The Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) is responsible for developing strategies and leveraging AIUSA membership structures and programs to influence U.S. policy toward and bring about improvements in human rights in the MENA region. The position is based in Washington, D.C. Working closely with member leaders, other staff, and partners, s/he will also be responsible for:
- Outreach to the public, including serving as a lead media spokesperson on government relations MENA human rights issues, collaborating with other NGOs, and training AIUSA’s grassroots membership;
- Participation in section-wide lobbying efforts and campaigns targeting the U.S. government (federal/state/local);
- Liaison with other AIUSA programs, other country sections of Amnesty International, and the International Secretariat.
- Other duties as assigned.
Areas of Responsibility:
Influencing the development of U.S. policy on human rights issues in the MENA region
- Lead AIUSA’s advocacy on MENA human rights issues in consultation with relevant staff and membership structures. Advocacy priorities include refugee protection and defending human rights advocates.
- Influence US policy by advocating with and educating U.S. government officials. The effectiveness of the AD depends, to a large extent, on his/her leadership in coordinating congressional briefings, testifying before Congress, drafting and negotiating legislation, developing administrative policy recommendations, and educating government officials on MENA human rights developments.
- Influence US policy by cultivating relationships with foreign government officials. Develop and maintain contacts with foreign government officials located in or visiting Washington, DC, as well as government lobbyists and representatives of official human rights commissions.
Public Outreach
- Speak publicly on U.S. human rights policy in the MENA region, including at conferences and rallies.
- Working in close consultation with the media unit, represent AIUSA in interviews with the news media (TV, radio, print, social).
- Write materials advancing AIUSA advocacy agenda including letters, briefings, blogs, op-eds, action alerts.
- Disseminate AI’s publications, in cooperation with the Communications team and volunteer leaders, to Congress, U.S. Government, media, and non-governmental organizations.
- Coordinate with volunteer leaders and staff to provide training for relevant membership structures, including the regional conferences, Annual General Meeting, and issue-based networks local and student group meetings, and professional and issue-based networks.
Coordinate with Section-Wide Campaigns and Lobbying
- Advise and collaborate with relevant member structures and participate in all country campaigns and special actions. Lead the U.S. Government component of global AI campaigns and actions. During major regional campaigns and crises, serve as the primary government policy strategist for AIUSA, in consultation with country specialist.
- Lead U.S. component of global AI advocacy efforts on human rights issues in the MENA region, in consultation with International Secretariat and AI MENA Regional Office.
Skills/Experience:
- Expertise and experience in MENA policy issues is required.
- Expertise and experience with human rights, refugee protection, and/or humanitarian development is required.
- Experience in lobbying and/or policy advocacy is required.
- Superb writing and research skills are required.
- Ability to produce high-quality work in fast-paced, quickly changing environment is essential.
- M.A. or J.D. in relevant/related field is desirable.
- Working proficiency in Arabic is desirable.
- Experience with volunteers and grassroots organizing desirable.
- Ability to work in highly collaborative and consultative environment.
Additional Information:
AIUSA is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Aug 11 2017
Active Until:
Sep 11 2017
Hiring Organization:
Amnesty International USA
industry:
Nonprofit