The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Head of Asia Desk, covering the South East Asia Region.
FIDH is an international human rights organization, bringing together 164 member organizations from more than 100 countries. FIDH’s mandate is to contribute to the respect of all the rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FIDH aims at obtaining effective improvements in the protection of victims, the prevention of human rights violations and the sanction of their perpetrators. FIDH has 6 priorities: Protect Human Rights Defenders; Promote and Protect Women’s Rights and Migrants' Rights ; Promote the Administration of Justice and the Fight against Impunity ; Strengthen respect for Human Rights in the Context of Globalization; and Support the Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Conflict and Emergency Situations. For more information, please visit www.fidh.org.
S/he will work under the responsibility of the Executive Directorate and under the supervision of the Directors of Operations, and in full interaction with the other Head of Asia Desk (all based in Europe).
S/he will define goals, strategies, and priorities for FIDH work within South East Asia, as well as at the level of the ASEAN institutions.
S/he will implement the following activities: - Contribute to the formulation of annual work plans, in particular relating to South East Asia; - Monitor, assess and report on activities carried out; - Draft reports, press releases, open letters, briefing notes, op eds; - Prepare and participate in events such as seminars, fact-finding missions, trainings and visits of human rights defenders to and from the region; - Conduct advocacy activities with national authorities and inter-governmental organisations. A particular focus of the advocacy will be directed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) institutions and member states, and on monitoring standard setting and institutional building processes currently taking place within ASEAN; - Design and implement communication activities; - Monitor the Asia Desk budget and contribute to the formulation of funding applications; - Carry out administrative tasks as needed (hiring and training of interns, maintaining a database of contacts, printing & dissemination of materials, etc).
S/he will liaise and manage relationships within FIDH and with external actors: - Liaise on a daily basis with FIDH member and partner organizations in the region, with FIDH Board Members in charge of the region or in charge of thematic issues, as well as with other relevant organisations at national and regional levels; - Liaise and coordinate with other regional and international human rights organisations working on the region to ensure synergy and complementarity; - Liaise with donors and the media; - Maintain a fluid channel of communications between the members and partners on the one hand, and the relevant desks and delegations of FIDH in other cities.
Experience Minimum of six years work experience in the field of human rights (preferably for a national, regional or international NGO); • Familiarity with ASEAN standards and mechanisms; • In-depth understanding of international relations and economic, social, cultural and political context of Asia in general, and Southeast Asia in particular; • Familiarity with international human rights law, standards, and mechanisms.
Competence and skills • A university degree in a relevant field, such as political science, international relations, or human rights law; • Fluency in oral and written English; • Advocacy skills and ability to represent FIDH and communicate its positions to different audiences, such as civil society, government, intergovernmental organizations, donors, and private actors; • Ability to work as part of a team and independently, be rigorous, attentive to details, able to prioritize, and work under pressure and multiple deadlines; • Good knowledge of French or of an Asian or Southeast Asian language will be an added advantage; • Available for international and regional travels.
Compensation: • Health and accidental insurance; • Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and skills.
Visa: Support for a Thai visa and a work permit in Thailand will be provided. Full Time Position, Unlimited term contract
How to apply:
PLEASE APPLY no later than November 25, 2012 to mfburq@fidh.org by submitting the following by email:
1- A cover letter and reference (R-SE Asia Desk- RW) 2- A full resume 3- A short writing sample unedited by others showing the applicant's capacity to write in English (report, article, etc) 4- 2 references (please provide her/his full name, position, organization, current location, email, and phone number)
We will not accept application by fax. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.
