JOB VACANCY
OVERVIEW The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights is seeking applicants for the position of Policy and Advocacy Officer to support our Program on Transitional Justice and Historical Wrongs in Kurdistan-Iraq. Position Program Status Based Reports to Application Deadline
Policy and Advocacy Officer Transitional Justice and Historical Wrongs full-time employee (part-time position possible) Erbil or Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq Board of Directors 30 October 2014
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 1. Analyze political and legal developments in Iraq and Kurdistan-Iraq in relation to coming to terms with the past, compensation and rehabilitation of pre-2003 survivors of torture and terror, victims of genocide, and the advancement of democracy, civil society and human rights.
2. Develop and implement advocacy strategies for shaping policy debates and influencing decision-makers in Iraq and Kurdistan-Iraq, particularly regarding the discussion of historical wrongs and grave human rights violations under the Saddam regime, the compensation and rehabilitation of victims, the prosecution of perpetrators as well as the establishment of a democratic society and a human rights culture.
3. Monitor and report on the adherence, implementation and development of national commitments under international human rights law.
4. Establish and maintain regular contacts and effective working relationships with governmental authorities, civil society organizations, regional institutions, and international agencies.
5. Attend workshops, conferences, briefings and other meetings of relevant civil society networks, committees and working groups.
6. Draft organizational positions, policy and briefing papers, and online content. 7. Collect testimonials of survivors, research and draft reports on human rights related issues, especially concerning past human rights violations, the Kurdish genocide, and present developments in democracy, civil society and transitional justice.
8. In cooperation with our Information & Communications unit, develop and implement grass-root level advocacy campaigns.
9. Upon request, provide policy and advocacy training and support to in-country staff or partners.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Essential
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First level degree preferably in Law, or in Political Science, History, International Relations, Sociology or a similar field of social science (advanced degree desirable) Good knowledge of Iraqi and Kurdish domestic law, Penal Code and policy concerning the issues of rehabilitation and compensation of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators Knowledge or experience in the area of human rights and/or historical wrongs Solid knowledge and awareness of international and domestic political developments Particular knowledge and awareness of Kurdish-Iraqi history including the human rights violations committed between 1968 and 2003 under Ba’athist rule Strong ability to communicate in Kurdish, both written and orally Good ability to communicate in English, both written and orally Good ability to communicate in Arabic, both written and orally Good working knowledge of MS Office
Desirable
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Previous experience in lobbying and political advocacy Previous experience in drafting reports or policy papers on political or legal issues Previous experience with international human rights NGOs or the UN Previous experience working with victims of violence Knowledge of the UN System
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Two months probationary period. Full-time; part-time position possible. Voluntary pension scheme with employer contributions. Optional annual bonus, depending on assessment of performance. 24 days annual holiday, plus 15 statutory holidays. Flexible working patterns.
HOW TO APPLY Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to jobs@jiyan-foundation.org. Please use "Policy and Advocacy Officer" as the subject of your email. Closing Date:
30 October 2014
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The Jiyan Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.