Freedom Now is an international non-governmental organization that protects individuals and communities from government repression and defends human rights through direct legal support, targeted high-leverage advocacy, and capacity-building analysis and assistance. Since 2008, Freedom Now has systematically sought to end arbitrary detention by providing pro bono legal representation to nearly 200 prisoners of conscience throughout the world. Alongside this legacy casework, we engage in campaigns and initiatives that address root causes and associated abuses of arbitrary detention.
Position Description:
Freedom Now is seeking a full-time Eurasia Program Director to help advance the organization’s dedicated project to bring genuine reform in Eurasian countries. The director will be responsible for the development and implementation of an international advocacy strategy that will more effectively elevate human rights as an essential component of international engagement and counter the deceptive narrative these countries dispense abroad to secure lucrative financial support and security partnerships, especially with the United States and European Union. The director will work closely with the Executive Director and partner organizations in setting the objectives and ensuring that the programmatic goals are met.
Successful candidates will be collaborative, knowledgeable about the Eurasia region, and passionate about advancing human rights and the rule of law through international advocacy efforts. Experience in building advocacy campaigns, including engaging influential lawmakers and policymakers in friendly countries, is essential. Familiarity with the US Congress is strongly desired. The ideal candidate will be a unique and creative thinker who thrives in an environment where a premium is placed on effective communication, tenacity, adaptability, and being a self-starter.
This position will be staffed in Washington, DC, with some travel as required (once COVID-19-related travel restrictions are lifted). The salary ($75,000) and benefits, such as generous paid leave and flexible working arrangements, for this position will be commensurate with experience. This position will be established for two years, with extensions contingent on performance and availability of funding. The Eurasia Director will report to and work closely with the Executive Director.
Interested candidates should submit a CV along with cover letter, three references, and an appropriate writing sample to [email protected] by January 19, 2021. Applications submitted without these materials will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been selected, which may occur prior to the deadline. Due to the high volume of qualified applicants, please understand we will only be able to follow-up with individuals who have been selected for an interview.
Position Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an ambitious, innovative advocacy plan for the Eurasian region and for individual project countries;
- Cultivate and build relationships with partner organizations and activists working on the region and build a working coalition of NGOs and experts;
- Liaise regularly with staff and partner organizations to ensure up-to-date information about fundamental human rights issues and political insight;
- Establish relationships with key policy makers, officials, and other influential stakeholders in Washington, DC (and elsewhere);
- Identify and facilitate impactful advocacy initiatives;
- Prepare timely, high quality, and impactful advocacy and communications materials, including briefing papers, talking points, government and organizational sign-on letters, in-depth thematic reports, opinion articles, blog posts, and press releases;
- Represent and speak on behalf of Freedom Now at public events, meetings, and to the media;
- Ability and willingness to travel to Europe and Eurasia; and
- Comply with any and all internal and donor-related reporting requirements and other administrative duties as required.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Post graduate or advanced degree in human rights, law, or a related discipline;
- A minimum of five years of professional experience in a legislative/parliamentary body or NGO sector engaged in government relations and/or advocacy;
- Established relationships with key US policy maker staff and US government officials is ideal (other non-US government relationships helpful);
- Excellent instincts and political judgment;
- Extensive experience with developing and implementing advocacy strategies and mobilizing effective campaigns;
- Experience in developing and implementing a communications strategy, utilizing traditional and social media;
- Experience with synthesizing complex information into concise proposals and results-driven asks;
- First-rate project management skills;
- Exceptionally strong communication, research, writing, and editing skills and the ability to turn around high quality work quickly;
- Familiarity with international human rights law and institutions;
- Familiarity with the political and human rights landscapes in Eurasia;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively with colleagues and a diverse group of partners;
- High levels of ambition, energy, drive, dynamism, determination, and focus;
- Fluent in English; fluency in Russian or regional language highly desirable; and
- Eligibility to work in the United States required.
Though a small office, Freedom Now is committed to creating a diverse and supportive work environment for our employees, volunteers, and partners. Freedom Now does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any protected characteristic.