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

Program Officer for Legal Empowerment at Open Society

POSITION AVAILABLE

PROGRAM OFFICER, LEGAL EMPOWERMENT

OPEN SOCIETY JUSTICE INITIATIVE

OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE, BUDAPEST

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

BACKGROUND

The Open Society Justice Initiative uses law to protect and empower people around the world. Through litigation, advocacy, research, and technical assistance, the Justice Initiative promotes human rights and builds legal capacity for open societies. We foster accountability for international crimes, combat racial discrimination and statelessness, support criminal justice reform, address abuses related to national security and counterterrorism, expand freedom of information and expression, and stem corruption linked to the exploitation of natural resources. Our staff are based in Abuja, Amsterdam, Bishkek, Brussels, Budapest, Freetown, The Hague, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Phnom Penh, Santo Domingo and Washington, D.C.

The UN Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor estimated that 4 billion people live outside the protection of the law. The World Bank Development Report 2011 emphasized the link between conflict and insecurity and achievement of the Millennium Development goals, underscoring the need to build confidence between states and citizens, by developing effective institutions and empowering citizens to hold governments to account. The emerging field of legal empowerment has pioneered practical methods for meeting these related challenges. Legal empowerment interventions foster more empowered communities and more responsive governments. The vision of the Justice Initiative’s Legal Empowerment work is to create an independent global civil society-based movement to promote legal empowerment worldwide in a sustainable form that builds upon existing structures and increases interconnectedness, knowledge sharing and access to resources.

Towards this, the Justice Initiative is collaborating with other agencies to establish an independent organization, Namati, that coordinates, informs and strengthens legal empowerment programming worldwide; a Global Network, hosted on the Namati website, bringing together legal empowerment practitioners to provide a platform for sharing research findings, training materials and case management systems; and support to innovative country-level projects that develop model approaches to legal empowerment programming across a range of thematic issues and socio-political contexts. A small grantmaking facility will be established to complement this approach, enabling strengthening of, and more critical and substantive engagement with, the global network, and providing the opportunity to address the many research questions currently being asked of the legal empowerment movement.

Based in Budapest, and working under the supervision of the Legal Empowerment Project Manager, the Program Officer of the global legal empowerment initiative will primarily assist in supporting the program’s grantmaking facility so as to strengthen a wide range of grassroots organizations in developing effective, high quality, sustainable services, and filling any research gaps in the global legal empowerment agenda.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking

• Assist in identifying potential partners and projects to advance the global legal empowerment agenda and research needs;
• Solicit, help develop, review and evaluate proposals; organize proposal reviews by other internal and external reviewers; correspond with potential grantees; prepare and review grant documentation and dockets;
• Supervise and monitor grants (maintain regular communication with counterparts, provide feedback, conduct site visits, review reports, budgets and financial reports, website and publications) and evaluate progress;

• Maintain ongoing, active relationships with grantees and oversee the implementation of funded grants;
• Document and provide ongoing assessment and evaluation of Justice Initiative’s legal empowerment grant portfolio.

Capacity Building

• Work with the Project Manager and grantees to identify capacity building needs, plan and coordinate technical assistance to support grantee technical capacity and organizational development;

• Identify relevant resource people/ external consultants as needed to provide capacity building on co-management, financial training, monitoring and evaluation training, data collection, documenting work etc.; negotiate and prepare terms of consulting arrangements;

• Ensure that learning from grantees is documented and integrated into the global program, presented on the web platform and contributes to the evidence base for legal empowerment;

• Identify and develop peer exchange and horizontal learning opportunities for grantees and technical assistance consultants, and facilitate these meetings as required.

Learning, documentation and advocacy

• Research/ documentation: prepare background papers, updates, program publications and assist in preparing reports, proposals for other donors etc. as needed;
• Maintain database of donors in the field, keep track of developments of donor strategies and activities on legal empowerment;
• Help organize events to publicize and discuss issues relevant to the work on legal empowerment and represent Justice Initiative in meetings, events and conferences;
• Observe and document the work and programmatic direction of civil society organizations, international non-governmental organizations and other actors working on legal empowerment issues;
• Build and manage relationships with other Open Society Foundation entities, funders, and interested parties who may be resources to Justice Initiative, and its grantees;
• Provide written and oral reports on activities.

