JOB DESCRIPTION AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT (AIIS)

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT (AIIS) JOB TITLE: Deputy Director & Head of Special Thematic Projects DEPARTMENT: Global Thematic Issues Programme JOB PURPOSE: Lead and ensure the effective implementation of Amnesty International s (AI) research, policy, and strategy on the human rights issues of thematic teams (the line management portfolio of the DPD/Head of Special Projects fluctuates in response to the strategic needs of the Global Thematic Issues Programme). Manage staff, budgets and work plans of thematic teams; provide advice and guidance to the International Secretariat (IS) senior leadership and staff, and to sections and structures on thematic human rights issues; ensure the development and application of policy and research guidelines for the movement to follow; lead on the identification and analysis of emerging trans-national human rights issues; and deputize for the Programme Director. DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: 1. To provide strategic vision and leadership in the areas of global thematic research and analysis which allow AI to identify and address new trends or emerging issues in a timely manner. 2. To ensure that the global thematic issues programme works closely with the law and policy programme, the international advocacy programme, regional offices and programmes, the campaign programme, the media cluster and the communications cluster to ensure coherence and effectiveness in our work on transnational or emerging human rights issues. 3. To ensure that AI responds effectively to emerging trends in human rights issues, understanding how globalization has changed the analysis of some violations and abuses, and allocating resources to address particularly difficult areas of human rights that require specialist concentration. AIIS PURPOSE: The International Secretariat, which operates from a number of sites around the world, gathers and communicates accurate and action-oriented human rights information globally. We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal human rights standards. We provide strategic leadership, support and advice to the Amnesty International movement globally, fostering Amnesty International s contribution, presence and public accountability throughout the world. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Reporting to: Director of Global Issues and Research Posts that this job manages: Researcher/Policy Advisor/s, Campaign, Networks and Project Coordinator/s, consultants or

2 contract staff, volunteers and interns. Other key relationships: Global Thematic Issues Programme, Regional Programs, Senior Legal and Policy Advisers, Campaigns Program, Section Directors and staff. USEFUL INFORMATION: There are six teams within the Global Thematic Issues Programme, each leading Amnesty International s work on a particular human rights theme to ensure innovative analysis in specialized areas and a consistency of approach on a global basis: 1. The Business and Human Rights team leads on the human rights impact of business, corporate and other economic actors. 2. The Economic, Social and Cultural Rights team leads on economic, social and cultural rights issues. 3. The Refugee and Migrants' Rights team leads on the human rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants, and IDPs. 4. The Death Penalty team leads work on the death penalty and issues related to conditions of detention. 5. The Military, Security and Police team leads work on the transfer of arms, military and police equipment and technology. 6. The technology and Human Rights team leads work on the risks and opportunities associated with technology, with a focus on surveillance. Within their specific thematic area of expertise, each team is responsible for: devising innovative analyses to confront and prevent human rights violations in specialized areas; conducting research on human rights violations and on international legal, political and economic trends and developments related to protecting these rights; developing policy; providing legal advice, often in an area where there is currently little precedent in human rights law and policy; devising and implementing advocacy and campaigning strategies; coordinating and working with the relevant AI membership Network to ensure a coherent approach to AI s campaigning and advocacy in this areas; providing advice and support to the agreed research plans of regional teams and sections. Location: London MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead the development of AI s strategies, policies, research, and advocacy on the identified priorities of specific thematic team(s). This involves creating and implementing standards, policies and procedures for research and campaigning staff to follow, liaising with IS teams and the movement to ensure the consistent and coordinated implementation of AI policies and strategies at the international level, including in the context of the relevant AI campaigns. Develop and manage a program of high-quality research, including by conceptualizing, organizing or participating in field research missions, and develop appropriate research methods for AI's work in this area to ensure that AI reports and other documents are informed, effective, and integrate AI policies and strategies.

