opportunities

International Advocacy Researcher
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)


Position: International Advocacy Researcher

Program: International Advocacy Program (IAP)

Starting Date: Immediately

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension (with 3 month probation period)

Salary: the remuneration will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant and competitive rates in Egyptian NGOs

Background about CIHRS
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The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is an independent regional non-governmental organization founded in 1993. 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 region 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. CIHRS is also a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and is an Observer Member of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). CIHRS is registered in Egypt, France and Geneva, has its main offices in Cairo, an office in Geneva for its work at UN human rights mechanisms and an institutional presence in Paris. CIHRS was awarded the French Republic Award for Human Rights in December 2007.

Background about the International Advocacy Program
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CIHRS has a long term strategic plan concerning Arab civil society participation in international human rights mechanisms with two primary objectives. The first is to contribute to the process of using the international and regional human rights mechanism such as the UN Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, UN Treaty Bodies, Special Rapporteurs and other relevant institutions. The second is to contribute to protecting and supporting the development of international human rights mechanisms, this will be achieved by regular and systematic participation of Arab NGOs in the ongoing work of international human rights mechanisms, and by CIHRS coordinating a response to the problematic position of major regional actors.

Major responsibilities of the position
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- The researcher is responsible for producing short reports and studies, written/oral interventions to the UN, country reports, background papers, policy briefs, press releases, newspaper articles, submissions to regional and international bodies and other written material to support the CIHRS’ advocacy goals. These documents will be based on quality research, including interviews with partners and stakeholders as well as library and internet research and in close cooperation with CIHRS' Geneva Office.

- The researcher will plan, coordinate and implement advocacy and lobbying campaigns based on the program’s direction expectations as well as engaging with regional and international human rights mechanisms. They will work with Egyptian, Arab, and international NGOs, as needed.

- The researcher will also keep abreast of developments at the international human rights mechanisms level and analyze laws and the main patterns and trends negatively affecting the human rights situation in the Arab region and outline, together with CIHRS' Research Unit, the organization's response to these developments and policies.

- The researcher will work closely and supervise the work of research assistants as well as occasional interns working in research.

Requirements
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- A university degree in law or relevant social science field (e.g. Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, etc.). Masters Degree preferable.

- Excellent analytical skills and a deep understanding of the sociopolitical context in Egypt and the Arab region.

- Outstanding research and writing skills in Arabic and English. Knowledge of French is an extra asset.

- A minimum of 2 years experience working with human rights or civil society organizations or a Masters Degree in International Human Rights Law.

- Demonstrated commitment to universal human rights standards.

- Willingness and ability to travel abroad, work for extra hours and sometimes during weekends, function quickly and well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a team, and juggle multiple tasks.

- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Application
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Deadline before January 9, 2010.

Applicants should send a CV, cover letter and an unedited writing sample(s) in Arabic and English to info@cihrs.org, No telephone call is needed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

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