JOB VACANCY: Yemen Researcher

In وظائف by CIHRS

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)

FULL TIME JOB VACANCY

JOB TITLE:  Yemen Researcher

PROGRAM:  Arab Regional Advocacy Program (ARAP)

LOCATION:  Tunisia

DURATION:  1 year, with possibility of renewal

This position reports to the Head of Research Unit of ARAP

The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS):  The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is an independent regional non-governmental organization founded in 1994. It aims at promoting respect for the principles of human rights and democracy, analyzing the difficulties facing the application of International Human Rights Law and disseminating Human Rights Culture in the Arab Region as well as engaging in dialogue between cultures. A key part of CIHRS’ mandate is to help shape the understanding of the most pressing human rights issues within the region and then to coordinate and mobilize the key players and NGOs from across the Arab world to work together towards solutions. CIHRS enjoys consultative status in the United Nations ECOSOC, and observer status in the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). CIHRS is also a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). CIHRS currently has offices in Cairo, Egypt; Tunis, Tunisia and Geneva, Switzerland.

CIHRS was awarded the French Republic Award for Human Rights in December 2007.  

The Arab Regional Advocacy Program (ARAP):  The ARAP is a regional program that is designed to increase the ability of national and regional human rights actors to achieve positive change by enhancing their campaigning tactics, with a specific emphasis on creating synergy between national, regional and international advocacy and influence.  This is achieved through a partner based process that involves research, capacity-building, network creation and joint advocacy initiatives.  To achieve this the ARAP is currently expanding its country presences in the Arab region and at international forums, and regularly engages with partners at international human rights mechanisms and other international advocacy targets, including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, League of Arab States, other multilateral forums, as well as in strategic capitals in the Arab region and around the world.

The mission of the ARAP is to Identify, protect and empower human rights actors to strengthen the human rights movement in the Arab region in order to defend and expand the public sphere, with a particular focus on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

JOB PURPOSE:  As a researcher at the research unit of the ARAP, you will be member of a team of country and thematic officers located in Tunis, and international staff that work at international organizations and in capitals throughout the world.  As a member of the ARAP team you will be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen, empower and protect the Arab regional human rights movement at a critical juncture in its history.

As a country researcher you will be responsible for putting in place a country strategy that combines research, capacity building, network building and advocacy initiatives in order to achieve the realization of the ARAP mission within your target country.  In particular, you will be required to:

  • Identify and Reveal:
    • Identify  critical actors within the human rights and pro-democracy movement in target country
    • Identify and reveal the main challenges and threats to these actors and  democratic freedoms in target country
    • Identify main opportunities and methods to strengthen work of these actors and expand democratic freedoms, with a particular focus on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association
  • Protect:
    • Protect  human rights defenders and organizations from  attacks and repression
    • Protect human rights actors and democratic freedoms from repressive policies and laws
  • Empower:
    • Empower local actors  to carry out more effective human rights campaigning through:
      • Capacity building to ensure effective advocacy and engagement at multiple leverage points on multiple levels (national, regional and international)
      • Building and expanding networks and allies on national, regional and international level to achieve reform in target country
      • Increasing visibility of  actors and their work
      • Increase cooperation and build networks  among human rights actors in target country, and mobilize national network of partners around strategic priorities of ARAP and country-specific  priorities
      • Integrating and combining  national level priorities, research and campaigns into regional and international advocacy initiatives of the ARAP
  • Integrating international and regional tools and advocacy victories into national level campaigns and partner tactics, including building national level campaigns and activities around  international and regional advocacy tools and outcomes
  • Skills and experience
  •  A minimum of 2 years experience working in the field of human rights or civil society organizations;
  •  A university degree in relevant subjects (e.g. Law, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, etc.). Masters Degree preferable; an academic background in human rights is an asset;
  •  Proficiency in Arabic and English, working knowledge of French will be an asset;
  •  Excellent writing and oral communication skills;
  •  Excellent analytical skills and a strong understanding of the sociopolitical context in the Arab region, but particularly of the assigned country;
  •  Demonstrated commitment to universal human rights;
  •  Willingness and ability to travel, work extra hours (sometimes during weekends), work well 
under pressure and adapt to emerging issues and changing priorities;
  •  Strong ability to work as part of a team as well as independently;
  •  Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural environment.
  • To Apply:
  • More information about Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies could be found at: www.cihrs.org
  • Resumes along with a cover letter, two writing samples in English and Arabic as well as the name of two referees should be sent to: info.tn@cihrs.org before June 30th, 2015
  • Resumes will be reviewed as received. Interviews will be granted as interesting candidates are identified, so there is no need for telephone calls, application must include a cover letter describing their interest and qualifications, please write your name and the position in the subject line of your email.
  • CIHRS is an equal opportunity employer

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