We’re hiring for a Research and Advocacy Officer. Please find attached job description and instructions below.
JOB TITLE: RESEARCH & ADVOCACY OFFICER
REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DIRECT REPORTS: INTERNS/VOLUNTEERS (as needed)
STATUS: FULL TIME
LOCATION: PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR
APPLICATION PERIOD: 26 OCTOBER – 16 NOVEMBER (on a rolling basis)
COMMENCEMENT DATE: IMMEDIATELY
About the organisation
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.
Amnesty International Malaysia (AI Malaysia)’s vision is for a world in which every person’s fundamental human rights is protected as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. AI Malaysia’s mission is to undertake study and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote human rights.
AI Malaysia is independent of any government, political ideology or religious creed. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
Position Overview
Amnesty International Malaysia is currently seeking to hire a research and advocacy officer (‘researcher’) on human rights in Malaysia. We are looking for someone with significant in-country work experience, a broad network of local contacts, good knowledge of human rights issues, advanced analytic skills, and strong writing abilities. The incumbent will be responsible for producing research pieces and other related content to help deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities as well as contributing to campaigning strategies. Experience with public speaking, media engagement and a visible presence on social media are also plus points. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia is required. Command of other languages would be a plus point.
Core Responsibilities:
- To develop and implement overarching research and advocacy strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities on Malaysia, including developing strategies with key stakeholders to identify the most effective ways to address human rights concerns; and to design specific projects and producing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating plans for these initiatives.
- To monitor, research, investigate and analyse human rights-related developments in order to provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and expert advice on the human rights situation in Malaysia.
- To organise and take part in, where agreed, field research and other missions, specifically on information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations; prepare, where necessary, security assessments, political and other briefings in relation to the mission for Amnesty International Malaysia and relevant departments, mission participants and internal or external stakeholders; and represent Amnesty International in the field;
- To develop, with support of the team, relevant campaign and advocacy strategies with the aim of achieving intended objectives of research outputs
- To represent Amnesty International Malaysia to external stakeholders, including in governmental, inter-governmental and various public forums, as well as to all forms of news media, civil society organisations and political, economic and other actors; and to communicate Amnesty International’s concerns, positions and, where relevant, campaign strategies to external and internal stakeholders;
- To develop and maintain effective constituencies of public and confidential contacts and partners in and outside the organisation – such as human rights activists, members of legal and other professions, UN agencies and governmental representatives – to optimise information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans;
- To write reports, media output and other materials for publication and internal use and contribute to and provide advice in relation to written and other materials produced by other programmes;
- To contribute to the development of programme-wide strategies and plans for research and campaigning and provide input into internal discussions on the Amnesty International mission, policy, organisational and other issues in order to increase the effectiveness of Amnesty International’s work;
- n consultation with team, to participate in the planning and development of priorities and goals for Amnesty International Malaysia, including preparing work plans, monitoring their progress and contributing to maintaining basic budgets;
- To act as a spokesperson for the organisation with the approval of the Executive Director, including interviews from media, education institutions, civil society organisations or others on Human Rights work themes.
- To conduct and facilitate trainings and human rights education programs for Amnesty International Malaysia members and supporters, external stakeholders as well as staff;
- To participate, contribute expertise, consult or oversee with the team on projects from early planning steps to completion;
- To contribute to the development and maintenance of an effective information management reporting system;
- Work with regional office (ESEAPRO), international secretariat (IS) and section (AIM) to produce research outputs; annual reports, correspondence with government officials, statements and other media releases; organise events and press conferences; campaign initiatives; and other related projects in order to promote human rights in Malaysia.
- Support the Executive Director by managing and guiding the section to execute AIM’s external priorities and human rights agenda, as required by the Executive Director.
The candidate should have:
- Strong and demonstrable understanding of a broad range of human rights issues (focus on AI Malaysia’s core campaign areas a plus, not a requirement)
- Advanced analytical skills, and a strong ability to apply intersectional frameworks to research and advocacy
- Significant in-country experience and sharp understanding of the local socio-political landscape
- Excellent networking skills and a broad network of local contacts
- Strong organization, project management, time management and multi-tasking skills
- Strong verbal and written communications skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia is required. Fluency in a vernacular language is strongly desired.
- Ability to produce quality work under time pressure and competing priorities
- Ability to work both autonomously and as a team player with effective interpersonal skills
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people with respect, thoughtfulness and kindness
- Experience engaging with the media and public speaking strongly desirable
- A masters/ degree qualification in human rights is desirable but not essential.
- Fluency in social media a plus point
- A willingness to work beyond office hours and on public holidays and weekends, when necessary (with replacement leave for work done outside working hours)
- As this is a senior position, candidates with at least several years of working experience preferred.
Salary: RM7000++ /month
Please submit your resume, cover letter and three references to [email protected] by 16th November 2022. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please use ‘APPLICATION – RESEARCHER’ as your e-mail Subject.