Tactics and tools for the protection
of Human Rights Defenders

Within its “Global Protection Program for Human Rights Defenders”
Protection International aisbl recruits an:

Advocacy and Outreach/Communication Officer

Protection International is an equal opportunities employer

BACKGROUND

Protection International aisbl (PI) is an International NGO based in Brussels which aims at contributing to the improvement of the protection of human rights defenders throughout the world, through developing their capacity to manage their own security as they struggle against impunity and develop their activities if favour of a sustainable peace and justice in their respective countries or regions. PI seeks to contribute to a situation where human rights defenders are recognized as legitimate actors for social change and to an environment where they can effectively exercise their rights to defend universally recognised human rights.
To this end PI is developing a Global Protection Programme for Human Right Defenders, and has established Protection Desks (PD) in partnership with local partners, or Regional Offices, in Colombia, Guatemala, DR Congo, Uganda and Nepal.

Further information on PI and its activities can be found on the following web sites:
www.protectioninternational.org and www.protectionline.org

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Advocacy/Outreach Officer
Location: Brussels
Reports to: Directory Board and Executive-Committee, Protection International

Advocacy Tasks (4/5)

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies in co-ordination with PI advocacy team, video-advocacy Unit and PI field representatives aiming at enhancing the EU, UN and third states policies to protect human rights defenders.
• Develop contacts with MPs in European Parliaments, and manage the PI discussion forum on the web site.
• Represent Protection International in working groups, national and international conferences.
• Continue and expand the work with key contacts in EU, UN and member States institutions.
• Network with other organizations working in areas of interest and maintain collaborative communication in order to implement activities.
• Continuing Protection International’s work on thematic HRD issues, together with PI field representatives, Protection Desks and local counterparts.
• Supporting and coordinating Protection International Brussels Office and PD’s visibility on thematic hrd issues and translating thematic concerns into an effective advocacy / communication policy.
• Follow-up on protection cases as agreed with PI advocacy team, video-advocacy Unit and PI field representatives.

Outreach Tasks (1/5)

• Assist the Executive Committee and Units in developing proposals for new communication strategies as appropriate and compatible with the needs of both field and Brussels offices. 
• Work closely with partner organizations and PDs to develop joint approaches and added value in the field of outreach
• Coordinate the production of Promotion materials/publications (articles, press releases, newsletter, background information for journals and books/manuals), in close cooperation with the thematic areas of Protection International (Research/Training, Video, Websites, Advocacy) and Protection Desks field teams.
• Participate in the effective diffusion and distribution of materials/publications through all channels of communication (press and media contacts, web, conferences etc.).
• Support the data base to update the PI media/press contacts.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Education and experience

• University Degree (Licence/Master) in a relevant domain (International Human Rights / Humanitarian law, Political Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, etc…).
• Proven experience in human rights and human rights defenders; clear understanding of the concept of universality of human rights.
• Commitment to PI’s values.
• Understanding of constitutional and criminal justice.
• Understanding of the UN, EU, AU, AL and ASEAN Human Rights systems.
• Good knowledge of the structures, procedures and policy-making processes of the EU institutions.
• Proven track record in advocacy and Protection cases.
• At least 5 years relevant experience in advocacy of which at least 3 with NGOs working on Human Rights Defenders issues.
• Ability to conceptualize and create communication means and materials for publicity.
• Proven excellence in writing and editorial skills in English and French.
• Proven excellence in writing articles, policy papers, briefings and newsletters.
• Excellent communication, networking, and inter-personal skills.
• Deep knowledge of international work environment and intercultural communication.
• Excellent strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong political savvy and ability to be pragmatic and diplomatic with a wide range of stakeholders

Skills

• Political analysis capacities.
• Ability to communicate and prepare reports, conduct presentations on key issues by formulating positions, articulating options concisely, and making and defending recommendations both in English and French (possibly in Spanish)
• Excellent level in English and French language (written and spoken)
• Manage computer programmes such as Microsoft office, Graphics, CSM, Databases, etc.

Management skills

• Maintain excellent relations and strategic coherence with Protection International and PD members in the working groups.
• Successful delivery of Protection International’s commitments under the grant contracts;
• Support on donor reporting and project development.

Personal Qualities

• Innovative and independent worker,
• Ability to work in a small team, share information and contribute to all sorts of smaller tasks done in a NGO office.
• Managing relationships inside Protection International (office and PD) and outside constructively, diplomatic and with discretion, without loosing a good sense of humour.
• Dedication to support PD teams.
• Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Some willingness to travel.

DESIRABLE

• Spanish appreciated
• Master or experience in Journalism
• Good knowledge in communication and media theory and practice.
• Media Analysis
• Some experience in project development and management.
• Flexibility in working with different systems
•  Following new developments in Social Media and internet world, especially web 2.0.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS

• Fixed term contract with 30 hours for 12 months with 6 months trial period. Continuation is subject to funding and mutual satisfaction.
• Salary according to previous experience. Protection International offers a number of additional employment benefits that increase the net salary.
• Applicants need to hold a valid work permit for Belgium or citizenship of an EU Member State that requires no work permit in Belgium.
• Start on 1 July 2010.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications should be sent by e-mail or mail at the following addresses:
Protection International aisbl
Mr Olivier RICHARD
Rue de la Linière 11
1060 Brussels
Tel + 32 2 609 44 05

orichard protectioninternational.org
cc sroudil protectioninternational.org
 pboosten protectioninternational.org

Deadline to submit applications: 7 June 2010 – 24.00h
(applications received after will not be considered)

The application should contain:

• detailed motivation letter (compulsory)
• detailed curriculum vitae (compulsory)
• 2 references (recommended)

The selection process includes several steps:

1. Candidates will be short-listed on the basis of their applications
2. Short-listed candidates will receive a written test
3. Phone/Skype contacts with short-listed candidates with a view to establishing a selection list
4. Selected applicants will be invited to PI’s office in Brussels for face-to-face interviews and tests (second half of June).