Peace Brigades International seeks volunteer committee members for its Project supporting capacity-strengthening, advocacy and networking of Women/Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) and marginalized groups in Nepal
Introduction
Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international non-governmental organization that protects human rights and promotes transformation of non-violent conflict. In response to the needs of human rights defenders and activists, PBI provides holistic protection and other support on the ground through trained field staff and a broad network of international support. Integral to PBI’s protection strategy are political support networks set up and activated by 13 country groups in the Americas, Europe, and Australia, who are also responsible for recruitment, outreach, publicity, and fundraising.
PBI in Nepal originally developed an innovative tool, Nepal Monitor, to crowdsource and map human rights violations. It fully handed over this tool to a partner organisation in 2021. Evolving from this monitoring work, PBI in Nepal developed a project engaging with (marginalized) W/HRDs working on issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Province 2 through peer learning groups on the province and district levels. The objective of the peer learning network is to encourage mutual learning and support structures, strengthen capacities on topics like security, mental health, networking, advocacy and provide tailor-made protection support to those W/HRDs that might face risks due to their human rights work.
The proposed follow-up project in Nepal aims to build on the successes of a previous initiative by strengthening the capacities of marginalized groups and W/HRDs through peer-learning networks and holistic security management. By expanding these networks across different regions and identity groups, the project seeks to enhance the participation of these groups in decision-making processes and leadership roles. Additionally, it focuses on empowering HRDs to effectively advocate for human rights and engage with key civil society and government actors, contributing to conflict transformation and holding the government accountable for protecting fundamental rights.
Additionally, PBI has recently finalized its registration as an INGO in Nepal and is thus currently in an important phase of organizational development, including staff recruitment and internal policy development.
PBI Nepal and its project are supported by a Project Committee for which we seek new volunteer committee members. The committee and the PBI Germany Country Group Office have delegated responsibility for legal issues, finances, personnel, and strategy.
Responsibilities of the Project Committee
Specific responsibilities for the Project Committee include overseeing the development and implementation of project and organizational strategies, ensuring the financial viability of PBI Nepal, providing oversight, direction, and support to staff, and monitoring and evaluation of project performance.
The project is managed day-to-day by PBI Nepal staff and its partner organizations.
Requirements for Project Committee members
Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:
We are particularly seeking to recruit Committee members with expertise/competencies in women’s human rights issues, fundraising for international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs), understanding of the Nepali context, and peer learning tools and techniques. However, all committee members should demonstrate the following:
- Political awareness and familiarity with global issues relating to peace and human rights
- Commitment to and understanding of the principles, mandate, and methods of PBI
- Skills and experience in the governance and management of (I)NGOs
- A sound understanding of strategic planning
- An Ability to commit ideally two hours a week to the work of the Project Committee and to participate in regular project committee calls scheduled on the first Sunday of each month at 16.00 CET/15.00 UTC/20:45 Kathmandu time (please check that your time zone will allow you to participate).
- Ability to serve on the Project Committee for at least 18 months
- Capability of using encryption tools (GPG) or willingness to learn these
- Professional working proficiency in English, the working language of PBI Nepal
Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience
While it is not required to possess all of the desired skills, knowledge, and experience, PC applicants should have knowledge or expertise in at least some of the areas below:
- Experience with the implementation and/or support of projects in the sphere of human rights, conflict transformation, and/or development work
- Experience supporting or working in projects or supporting activists in contexts of shrinking civic space
- Knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Nepal, especially pertaining to areas impacting women and minorities, such as gender-based violence (GBV)
- Experience in grant searching/writing and fundraising for INGOs, preferably in Nepal
- Knowledge of peer-learning methodology, tools, and techniques
- Experience in consensus decision-making
- Availability for a yearly 5-6 day face-to-face Project Committee meeting in early spring in Nepal (expenses/travel covered by PBI Nepal) is highly desirable.
Benefits
What you will get out of being a member of the Nepal Project Committee:
- Skills and experience in the governance and management of an international human rights organization
- An opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of an innovative protection initiative, thereby contributing to the support and protection of human rights defenders
- The experience of working with a highly committed group of people dedicated to putting into practice the protection of human rights and promotion of nonviolence
Expenses
All reasonable communication, travel, and other costs incurred while carrying out project committee work will be covered by PBI.
Applications
Please send your CV or Resume and a brief personal statement (see below) to pbi_Nepal_PC_call@protonmail.com by 6th October 2024 Applicants who do not provide this information will not be considered. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Hannah Delahunty: at hannah.j.delahunty@gmail.com.
Personal Statement
Please explain how you meet the key essential and desirable criteria listed, providing clear examples that demonstrate how you would contribute to the tasks of the project committee. You should write no more than 750 words in total.