Human Rights Advocacy Officer – Harm Reduction International

By Harm Reduction International, on 23 January 2018

We are currently seeking to recruit Human Rights Advocacy Officer to join us. Working as a member of our Campaigns and Advocacy Team.
Founded in 1996, Harm Reduction International (HRI) is the oldest and most visible global harm reduction organisation. Through high-profile research and advocacy, HRI works to build a world in which individuals and communities benefit from drug laws, policies and practices that promote health, dignity and human rights. We are an influential international source of research, policy/legal analysis and advocacy on drugs, health and human rights issues.
Since 2007, HRI has been a leading global voice on human rights issues linked to drug control, and has been centrally involved in mainstreaming human rights and drug control issues within civil society and the UN.
As a member of our Campaigns and Advocacy Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for:
    •    Delivering a two-year programme of advocacy work and coalition building on the issue of the death penalty for drug offences
    •    Playing a leadership role in international human rights and drug policy advocacy
    •    Developing and operationalising HRI’s broader human rights advocacy agenda
    •    Representing HRI internationally to strengthen our reputation for innovative and effective human rights advocacy
Responsibilities include
Advocacy and campaigning
    •    Play a central role in the delivery of HRI’s work on the death penalty for drug offences
    •    Identify opportunities for HRI to engage on key human rights issues linked to drug control or harm reduction at national, regional and international levels.
    •    Draft and support the production of high quality advocacy material to be used at national, regional and international levels.
    •    Represent HRI in key national, regional and international fora
    •    Build and maintain relationships with key external partners
Research
    •    Participate in developing strategic research on human rights and drug control developments where needed, including specific project deliverables as required
Management
    •    Manage interns on specific projects as required, ensuring delivery of projects to sufficient quality
Fundraising and budget management
    •    Identify opportunities for funding and work with HRI colleagues to make applications
    •    Assist in reporting to donors, as requested by senior staff
Essential Qualifications
    •    A strong commitment to harm reduction, human rights and civil society strengthening
    •    Minimum of 3 years’ experience in campaigning/advocacy with a demonstrable contribution to achieving successful advocacy outcomes
    •    Strong diplomacy skills and the ability to bring together diverse partners and interests
    •    Ability and willingness to undertake international travel
    •    Ability to work independently, and to juggle multiple projects and deadlines
    •    Postgraduate degree in a relevant field, or comparable professional experience
    •    Excellent spoken and written English, and presentation skills
Desirable Qualifications
    •    Understanding of the UN system, and working knowledge of UN agencies and processes related to human rights and drug policy
    •    Proven commitment to civil society work
    •    Experience with external communications
    •    Proficiency in a second language
Salary: £32,000-£34,000
Location: The post will be based at the HRI office in London. We can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to live and work in the UK.
Application details: This is full-time contract for a period of two years, to start as soon as possible.
Please send cover letter and CV to Rick Lines, Executive Director (rick.lines@hri.global); we are accepting applications on a rolling basis.