Amnesty International USA (“AIUSA”) is the USA country section of the Amnesty International global movement. The AIUSA Advocacy Director (“AD”) for the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) region is responsible for developing strategies and working with AIUSA volunteers/members to end human rights violations by MENA states, principally by influencing U.S. policy toward and bringing about improvements in human rights in the MENA region. The position is based in Washington, D.C. Working closely with volunteer leaders, other staff, and partners, the AD will also be responsible for:
- Outreach to the U.S. public, including serving as a lead media spokesperson on human rights violations by MENA states, collaborating with other NGOs, and training AIUSA’s grassroots membership;
- Participation in nationwide lobbying efforts and campaigns targeting the U.S. federal government;
- Liaison with other AIUSA programs, other Amnesty country sections, and the International Secretariat.
Areas of Responsibility:
Influencing the development of U.S. policy on human rights issues in the MENA region
- Lead AIUSA’s advocacy on ending human rights violations by MENA states in consultation with relevant staff and membership structures. Current AIUSA advocacy priorities include refugee protection and defending human rights advocates. As MENA advocacy priorities periodically change, the AD will be expected to adjust the work plan to match the AIUSA advocacy priorities.
- Advocate with and educate U.S. government officials to help stop human rights violations by MENA states. The effectiveness of the AD depends, to a large extent, on their 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.
- Cultivate relationships with foreign government officials. Develop and maintain contacts with foreign government officials in Washington, DC, as well as government lobbyists and representatives of official human rights commissions.
Public Outreach
- Speak publicly on human rights violations in MENA states and on U.S. policy relevant to those violations, including at hearings, briefings, conferences, protests, and rallies.
- Work in close consultation with the Media unit, represent AIUSA in interviews with the news media (TV, radio, print, social) on human rights violations by MENA states.
- Write materials advancing AIUSA advocacy agenda including letters, briefings, blogs, op-eds, action alerts.
- Disseminate Amnesty International’s publications, in cooperation with the Public Affairs team and volunteer leaders to Congress, U.S. government, media, and NGOs.
- Coordinate with volunteer leaders and staff to provide training for relevant membership groups and events, including regional conferences and the Annual General Meeting.
Coordinate with Section-Wide Campaigns and Lobbying
- Advise and collaborate with volunteer leaders and relevant member groups, and participate in all country campaigns and special actions on MENA states. Lead the U.S. component of global Amnesty campaigns and actions on MENA states. During major regional campaigns and crises, serve as the primary strategist for AIUSA, in consultation with country specialists, on ending human rights violations by MENA states.
- Lead U.S. component of global Amnesty advocacy efforts on stopping human rights violations by MENA states, in consultation with International Secretariat and Amnesty MENA Regional Offices.
Educational Background:
Graduate degree in international relations, foreign service, law, or other relevant/related field
Skills/Experience:
Expertise and experience in U.S.-MENA human rights policy issues, including refugee protection, humanitarian aid, prisoners of conscience, and freedom of expression.
- Experience in U.S. federal lobbying and/or policy advocacy, including drafting and analyzing legislation, writing Congressional testimony, and leading coalitions.
- Public speaking experience, including Congressional hearings, Hill briefings, press conferences, academic conferences.
- Superb writing and research skills, with the ability to produce high-quality writing in a fast-paced environment.
- Extensive experience with media (print, social)
- Ability to produce high-volume, accurate work in a rapidly changing environment, with attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative and consultative environment.
- U.S. domestic travel (at least two trips annually)
International travel to the MENA region (at least one trip annually)
Desired:
- Working proficiency in Arabic
- Experience with live media interviews (TV, radio)
- Experience with volunteers and grassroots organizing.
- Experience living and/or working in the MENA region
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 27 2018
Active Until:
Aug 27 2018
Hiring Organization:
Amnesty International USA
industry:
Nonprofit