The Advocacy Director for Asia/Pacific 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 Asia/Pacific 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 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.
Areas of Responsibility:
Influencing the development of U.S. policy on human rights issues in the Asia/Pacific region
- Lead AIUSA’s advocacy on 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 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 Asia/Pacific 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 strategist for AIUSA, in consultation with the Country Specialists.
- Lead U.S. component of global AI advocacy efforts on human rights issues in the Asia/Pacific region, in consultation with International Secretariat.
Additional duties as assigned
Educational Background:
A. or J.D. in relevant/related field is desirable.
Skills/Experience:
- Expertise and experience in Asia/Pacific foreign 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.
- Experience with volunteers and grassroots organizing desirable.
- Experience working with international government organizations is desirable.
- Proficiency in Asian language(s) desirable.
- Ability to work in highly collaborative and consultative environment.
- Position is based in Washington, D.C.
Additional Information:
Due to the large volume of applications, we are only able to contact those applicants who are selected for interviews.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Nov 29 2017
Active Until:
Dec 29 2017
Hiring Organization:
Amnesty International USA
industry:
Nonprofit