BACKGROUND
LAW is an independent, non-profit organisation comprised of human rights lawyers and jurists working in fragile and conflict affected areas in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. We focus on gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence, rule of law and accountability and transformative justice, working to bring justice to those who need it most. LAW’s ground-breaking work has received international media coverage, including the New York Times, BBC, Reuters, AP, the Times of London, the Guardian, Al-Jazeera, France24, Voice of America, Huffington Post and Foreign Policy.
We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research to join our dynamic team. This is a newly created and important position working closely and reporting directly to the Executive Director. The Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research will lead and strengthen LAW’s global advocacy strategy and place LAW as a lead organization in its areas of thematic focus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate understanding of the international justice arena; be an excellent networker and is at ease in all levels of advocacy influencing and has a strong commitment to LAW’s mission and values. The successful candidate will bring strategic, creativity and critical thinking, embrace working independently, but also collaboratively as part of a wider team including partner organisations and allies.
MORE ABOUT THE POSITION
Where? The position will be based at LAW’s Head office in Geneva.
Duration: This position is full time. It is a 12-month contract, and possible extension subject to funding.
Salary: Competitive rates of pay apply.
More detail: You are a visionary leader with significant expertise in human rights law and policy development, research, external representation, communications, and management of resources. You can communicate, verbally and in writing, in a compelling manner including on complex legal issues to a wide range of audiences.
Role overview and responsibility: The Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research will ensure LAW’s staff deliver high quality and expert advice by identifying and reviewing carefully selected strategic research, advocacy and litigation opportunities to influence international and national standards, and institutions. LAW’s programmes will be led on relevant key international and human rights themes.
The post holder will perform duties in accordance with the responsibilities outlined below:
Advocacy:
- Devise and lead on advocacy priorities and strategies, and working closely with the programme staff to identifying advocacy opportunities, and influencing governments, intergovernmental organisations etc;
- Deliver strategic advice, technical assistance and developing networking support to partners and other NGOs as required;
- Oversee the development of clear positions that aim to change law and devising high-quality policies, including engaging with wider communities;
- Lead and provide clear direction and delivery of the programme’s thematic focuses on research, policy analysis, advocacy and strategy development;
- Lead on LAW’s advocacy with key officials of the UN, relevant parliaments, diplomatic representation etc;
- Developing effective frameworks and tools for country programmes;
- Coordinate and deliver trainings and other capacity building initiatives to LAW staff, partners and allies at the regional and national levels;
- Network and work closely and in collaboration with other organisations and represent LAW in global networks, events and meetings with partners;
- Identify and plan events, activities and initiatives at global and regional levels across multiple platforms.
Research:
- Monitor key developments in relation to LAW’s areas of thematic focus, systems, and preparing and publishing relevant materials;
- Undertake research and analysis, and preparing reports and publications, in relation to matters relevant to LAW and international law and human rights systems;
- Oversee and work closely with external research consultants to ensure methodology is appropriate and to review research reports conducted;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key partners including NGOs, governments, intergovernmental organisations, human rights experts, journalists and funders;
- Work collaboratively with international, regional, national and local civil society organisations through formal and informal mechanisms;
- Lead on the writing, drafting, editing and publication of LAW’s communications strategy;
- Contribute to the preparation and submission of funding proposals and preparing and reporting against project and program-based budgets;
- Oversee LAW’s communications work and staff including supporting visibility on social media platforms at a global and regional level;
- Act as an ambassador for LAW where appropriate, including representation at events and the preparation of statements, media releases and op-eds.
Policy Development:
- Identify and create opportunities that support LAW’s policy and research, reflecting thematic areas of work;
- Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are implemented and commissioned to support evidence-based policy and research;
- Keep abreast of pertinent legislative and policy developments and advise relevant staff as appropriate;
- Prepare a range of written materials, including news releases, op-eds, blog postings, policy analyses and review reports and documents prepared by others;
- Monitor progress against milestones and targets of all outputs that are within the strategic plans;
- Establish targets and synthesize best practices and lessons learnt;
- Ensure potential risks associated with LAW’s positions, advocacy initiatives and public communications are assessed and sign-off procedures are adhered to.
REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Masters degree in international relations, journalism, law, social science, or a related field;
- 10 years of relevant international experience and substantial knowledge of advocacy with bodies including the United Nations, EU institutions, EU member states and including an understanding of work relating to international law and human rights is required;
- Demonstrated experience of developing strategies and implementation of successful advocacy, policy and research;
- Ability to work effectively with legal and policy experts, media experts, campaigners and advocates, regional experts and researchers, thematic experts and researchers;
- Outstanding communication skills both verbal and written in English, and good knowledge of French preferred;
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to develop training and staff capacity;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and solid understanding of how to implement successful advocacy for policy change;
- Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively as well as to work in partnership with other organisations is required;
- Excellent organisational skills to plan, prioritise and manage multiple, often competing demands efficiently in a challenging and fast-paced environment;
- Ability to translate often complex sustainability information into simple messages to a wide range of audiences including government officials, diplomats and the media.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are committed to human rights and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, we would like to hear from you.
To apply please send an email with your CV and statement of interest outlining how you would contribute to LAW’s mission and vision in English (neither exceeding 2 pages of A4) to: recruitment@legalactionworldwide.org by 3rd February 2023. The subject of the application should read ‘Head of Advocacy Policy and Research’.
At LAW we are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues reflecting the people and communities that
we represent and support. Our team includes many nationalities with diverse professional backgrounds,
skills and knowledge. This enables us to deliver and understand the cultural and political contexts on the
ground and to tailor our support effectively and appropriately.
To learn more about us visit our website: www.legalactionworldwide.org.