About the position

• Title: International Advocacy Director 
• Department: Advocacy
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Reports to: Executive Director 
• Contract: full-time and permanent position
• Start date: 1 October 2023  

Position summary

As senior staff and member of FI’s Management Team, the International Advocacy Director (IAD) is responsible for: 

• Orienting and leading FI’s international advocacy work, including regional advocacy programs with a view to denouncing human rights violations and strengthening the respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights in relevant countries and thematic areas.  
• Overseeing implementation of FI’s advocacy strategies.  
• Coordinating FI’s advocacy team in Geneva and New York and ensuring effective collaboration with the other departments.
  

The International Advocacy Director reports directly to the Executive Director (ED) and is assisted by the Deputy IAD.  

About Franciscans International 

Franciscans International is an international non-governmental organization, with general consultative status at the United Nations, working for the promotion and protection of human rights. Since its establishment in 1989, FI has used advocacy as a tool to address human rights abuses. From its offices in Geneva and New York, FI relies on the expertise and first-hand information of a large network of partners. We work together with and on behalf of Franciscan orders and congregations, as well as with grassroots movements and other civil society organizations to advocate for structural changes addressing the root causes of injustice.  

RESPONSIBILITIES  

As senior staff, the IAD takes the lead in developing, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of the organization’s advocacy agenda. ‬Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Planning, managing, and monitoring  

• Based on FI’s Vision and Mission, lead the development and the implementation of effective advocacy strategies. Orient the strategies and work plans, in consultation with the advocacy team. 
• Monitor the implementation of advocacy strategies in achieving results. 
• Supervise and contribute to the advocacy work in the regions where FI operates. 

Leadership and coordination  

• Provide guidance to FI’s advocacy team on developing UN advocacy at the global and country-specific levels aimed at strengthening respect for human rights. 
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with the Deputy IAD. 
• Work with Franciscans and other partners on collaborative advocacy efforts, in particular with grassroots activists and social movements, in coordination with advocacy team members.   
• Communicate with key partners, including Franciscan leaders and coordinators, on advocacy matters. 

Team coordination and human resources management  

• Organize the recruitment of and supervise advocacy staff and interns.  
• Effectively manage staff and resources in the Advocacy Department, including by: motivating staff and facilitating creative and strategic thinking on advocacy work and priorities; Help solve possible team challenges and manage work effectively by setting priorities and making the best use of resources. 
• As part of FI’s Management Team, contribute to the organization’s development, planning and decision-making.  
• Actively coordinate with other departments, in particular the Communications and Project Management departments, with a view to ensuring common priority-setting and effective engagement with FI’s key audiences. Work with FI’s Project Manager and Financial Officer to support FI’s fundraising efforts and financial sustainability.  
• Provide feedback on FI’s main communications and outreach materials to ensure accuracy and alignment with advocacy goals, priorities, and activities.
• Carry out other duties as required. 

Legal analysis supervision, human rights advocacy and representation in international fora  

• Advance FI’s work at the UN in general and at UN human rights mechanisms, in particular. Build strong relationships with external actors, such as UN experts and representatives of permanent missions at the UN. 
• Foster and develop FI’s position with a rights-based approach in key areas of concern for Franciscans (e.g. poverty, peace and environment)  
• Supervise and ensure the quality of FI’s advocacy interventions (e.g. publications, submissions, statements) in a timely and efficient manner, with the help of advocacy team members.  
• Readiness to travel internationally according to needs.  

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Experience and qualifications 

• Advanced degree in law, international human rights law, international relations or a related field.  
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant international human rights experience, in particular in NGOs. Direct experience working with different UN human rights mechanisms, in particular with the Human Rights Council, is strongly desired.  
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a senior position, managing a team and programs.  
• Previous experience in building bridges between grassroots partners and the UN is strongly desired.  
• Concrete UN human rights advocacy experience on issues related to poverty, peace and/or environment is an asset.  

Expected knowledge & skills  

• Ability to develop strategies and set priorities so as to foster the development of impactful advocacy strategies at the UN that are in line with the organization’s vision and mission as well as with partners’ needs at the grassroots.  
• Ability to lead, supervise, motivate and foster collaboration in a talented and cross-cultural team to achieve common advocacy objectives. Experience in creating a motivating and supportive work environment for the staff is strongly desired.  
• Capacity to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple, sometimes competing, demands efficiently and in a challenging, fast-paced environment. 
• Substantial knowledge of the international human rights system, law, and policies. A sound understanding of the political context in which human rights advocacy processes take place.  
• Proven ability to contribute to the development of strategic and qualitative advocacy interventions, speak publicly in international fora and events, and experience in influencing decision-making processes at the UN.  
• Ability to effectively engage a wide range of audiences (diplomats, governmental authorities, UN experts, media, marginalized and affected communities, religious and Indigenous leaders, Franciscans, and local activists). 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong sense of responsibility, planning and analytical skills.  
• Proficiency in oral and written English. Oral and written knowledge of other UN languages, especially Spanish, is a strong asset. 

FI OFFERS 

• Experience in a professional and growing human rights advocacy organization, with strong connections at the grassroots;   
• A weekly working time of 37,5 hours (100%), 25 days of annual leave, travel insurance, and a salary commensurate with experience.   

HOW TO APPLY  

Deadline for application: Wednesday 31 May 2023 

Applications should be sent in English by email to FI’s Executive Director at director@franciscansinternational.org specifying “International Advocacy Director” in the subject line. 

Applications should include:  

• A CV; 
• A 1-page letter of motivation;  
• 3 references with contact details – email, phone number and working relation; 
• Confirmation that you have a valid Swiss work permit or are eligible to obtain one.
  

Franciscans International is an equal opportunity employer. All interested candidates matching the requirements are welcome to apply whatever their origin, gender, age, and belief. We thank all those who apply. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

First-round interviews will be conducted from 22 June onward, and the successful candidate should start on 1 October or as soon as possible depending on availability.