General program administration

• Track and manage budgets for the above work;
• Provide general administrative support to the program, and when travelling, manage logistics and organization of meetings;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in law, international relations, public policy or another relevant field; post-graduate degree in similar preferred;
• Five to eight years professional experience in public policy, international development, human rights, gender relations or other relevant field;
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills in English required;
• Ability to communicate at a proficient level in French and/or Spanish preferred;
• Strong organizational, analytical, research and problem solving skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues at all levels, program contacts, and the general public;
• Ability to work independently and as member of a team;
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• At least one year’s experience working with a civil society organization in a developing or post-conflict context;
• Previous grantmaking experience desirable;
• Experience in project management, including managing consultants, and developing and managing project budgets.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and prioritize appropriately;

Application deadline: May 1, 2012

For more information about the Open Society Justice Initiative, please visit http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice

The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer which supports diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

TO APPLY: Send resume, motivation letter, writing sample, contact information for three references, and salary requirements to applications@admingroup.hu indicating ‘Program Officer / OSJI’ in the subject line.

Program Advisor at Bridges Across Borders Cambodia

URGENT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Program Advisor
Bridges Across Borders Cambodia (BABC) is an international solidarity organization working to support people’s action for social justice, inclusive development and human rights in Cambodia. BABC’s Development Watch Program is currently looking for a qualified international volunteer to fulfill the position of Program Advisor, which is based in Phnom Penh, with frequent travels to the field. This is a full-time position with a one-year contract and possibility for renewal.

The Development Watch Program aims to promote a human rights approach to development by conducting monitoring, research, analysis and advocacy on the activities of major business and development actors operating in Cambodia. Through this work, Development Watch promotes the following principles:

• The poor should not be forced to pay the price of development, but should be its primary beneficiaries.
• Local communities should be active and informed participants in decisions about development that affect them.
• The fruits of development should be equally distributed.
• Development activities should respect and progressively fulfill human rights without discrimination on any basis.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Development Watch Program Manager, the Program Advisor will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Assist in developing, implementing, and reviewing DW’s national and international advocacy strategy, which includes community, national, and international level components.
• In collaboration with Development Watch team, contribute to the drafting of external advocacy and awareness raising documents, including correspondence, case briefings, legal memoranda, web articles, media press statements, and research or policy papers.
• In collaboration with Development Watch team, contribute to the drafting of internal documents, including project proposals and periodic program reports.
• Participate and provide support in land and housing policy platforms in collaboration with domestic and international partners and occasionally, organize local workshops and meetings in aid of advocacy initiatives.
• Assist the Development Watch research team in the design, implementation and review of research and analysis activities, including undertaking field research and fact-gathering missions that would inform advocacy activities.
• Assist the Development Watch team with other advocacy activities, as needed.
• Assist in program development, administrative management, and the capacity-building of local staff.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate must fulfill the following criteria:

• Hold an advanced degree in Sociology, Law, Anthropology, Development, Human Rights or a related field (ex: MA, MSc, PhD, JD).
• A minimum of 2 years work experience involving coordination of community-led advocacy related to human rights, land, housing and/or environmental issues.
• Knowledge of international legal frameworks applicable to human rights, land, and housing issues in Cambodia.
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on Cambodian domestic legal and regulatory framework regarding administration and management of land and management of natural resources.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English both verbally and in writing with high proficiency.
• Working knowledge of computerized systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to travel and stay in the provinces with little notice on a regular basis, as needed.
• Proactive personality, well-organized, collegial, and able to work well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a multi-national team.
• Committed to BABC’s mission and core values.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Experience conducting international advocacy campaigns and working in coalitions
• Experience in training and/or facilitation skills.
• Experience in drafting media statements and press releases.
• Knowledge of safeguard policies of international financial institutions.
• Understanding of the challenges and complexities of carrying out advocacy in Cambodia or Southeast Asia.
• Web design skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and/or written Khmer, or a willingness to learn

