International Advocacy Program Coordinator

CIHRS (www.cihrs.org) is an independent regional non-governmental organization founded in 1993 and based in Cairo. It aims at promoting respect for the principles of human rights and democracy. The International Advocacy Program (IAP) of CIHRS is a regional advocacy and capacity building program aiming to support engagement by national-level NGOs in the Arab region at the international and regional human rights mechanisms.

Language requirements: English and Arabic. French is an asset.
Location: Middle East
Skills and experience:

• A minimum of 4 years experience working in the field of human rights or civil society organizations; preference will be to candidates with managerial experience
• A university degree in law or relevant social science field (e.g. Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, etc.). Masters Degree preferable; an academic background in human rights is an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills and a strong understanding of the sociopolitical context in the Arab region is expected
• Demonstrated commitment to universal human rights;
• Willingness and ability to travel, work extra hours (sometimes during weekends), work well under pressure and adapt to emerging issues and changing priorities; a team-player but also capable of working well independently.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Tasks and responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership for the project by working closely with, coordinating and assisting the work of the IAP staff and consultants, as well as interns for the program and representing the IAP and Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies in internal and external meetings
• Planning, coordinating and implementing advocacy and lobbying campaigns on national, regional and international level as well as engaging with regional and international human rights mechanisms, including at the United Nations, African Union and League of Arab States
• Planning and coordinating capacity building training workshops on International Human Rights Mechanisms and field trainings. As well as developing the educational materials and publications. Act as a trainer when needed
• Producing and/or supervising the production of country/thematic reports and studies, background papers, policy briefs, press releases, op-eds, submissions to regional and international bodies and other written material to support the CIHRS’ advocacy goals
• Maintaining and enhance relationship with national, regional and international partner organizations as well as the program’s advisory board members
• Representing CIHRS in key national, regional and international conferences and sessions as needed
• Keeping abreast of developments at the international human rights mechanisms and the main patterns and trends negatively and/or positively affecting the human rights situation in the Arab region and outline, together with the IAP staff members and the research unit, the organization's response to these developments and policies
• In cooperation with the Director of the Geneva Office of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, supervising the project activities and the evaluation process of the Program and ensuring that the donor reporting obligations of the program are quantitatively and qualitatively satisfied in a timely manner 

All applicants must submit:

• Updated CV or resume (including details of language skills and two references)
• Cover letter, containing two references (indicating which position is being applied for in the subject line).

Please submit applications by 5 May 2012 to Laila Matar: recruitment.cihrs@gmail.com