Deadline: 31 May, 2015
Open to: University degree in communications, public relations, human rights, or a related field with at least five years’ experience
Remuneration: shall be commensurate with experience in accordance with the annual budget
Description
The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) is recruiting two Advocacy Officers, one to begin as soon as possible and the other to begin in the autumn. The positions are based in Budapest, Hungary. The ERRC is a public interest law organisation that defends the human rights of Roma throughout Europe and serves as a legal resource centre for advocates working in this field. The ERRC pursues its objectives by engaging in legal representation, research, monitoring and reporting, human rights education and international advocacy.
The ERRC works currently in more than a dozen countries in Europe and would like to strengthen its advocacy activities promoting equal access to rights for Roma. The Advocacy Officers are responsible for the ERRC’s work ensuring that human rights issues facing Romani communities are firmly on the political agenda in Europe and beyond, in the context of specific campaigns and through other advocacy activities.
Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the Legal Director and the Network and Research Director, the Advocacy Officers help to ensure the highest standards in the delivery of ERRC advocacy activities.
In cooperation with the management team, the Advocacy Officers will:
1. Coordinate the advocacy work of ERRC, including:
- Serving as first contact point for ERRC communication and advocacy initiatives or for the participation of ERRC in external communication and advocacy initiatives;
- Proposing, developing and implementing in conjunction with staff across the organisation and in communication with the Executive Director, ERRC advocacy initiatives, and ensuring high-quality input from the ERRC in joint initiatives;
- Drafting, editing or commissioning content of communication and advocacy outputs (including letters of concern, press releases, advocacy submissions, talking points, fact sheets and other materials);
- Preparing and delivering on time the organisation’s advocacy outputs;
- In conjunction with staff across the organisation, facilitating and coordinating advocacy events (both ERRC events and events jointly organised with external organisations);
- Facilitating the inclusion of the ERRC’s position on Roma-related issues in international and national public discourse on Roma;
- Monitoring and providing accurate assessments of Roma rights developments, general human rights developments and international and domestic advocacy opportunities, maintaining strong relations with colleagues and external contacts and partners and advising colleagues on communications actions;
- Ensuring the implementation of ERRC strategies;
2. Ensure the effectiveness of the ERRC’s use of electronic media, including:
- Contributing to ERRC activities in social media;
- Contributing to the production of electronic ERRC publications (Newsletter, video messages, website content),
- Supervising and/or supporting interns and colleagues to produce social media content;
3. Assist with training and capacity-building, including:
- Coordinating in cooperation with the ERRC Human Rights Trainer, communication interns and collaborating with all ERRC interns as required, contributing to their learning and development;
- Developing, delivering and/or commissioning ERRC training on communications skills and related topics;
- Delivering training for activists at the summer school;
4. Commission the editing, design and proof reading work from external providers as required;
5. Deal with media queries as needed;
6. Perform other tasks as requested.
Required experience and skills:
- University degree in communications, public relations, human rights, or a related field;
- At least five years’ experience working in a communications and advocacy environment;
- Strong English language writing, editing and speaking skills required; ability to present ERRC positions concisely;
- Proven experience in developing and implementing human rights based advocacy;
- Proven experience drafting and editing communications materials for a variety of audiences;
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant issues, structures and contacts; proven ability to cultivate contacts and develop networks;
- Attentiveness to deadlines, flexible and able to deal with high workload;
- Strong team player; proven ability to work in a diverse team; able to work independently;
- Significant experience living and working in Romani communities is desirable;
- Demonstrated commitment to the promotion of Roma rights; and
- Willingness to travel for work, either alone or with colleagues.
Desirable qualifications (the ERRC will seek to find a combination of candidates who, together, possess these skills):
- Knowledge of languages spoken by many Roma;
- Significant experience living and working in a Roma community;
- Ability to produce finished documents in English not requiring further proofreading;
- Familiarity with advocacy at European Union level (i.e. with EU institutions), particularly in the context of the enlargement process and neighbourhood policies.
- Familiarity with advocacy in EU candidate countries (particularly the Western Balkans).
Remuneration
Based at the ERRC office in Budapest, the remuneration level for this full time position shall be commensurate with experience. In accordance with the annual budget approved by the board of directors, ERRC employees are provided fringe benefits and access to a professional development fund.
Expected start date: The ERRC is seeking one candidate to begin as soon as possible and another to begin in the autumn (exact date to be determined).
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send:
- Letter of interest (in English, maximum 500 words);
- Detailed CV in English;
- Contact details for two present or former employers (from immediate supervisor) and one other relevant referee; and
- An unedited English-language writing sample by the applicant (preferably human rights focused).
by email: hajnalka.nemeth@errc.org with the subject “ERRC Advocacy Officer Search” (persons submitting incomplete application packages will not be considered for the position). Application deadline: 23:59 CET, 31 May 2015. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Short-listed applicants will be notified within one week of the deadline; applicants who are not shortlisted will not be contacted.
The ERRC is committed to equal opportunity for all. Romani candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.
