is looking for an Advocacy Officer for its EU office in Brussels, Belgium
The Advocacy Officer helps develop the work of Front Line Defenders at European Union level as part of a small 2-person team in Brussels. This work includes the following tasks:
- Responsibility for sending appeals on cases of human rights defenders at risk to EU/Member State authorities and to Norway/Switzerland to press them for action in accordance with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and beyond;
- Tracking results achieved, and compiling detailed data on responses for analysis and for reporting to headquarters;
- Analysis, in coordination with Front Line Defenders’ Protection Coordinators, on the impact of EU action on Human Rights Defenders, and development and updating of strategies on maximising EU/MS response and impact on HRDs;
- Prepare, in coordination with Front Line Defenders’ Protection Coordinators, briefings on HRDs for input into EU meetings;
- By delegation of the Head of Office, participate in EU briefing and debriefing meetings, and advocate on HRD issues and individual cases;
- In coordination with the Head of Office, initiate and undertake advocacy actions, in particular through the development of contacts with EU/Member State officials;
- Organise and coordinate events, including visits of human rights defenders, awareness-raising workshops, etc.;
- Assist with fundraising;
- Assist the Head of Office in administrative tasks, as appropriate.
Desired profile and required qualifications
- Relevant academic background;
- At least two years of relevant experience, and sound knowledge of the functioning of the EU Institutions, the EU human rights instruments and the international human rights standards;
- Dedication to the protection of human rights defenders and to the promotion of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders;
- Strong organisation and time-management skills;
- Excellent communication, relational and diplomatic skills, both oral and written in English and French;
- Very good computer skills (office applications, database updating);
- Experience of fundraising;
- Availability for meetings early in the morning or late in the afternoon once or twice a week, upon coordination with the Head of Office. The position also requires very occasional international travel.
Salary €3050 per month gross. Conditions are according to Belgian legislation including the legal ability to live and work in Belgium.
Please send a letter of motivation and a CV to emma@frontlinedefenders.org by midnight on Monday 10 July 2017.
Interviews are planned to take place on 24-25th July. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted – thank you for your understanding.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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