Interested candidates are requested to immediately submit their C.V., a cover letter, a list of three references, and a 5-10 page (maximum) writing sample to Veth Sokhim, HR/Administrative Manager, by email: sokhim_hr@babcambodia.org. Qualified candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline is 30 April 2012. Please do not send certificates. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Bridges Across Borders Cambodia can provide a modest living stipend for the term of the contract that is commensurate with experience. For more information, please contact 023 210 805, 068 899 289 or visit http://babcambodia.org/openpositions. Refer to the position of “Program Advisor” in such correspondence.
Due to capacity constraints, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2012, but is negotiable.

International Human Rights Internship at Wellspring Advisors

Wellspring Advisors – 2012 Summer Internship, New York, NY
International Human Rights
Wellspring Advisors is seeking an intern to provide research and administrative support to the international human rights program team. Successful candidates will be team players who are also able to work effectively with minimal supervision. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to the program areas and commit at least 15-20 hours per week for 8-10 weeks. There is a modest stipend associated with this internship.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research projects as agreed upon with the program team. This will include analyzing and distilling information in priority areas with a focus on Human Rights Defenders. Specifically, the research will encompass freedom of expression and internet freedom, restrictive NGOs laws and digital tools for the protection of defenders. The research will entail summarizing the salient issues, and mapping NGOs and donors.
• Research and assess nonprofit organizations and foundations that align with Wellspring Advisors’ programmatic and geographic priorities (Africa being one of these);
• Track and compile current events on relevant human rights topics;
• Help to plan and organize meetings and conference calls of relevance to the international programs team; and
• Perform administrative tasks as requested, such as note taking, etc.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree students pursuing a relevant field preferred;
• Previous volunteer or work experience in the field of human rights, grantmaking, or nonprofit management;
• Demonstrated commitment to Wellspring’s grantmaking priorities and the international human rights program; such as human rights defenders; disability rights; justice and accountability; global economy and human rights; sexual orientation & gender identity; women’s rights, etc.
• Excellent English communication skills and analytic abilities;
• Familiarity with research on international and national level policy;
• Experience living or working in a developing country preferred;
• Proficiency on Excel preferred;
• Strong English editing skills preferred;
• Proficiency in French a plus;
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and flexibility;
• Ability to handle confidential client information with complete discretion.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above intership description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The intern may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

About Wellspring Advisors

Wellspring Advisors, LLC coordinates grantmaking programs that advance the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. Our work is rooted in respect for the dignity and worth of every human being and is informed by the following beliefs:

• Social institutions and structures should promote the full realization of human rights and human potential, and should be accountable to these ends.
• The rights of all people are advanced when the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples are protected.
• Social justice movements should employ means that are consistent with their ideals, and should give agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.
• As responsible stewards, we must strive to maximize the impact of our charitable investments.

Wellspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
www.wellspringadvisors.com

How to apply

Send an email to Cecilia Garza at cgarza@wellspringadvisors.com with “2012 Summer Intern, Human Rights Defenders” in the subject line, to which you have attached the following three documents (in one single file):
1. Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications;
2. Current resume with three professional references; and
3. Writing sample (5-page maximum).

Applications must be received by April 27^th, 2012. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Internship will begin in June 2012.

Deputy Legal Advisor at ICRC

Vacancy Notice

Function: Deputy Legal Advisor

Purpose of the function:
The Deputy Legal Advisor provides legal and policy advice to the ICRC Regional Delegation for the US and Canadian Washington DC, and contributes to the implementation of its objectives, including by supporting its humanitarian operations and by advancing the organization's positions in the field of IHL.

Contractual Status and Reporting line:
The contractual status is locally hired staff under Washington contract.
The Deputy Legal Advisor works under the supervision of the Legal Advisor of the Delegation.

Work environment:
Thirty staff members work in the ICRC Regional Delegation. Its IHL Department comprises a Legal Advisor, two Deputies, a part time legal intern and an assistant.

