Handicap International (HI) is looking for a bright and enthusiastic Disarmament Advocacy Assistant to assist with implementing HI advocacy strategy on disarmament.
Background
Currently present in 60 countries, of which more than 40 are affected by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), Handicap International remains strongly committed to its mission: protecting civilians from the effects of armed conflict, ensuring access to an adapted and comprehensive response for victims of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), persons with disabilities and most vulnerable people in contexts of crises and post-crises, and calling for recognition of their needs and respect of their rights at the international and national level.
Advocacy is a key component of HI’s social mission and is rooted in our action on the field. Our objective is to achieve policy change to increase the impact and meaning of our action. It implies liaising with policy makers, engaging with networks, participating in international conferences and events, raising awareness of the general public and the media.
Our advocacy on disarmament encompasses universalization and implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty and of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, with a strong focus on the need to implement victim assistance obligations in links with other international instruments. We also work towards a political commitment to prevent the harm caused by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
Job description
Objective: Under the supervision of the Advocacy Manager for Disarmament and Protection of Civilians, you will provide support to the advocacy team in implementing activities to achieve policy changes on disarmament related topics. Your main missions will relate to the following priorities:
- Strong evidence-based advocacy to influence policies at the national and international levels, assisting victims of mines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) with a particular focus on ensuring an integrated approach to victim assistance under the Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and other relevant treaties;
- Collaboration with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the Cluster Munitions Coalition (CMC) to increase the number of States Parties to the APMBC and the CCM and ensure that the universalization and implementation of these conventions stay a priority for the international community;
- Facilitation of the participation and influence of survivors and others impacted by the use of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) over decision-making processes at national and international levels;
- Increased engagement of the EU in disarmament and protection of civilians issues
- Contribution to HI advocacy on better protection of civilians from the use of explosive weapons.
Major duties and responsibilities
- Support elaboration and publication of evidence-based advocacy material (factsheets, briefing papers, case studies, reports…) on disarmament related topics;
- Assist in liaising with HI programs, supporting data collection (for Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor) and the organization of events at national level to ensure universalization and implementation on APMBC and the CCM;
- Assist with the organization of meetings with decision-makers, and side events at international conferences:
- Facilitate the participation of victims and their representative organizations
- Assist with travel and other conference logistics
- Monitor policy developments on disarmament related issues (campaigns, other NGOs, media, States position etc.), monitor specifically the implementation of the Maputo and Dubrovnik Action Plans;
- Monitor EU policy activities on the topic of protection of civilians from the use of explosive weapons, and identify advocacy opportunities for HI;
- Assist with communication (sending letters, writing articles etc.), preparation and dissemination of documents internally and externally;
- Assist with preparing funding proposals.
Candidate profile (skills, knowledge & interests)
Knowledge
- Strong interest in disarmament and protection of civilians issues
- Good understanding of UN and EU decision-making processes
- Good knowledge on APMBC and the CCM, with a specific focus on victim assistance
- Desirable knowledge on different weapons systems
- Fair knowledge of International Humanitarian Law
- Understanding of disability issues
Experience and abilities
- At least two years of experience in the field of advocacy, ideally including disarmament, international humanitarian law and or international relations
- Good facilitation and coordination skills.
- Good analytical skills, with enhanced political sense
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Proven experience in the organization of public events
- Strong computer literacy - MS Office applications (Excel, Word and Power Point); good knowledge of social media (twitter, blog etc.)
Languages
Excellent oral and written English and French.
Other languages are desirable
Salary package
Base salary, taking into account the experience of the candidate + holiday paid + 13 month + meal vouchers + hospitalization and pension insurance + monthly transport contribution.
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter to: [email protected] before 28th April 2018.