MENA Advocacy Director

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is the USA country section of the Amnesty International global movement. The AIUSA Advocacy Director (AD) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is responsible for developing strategies and working with AIUSA volunteer leaders (including Legislative Coordinators and Country/Thematic Specialists) to end human rights violations by MENA states, principally by influencing U.S. policy toward and bringing about improvements in human rights in the MENA region. The position is based in Washington, D.C. Collaborating with volunteer leaders, other staff, and partners, the AD will also be responsible for influencing U.S. policy toward the MENA region via:

• Outreach to the U.S. public, including serving as a media spokesperson on human rights violations by MENA states, collaborating with other NGOs, and training AIUSAs grassroots membership;
• Participation in nationwide lobbying efforts and campaigns targeting the U.S. federal government;
• Collaboration with other AIUSA programs and membership structures, other Amnesty country sections, and the International Secretariat.

Responsibilities

Influencing the development of U.S. policy on human rights issues in the MENA region

• Lead AIUSAs advocacy on ending human rights violations by MENA states in consultation with relevant staff and membership structures. Current AIUSA advocacy priorities include focused work on Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories. As MENA advocacy priorities periodically change, the AD will be expected to adjust the workplan to match the AIUSA advocacy priorities.
• Advocate with and educate U.S. government officials to help stop human rights violations by MENA states. The effectiveness of the AD depends, to a large extent, on their leadership in coordinating congressional briefings, testifying before Congress, drafting and negotiating legislation, developing administrative policy recommendations, and educating government officials on MENA human rights developments.
• Cultivate relationships with foreign government officials. Develop and maintain contacts with foreign government officials in Washington, DC, as well as government lobbyists and representatives of official human rights commissions.

Public Outreach

• Speak publicly on human rights violation in MENA states and on U.S. policy relevant to those violations, including at hearings, briefings, conferences, protests, and rallies.
• Work in close consultation with the Media unit, represent AIUSA in interviews with the news media (TV, radio, print, social) on human rights violations by MENA states.
• Write materials advancing AIUSA advocacy agenda including letters, briefings, blogs, op-eds, action alerts. Disseminate Amnesty Internationals publications, in cooperation with the Public Affairs team and volunteer leaders to Congress, U.S. government, media, and NGOs.
• Coordinate with volunteer leaders and staff to provide training for relevant membership groups and events, including regional conferences and the Annual General Meeting.

Coordinate with Section-Wide Campaigns and lobbying

• Advise and collaborate with volunteer leaders and relevant member groups, and participate in country campaigns and special actions on MENA states.
• During major regional campaigns and crises, serve as a strategist for AIUSA, in consultation and collaboration with country specialists, on ending human rights violations by MENA states.
• In consultation with International Secretariat, Amnesty MENA Regional Offices, and country specialists, implement U.S. component of global Amnesty advocacy efforts on stopping human rights violations by MENA states.

Requirements

• BA/BS and 10 years experience in U.S.-MENA human rights policy issues, including refugee protection, humanitarian aid, prisoners of conscience, and freedom of expression, or MA/MS and 8 years relevant experience.
• Proven experience in U.S. federal lobbying and/or policy advocacy, including drafting and analyzing legislation, writing Congressional testimony, and leading coalitions.
• Public speaking experience, including Congressional hearings, Hill briefings, press conferences, academic conferences.
• Experience working and living in MENA region
• Superb writing and research skills, with ability to produce high-quality writing in fast-paced environment.
• Extensive experience with media (print, social)
• Ability to produce high-volume, accurate work in rapidly changing environment, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in highly collaborative and consultative environment.
• U.S. domestic travel (at least two trips annually, COVID safety pending)
• International travel to MENA region (at least one trip annually, COVID safety pending)

Desired

• Graduate degree in international relations, foreign service, law, or other relevant/related field
• Working proficiency in Arabic
• Experience with live media interviews (TV, radio)
• Experience working with grassroots advocates and/or volunteer leaders