PBI-USA seeks to hire a part-time advocacy coordinator to work closely with the PBI USA Executive Director, and global PBI staff and volunteers, to help develop and implement PBI’s advocacy strategy in the U.S., in support of the human rights defenders (HRDs) for whom we provide protection. The position will focus primarily on Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with limited support provided also to Colombia, Kenya, Nepal, and Indonesia.
To apply for the position, please send a resume with cover letter, a writing sample of any length, as well as contact information for three references to Amelia Parker, PBI USA Executive Director at amelia(at)pbiusa.org with the subject line “Advocacy Coordinator Application.”
Applications will only be accepted through email and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Supervisor: Executive Director, PBI USA
Responsibilities:
· Advocacy: Represent PBI in private and public meetings, seminars and conferences when required, in the USA and abroad. Carry out advocacy work with a wide range of stakeholders prioritizing members of Congress, the State Department, the White House and other government officials, members of the U.S.-based domestic and international legal communities, including the UN and IACHR. When workload permits, the position may also engage academics, church groups, think-tanks, funders, the media, and/or the business community as appropriate.
· Design and implementation of advocacy strategy: maintain current knowledge and analysis of national and international policy developments, and of latest developments regarding the situation of (W)HRDs. Work jointly with PBI projects to create and implement SMART thematic advocacy strategy, incorporating social media and other online tools when workload permits, and carry out regular review, monitoring, and evaluation.
· Management, organization, and coordination: of (W)HRD speaking tours, strategic events and workshops. Supervision of office volunteers assisting with these tasks.
· Analysis and production of advocacy materials: Read, monitor, filter and manage incoming information and news on PBI's international field projects (in English and Spanish). Maintain an up-to-date analysis of the situation of human rights defenders and human rights abuses in Latin American field project countries, including thematic developments. Liaise with PBI constituencies regarding advocacy developments in the USA including producing succinct verbal and written summaries and reports. Support other PBI staff in publishing and disseminating advocacy and policy briefs concomitant with strategic aims including via online campaigns.
· Support Network management: Urgent Activations including letter writing and setting up emergency meetings. Assist in drafting texts and coordinating responses for PBI's advocacy work. Develop and maintain a database of key contacts and stakeholders. Organize and attend meetings with members of the Support Network. Respond to activations and other urgent actions when required.
· Networking: Support PBI's participation in other networks working on policy with regard to the field project countries. Maintain constructive and positive relationship with key stakeholders. Attend events to network and develop knowledge.
· Coordination with other PBI entities: Maintain regular contact with PBI projects including monthly check-in calls and occasional visits to PBI field projects. Respond to emergency alerts and strategic requests where possible. Represent PBI USA in the International Advocacy Working Group, attend annual face-to-face meetings and monthly calls, participate in developing and implementing strategy and collaborative initiatives. Occasional representation at PBI International Committee meetings located outside of the U.S.
· Liaison with PBI staff and volunteers: participation in frequent one-to-one meetings with Executive Director (and other staff as they are hired) to provide input and support on budgeting, funding proposals, media outreach, and event and speaking tour organization. Meet with outgoing volunteers and assist the Executive Director with pre- and post-deployment advocacy activities.
· Administration: Be familiar with and adhere to PBI USA’s Financial and Personnel policies and other guidance for staff.
· Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights: jointly with the Executive Director liaise and network with US lawyers to expand and develop the committee. Liaise with (W)HRDs in the field to coordinate legal support with lawyers in the US including amicus briefs, legal interventions, and field delegations. Design legal support projects in consultation and coordination with US lawyers. Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant issues in international human rights and humanitarian law.
Requirements:
· Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish
· Knowledge and understanding of the regional and international policy landscape related to human rights defenders
· Experience working with or lobbying the US Government, United Nations bodies and other key decision-makers
· Rigorous analytical skills and proven ability to write policy papers, briefings and articles.
· Proven ability to work collaboratively with NGOs, particularly as a part of an urgent action network and / or a civil society coalition
· Experience of designing and implementing advocacy strategies, including producing advocacy materials
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
· Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office, Access and Excel as well as familiarity with Mac operating systems
· Ability to multitask effectively and manage a complex workload
· Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
· Ability to easily learn new systems and programs
· Experience with public speaking
· Experience and ability to work in close collaboration with team members and remote field offices across time zones and in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
· Strong commitment to the principles of human rights
· Understanding of and commitment to PBI’s core principles including non-violence, non-interference, and non-partisanship
· Experience and/or willingness to work within a non-hierarchical structure using consensus decision making processes
· Impeccable attention to detail
· Flexibility and willingness to travel
Desirable
· Experience with managing volunteers
· Experience organizing public events and participatory workshops
· Experience working with the media (including writing and broadcast interviews)
· Experience running online campaigns
· Experience with growing and cultivating social media audiences
· First-hand field experience with PBI’s work
Title: Advocacy Coordinator
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline: Applications accepted until position filled
Salary and Benefits: $25,000/year plus full health care coverage
Contract: 12-month, 20 hour/week with potential to develop into a full time position if funding secured
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. PBI-USA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, age, sex, sexual orientation, ability/disability, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law. PBI-USA affirms that diversity in these areas is critical to the maintenance of a healthy organization. PBI-USA works to maintain and improve the caliber of staff through employment of the best qualified applicants without discrimination.