Country: Kyrgyzstan
Closing date: 10 May 2016
Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.
Position Summary
The Senior Advisor for Government Engagement (SAGE) will guide project activities related to civil society engagement for government advocacy and expert support in the development of key pieces of legislation and public policies affecting human rights in line with Kyrgyzstan’s constitutional and international obligations and ongoing reform efforts. He/she will also have input on the curricula and programming of Human Rights Schools, and will provide programmatic input on the Universal Periodic Review regional and national consultations. This position is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and reports to the Project Director in Bishkek and the Eurasia Program Manager in Washington, DC.
Minimum Qualifications
- Advanced degree required – law degree preferred, other degrees such as MA in International Affairs or relevant fields also desirable
- At least three (3) years of experience conducting democracy and human rights programs
- Advocacy skills and experience in the area of democracy human rights is a plus
- Deep knowledge of the government and legislative process in Kyrgyzstan, experience in providing technical assistance to government and strengthening government capacity
- Excellent communication, training and facilitating skills
- Experience working in difficult operating environments
- Expertise in Central Asia region
- Knowledge of democracy and human rights issues in Kyrgyzstan
- Ability to communicate effective verbally and in writing
- Fluency in Russian
- Ability to read, write and speak Kyrgyz a plus
- Ability to read, write and speak English a plus
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to use productivity software such as MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Plans, develops and maintains meaningful direct engagement with the government of Kyrgyzstan through work with the Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, Ombudsman’s Office, National Preventive Mechanism against Torture, Ministry of Justice, and other government offices, ministries and agencies on the legislative and policy reforms to advocate and strengthen human rights in Kyrgyzstan
- Monitors and collects data on the government’s progress in addressing key human rights issues in line with Kyrgyzstan’s constitutional and international obligations
- Provides advocacy and advisory support to the project’s subgrantees and partners for delivering their policy recommendations to the government of Kyrgyzstan
- Provides input on organizing Policy Forums, and in developing the curricula and programming of Human Rights Schools, as well as programmatic input on the Universal Periodic Review regional consultations
- Builds and maintains relationships with civil society and human rights organizations in the country and internationally
- Supports the PD in representing the project with USAID, USG partners in country, other donors, and Kyrgyzstani partners and other groups and government authorities
- Supports coordination of project’s activities with other donor programs and partners in Kyrgyzstan
- Supports and promotes Freedom House’s public image, professional standards and rules, employment policies and ethical norms in project activities and in public, as well as among the project staff
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer:
This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and that other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
How to apply:
Qualified and Interested Applicants
Qualified candidates must complete an online application and submit a resume, and cover letter with salary history and desired salary.
https://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc05/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=FREEHOUS&cws=39&rid=256
This vacancy is open to those candidates with relevant permits to work in Kyrgyzstan.
No relocation costs will be covered by Freedom House.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
EOE/M/F/D/V