3 Manage the one or more thematic teams, ensuring planning, coordination and distribution of work within the team, setting priorities, agreeing detailed work plans, budgets and schedules; supporting research in progress and approving final outputs; monitoring adherence to operating standards, including the agreed guidelines on self-servicing; establishing systems to ensure feedback, mutual support and accountability; and identifying training and development needs. Provide sound political judgment and expertise, in order to lead the development and implementation of effective strategies, operational plans and responses to crisis situations. Write timely and effective analyses, reports, briefings, media materials, and other internal and external materials aimed at promoting AI policy positions and contributing to external debate, especially in areas that may be new to AI and underdeveloped in the human rights framework. Analyze global political, economic, social and legislative trends relevant to AI s work on these themes, and provide authoritative policy advice on emerging issues. Lead the development and implementation of special thematic projects, as agreed with the Director of Global Thematic Issues. Ensure the quality of AI s research output through training, advice, commissioning research and policy papers, and review and approval of documents produced by IS staff and the movement. Represent AI to governments, international financial institutions, other intergovernmental bodies, expert meetings, civil society representatives, and the media in coordination with relevant staff in the Law and Policy Programme, regional programmes, and other relevant programmes, and otherwise act as an expert spokesperson to raise public awareness of AI and its calls for action, build support for concrete recommendations for change, and position AI at the forefront of the human rights movement. Contribute to the management of the Global Thematic Issues Programme within agreed areas of responsibility; deputize for the Programme Director as requested; manage cross-program or intra-program project teams, and participate in crisis response and other project teams as appropriate in order to contribute to the overall smooth running of the programme. Participate in the management team of the International Seecretariat. Develop and maintain cooperative relations with the rest of AI s movement and key external stakeholders. Report regularly and effectively to staff and to other managers and be accountable for the work of thematic teams and special projects.

4 WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE IN THIS JOB? The team or teams managed by the DPD/Head of Special Projects carry out effective research and action projects, delivered on schedule, and provides AI staff with sound technical and policy advice; GTI identifies emerging transnational human rights trends and provides authoritative analysis and advice to the IS and movement. The staff and financial resources of GTI are effectively managed; AI is able to play a role in strategic policy development and advocacy on these themes, including with external partners. Materials and tools prepared for research and policy development are widely used in the AI movement and externally, and advice is sought on the Team s priority projects from colleagues at the IS and in the movement; The resources of the GTI Programme (staff and financial) are well-managed within agreed parameters. Cooperative relations with the rest of AI s movement and key external stakeholders are developed and maintained. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Significant expert knowledge -- demonstrated through academic qualifications or the equivalent and substantial professional experience -- of at least one of the human rights issues covered by the programme, including the relevant international law and standards. Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, demonstrated in a range of publications, and substantial experience in planning and leading field based research missions Demonstrated experience of managing people and resources Strong credibility and relationship building skills, including experience of influencing and negotiating at a senior level with governments, corporations and intergovernmental bodies Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience of conducting and managing research, including field research, for advocacy purposes Excellent public speaking, writing and editing skills in English, fluency in other languages highly desired.

5 Proven ability to formulate coherent policies based on a comprehensive understanding of relevant human rights issues Excellent political judgment and organizational skills Demonstrated ability to set strategies, manage projects and take decisions Experience of developing and managing advocacy and campaigns Experience in negotiating and working collaboratively within a group or organization or externally to achieve a common goal HOW YOU WORK - COMPETENCIES: Competency: Level: (A, B or C) Delivering Results: C Working with others: B Developing oneself and others: B Contributing to a Dynamic and Effective International Secretariat: B Making decisions: B Taking the initiative: B Communicating and influencing: C EQUALITY STATEMENT Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Public or other activity, affiliation to or support for any group or organization, personal association or other factor which may generate a real or perceived conflict of interest with Amnesty International s principles (specifically independence and impartiality), or raise a security concern, or otherwise prevent the candidate from carrying out key functions of the specific post and would therefore disqualify the candidate from being appointed. Written by: Audrey Gaughran Date agreed: April 2015 To be reviewed: