Director, Human Rights and Advocacy at The Initiative for Equal Rights

Job Start: January 2017
Reporting to: Executive Director 
Position description
The Initiative for Equal Rights (“TIERs”) is hiring for the position of a Director of Human Rights  and  Advocacy(“DHRA”) The  position  holder  will  design  programs and provide strategic direction toward programs that address the stigma, discrimination
and  violence  experiencedby  LGBT  persons  in  Nigeria
The DHRA will  also  engage policymakers   and   relevant   stakeholders in   ensuring   issues   of   LGBT   rights   are
prioritized by CSOs and policy makers
The person will also be responsible for leading the  program  team  and  giving technical  assistance on  all  programs within  the
department   and   ensuring   that   initiative   implemented   reflects   the   priorities   of advocacy and human rights needs of LGBT persons

Role and Responsibilities

• Developing advocacy   priorities   and   strategies,   identifying   advocacy opportunities,     and     undertaking     advocacy
• targeting governments, intergovernmental organizations, and the general public
• Coordinating and providing training and other capacity building activities to human rights defenders/activists, nascent LGBT organizations both in Nigeria and within the West Africa sub-region
• Providing strategic direction, technical assistance and networking support to human  rights  defenders/activists  and  networking  with  mainstream  human rights CSOs
• Undertaking   and   working closely   with   the   research   and   knowledge management   team   to   research   and analyze,   prepare   reports   and publications focusing on SOGIE based issues and rights
• When  necessary,  serve  as  spokesperson  for  TIERs,  including  through  the preparation of statements, media releases and op-eds
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with key partners including   NGOs,   governments,   intergovernmental organizations,   human rights bodies and experts, journalists and funders
• Working  closely  with  international,  regional,  national  and  local  civil  society organizations and activists through formal and informal coalitions
• Monitoring   key   developments   in   relation   to   human   rights   violations experience  by  LGBTI persons,  and  preparing  and  publishing  annual  reports highlighting human rights violations based on SOGIE
• Contributing  to  the  writing,  editing  and  publication  of  TIERs  publications, including papers, shadow reports and other related publications
• Working closely  with  other  team  members  to  prepare  and  submit  funding proposals   that   can   support   the   advancement of   the   work   of   the department
• Assisting  with  the  planning,  and  preparation  of  TIERs  public advocacy events
• Supervising  and  managing  other  direct  support  staff  and  other  personnel where appropriate
• Performing other duties that might be assigned by direct supervisors

Qualification and Experience

• A  degree  in  law,  international  relations, the social   sciences or  related discipline
• A Masters-level degree would be an advantage
• At  least three-fiveyear’s previous  professional  experience  working  on human rights laws, policies and institutions preferably with NGOs
• Experience   in   designing   and   implementing   successful   human   rights programs, campaigns and initiatives
• A  strong  commitment  to,  and  passion  for,  the  principles  and  practice  of equality, social inclusionand human rights
• Ability to think and act quickly, creatively and strategically under pressure
• Excellent    writing    skills    with    a    proven    ability in interpersonal    and communication skills
• Good with networking and managing complex situation
• Ability to deliver task with minimal supervision
• Understanding of issues affecting members of the LGBT community in Nigeria and  abroad including,but  not  limited  to,homophobia,  transphobia  and heterosexism