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The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is seeking well-qualified applicants for the position of a United Nations Advocacy Officer of the Arab Regional Advocacy Program (ARAP). The UNAO reports to the Director of the Geneva Office of CIHRS (GO-CIHRS).The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS): The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) was established in 1993 as a regional NGO dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. Its mission is to strengthen the human rights movement within the Middle East and North Africa. For more than 20 years, CIHRS has played a unique and central role in identifying and responding to the challenges and needs of this movement and helping to shape its development. CIHRS enjoys consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC and observer status with the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights. CIHRS has its main offices in Cairo, and an office in Geneva. CIHRS has received numerous awards for its work including the French Republic Award for Human Rights in December 2007, and an award from the Library of Alexandria (2010).The Arab Regional Advocacy Program (ARAP): The ARAP is a regional program that is designed to increase the ability of human rights actors in the Arab region 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 Arab human rights actors and strengthen the human rights movement in the Arab region in order to defend and expand public freedoms, with a particular focus on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.JOB PURPOSE: As the United Nations Advocacy Officer for the ARAP you will become a “consultant” on United Nations human rights policy and mechanisms for human rights defenders from throughout the Arab region, and act as a full time advocate at the UN and other international advocacy targets to further the human rights goals of CIHRS and its partners. This will require you to help build the capacities and assist partner organizations and human rights defenders from throughout the Arab region to effectively influence and attain outcomes from international advocacy targets, with a specific focus on the United Nations, and act as the in-house expert at CIHRS on the political, legal and procedural aspects of United Nations human rights mechanisms.JOB DESCRIPTION: The full-time UN Advocacy Officer performs advocacy, outreach, training and research duties in the context of the United Nations, as well as other tasks, according to the needs of the organization and its partners. As the UN Advocacy Officer you will be working with a small team of co-workers within the Geneva Office of CIHRS, as well as with a larger team of program and CIHRS staff located in multiple countries. Finally you will also be working with partner organizations and human rights activists from throughout the Arab region and around the world to carry out national, regional and global human rights advocacy campaigns and initiatives.Tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Follow and monitor human rights and institutional developments at the Human Rights Council, OHCHR, Treaty Bodies, and other relevant institutions and mechanisms in GenevaPursue advocacy goals of CIHRS and its partners at the United Nations and other international advocacy targets (state capitals, EU, etc.)Produce research and analysis on UN human rights policy and developments when requiredProvide training, support and assistance to partner organizations in the Arab region in their work and relations with UN mechanisms and officials throughout the yearRepresent CIHRS in high-level international meetings, strategy sessions, events, trainings etc.Advocate and inform government delegations to the UN, governmental ministries, officials of intergovernmental bodies, International, regional and local NGOs and international media personnel year round on important human rights priorities for the Arab region as decided on by the Advisory Board of the ARAP and its partnersArticulate clear and measurable communication and advocacy objectives, and establish coherent strategies, plans and activities to achieve themPerform media outreach, including the regular use of new mediums of media outreach such as Twitter, the production of press releases, the building of working relations with media outlets and individuals at the United Nations and elsewhere, etcResponsible for aiding in the production editing, formatting, and submission of CIHRS and partner communications to the various international human rights mechanismsProvide and/or supervise and ensure logistics associated with the Geneva-based activities of the ARAP and CIHRSRegularly consult and strategize with CIHRS staff and partner organizations to formulate international and national advocacy strategies and goals the reflect the mission of the ARAPParticipate in CIHRS and program meetings and retreats to assist in the formulation and creation of organizational and program specific goals, plans and strategiesWork with the Director of GO-CIHRS to ensure activity reporting and other donor obligations are satisfiedRecruit and manage a team of interns that will assist you in your mission and goalsProvide administrative and other assistance to the Director of the Geneva Office when requestedREQUIRMENTS:Skills and experience:A university degree in law or relevant social science field (e.g. Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, etc.). Master’s Degree preferable; an academic background in human rights is an asset;Very strong understanding of United Nations processes, international politics and international human rights mechanisms; experience engaging with UN strongly preferred;Relevant work experience strongly preferred;Strong public speaking and presentation skills;Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic, French skills a strong asset;Excellent analytical skills and a strong understanding of the political and social context in the Arab region and the human rights field is expected;Ability to formulate and carry out successful human rights advocacy campaigns;Demonstrated commitment to universal human rights;Willingness and ability to travel regularly, work extra hours (sometimes during weekends), work well under pressure and adapt to emerging issues and changing priorities;The ability to work both as part of a team and to be individually motivated and organized;Ability to work in a multicultural environment;Willingness to take on new and challenging tasks and goalsDURATION: 1 year, with possibility of renewalREMUNERATION: Competitive salary rate for Geneva non-governmental organizationsHOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit:Updated CV or resume (including details of language skills)Cover letter, containing two references with email and phone contact informationPlease indicate which position is being applied for in the subject line of the emailApplications should be submitted by September 10, 2014 to Mr Jeremie Smith (jsmith@cihrs.org).Only applicants who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.