil service
- Capability to achieve and report on agreed results and to proactively seek support where necessary
- Leadership qualities enabling constructive influence and knowledge dissemination among colleagues
- Commit to sharing information and expertise within the team
- Ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively under pressure
Application Details:
· Applicants must be South African citizens or hold Permanent Residence or valid work permit
· A clean criminal record is required
·Security clearance by Swedish authorities will be conducted, based on a South African police clearance
· Successful candidates will embody Embassy core values of equality, tolerance, and openness
Employment Details:
· Application deadline 29th of March, 2026
·Starting date: As soon as possible
· Application submission: send a motivational letter (max one page) and CV to ambassaden.pretoria-bistand@gov.se
For any questions related to the position please send an e-mail to Ambassaden.pretoria-bistand@gov.se