Main tasks:
- provides legal advice to all the Departments of the Regional Delegation on matters of domestic law, IHL and other relevant international standards (in particular International Human Rights Law)
- provides legal support to ICRC detention visits and other field operations
- monitors, analyzes and comments developments of US and Canadian law and policy pertaining to national security and other relevant areas of humanitarian concern
- contributes to the drafting of the reporting of the ICRC and conveys its institutional positions in bilateral meetings with Government representatives
- provides legal input to the public communication of the Regional Delegation and drafts articles on IHL issues
- teaches IHL to various audiences and represents the ICRC in conferences and public events
- maintains and expands the network of interlocutors of the Regional delegation in the legal community (executive and legislative branches, civil society, academia)

Minimum required knowledge, experience and personal skills:
- J.D. from accreditedUSlaw school
- Expertise in IHL (in particular detention, conduct of hostilities and weapons regulation)
- Good knowledge of International Human Rights Law
- At least 5 years post-J.D. experience
- Legal experience within theUSor Canadian defense or national security sector
- Commitment to neutral and independent humanitarian action
- Excellent representation skills and at ease in negotiations
- Team player with an enthusiasm for working in a multicultural environment
- French as a working language desirable
- US person (US National or Green card holder) or Canadian

Further information about this post can be obtained by contacting Daniel Cahen (dcahen@icrc.org).
If you are interested in applying for this post and meet the requirements set out above, please send your application (CV and letter) to lmacabrey@icrc.org, by30 April 2012.

Temporary Immigration Attorney Position

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a highly motivated attorney for a full‑time or part-time temporary position within NYLAG Immigrant Protection Unit.

NYLAG is a not‑for‑profit law office that provides free civil legal services to low‑income New Yorkers. NYLAG was recently appointed a Receiver in the matter of The People of the State of New York v. International Immigrants Foundation, et al, by the order of Barbara Kapnick, JSC. Pursuant to the Court Order, NYLAG, inter alia, is ordered to conduct review of the case files of clients previously represented by the International Immigrants Foundation (IIF). The attorney will provide assistance in reviewing files of former IIF clients.

Responsibilities include: detailed review of case files, input of relevant information into the data base, contact and consultations with clients, collecting data and reporting back to the Court.

Qualifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar;
• At least 1 year of immigration law experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest work;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Basic computer skills;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently;
• Fluency in Spanish.

To be considered for this position, send a cover letter and a resume to Helen Drook, Esq. at hdrook@nylag.org or by mail to New York Legal Assistance Group, 7 Hanover Square, 18^th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

The New York Legal Assistance Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Trafficking Fellowship Program

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is pleased to announce the release of a new competitive solicitation, the Fiscal Year 2012 Victims of Human Trafficking Fellowship Program. Applications must be submitted by May 10, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time, through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.

This OVC program will award one cooperative agreement of up to $135,000 for an individual to work onsite in Washington, D.C., as an OVC Fellow, for a 12-month project period. The program is designed to span 3 years, contingent on the grantee’s performance and the availability of funds for the second and third years of the fellowship.

The individual selected for this fellowship will assist OVC in developing and enhancing training, technical assistance, and public awareness resources that support the expansion and effectiveness of services for victims of sex and labor trafficking within the United States (male and female; adult and minor; U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals). The fellowship recipient will work with OVC’s Trafficking Team and OVC’s National Training and Program Development Division to help develop and disseminate capacity-building resources for trafficking victim services professionals, law enforcement, and allied professionals.

The fellowship recipient must have prior experience working on initiatives related to human trafficking and must be an individual who demonstrates the financial and administrative capacity to manage the cooperative agreement. The applicant must agree to abstain from any outside employment, either compensated or uncompensated, for the duration of the fellowship, unless approved in writing by the OVC Director.

Applicants should read the OVC Fellowship Guidelines that are available at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/pdftxt/OVC_Fellowship_Guidelines.pdf.

 

Fellowship applicants are strongly advised to begin the application process in Grants.gov well in advance of the May 10, 2012, deadline.