United States of America: Program Facilitator

Organization: ESCR-Net
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 08 Dec 2014

ESCR-Net is the largest network of groups and individuals from around the world working to secure economic and social justice through human rights with over 270 members in 70 countries. ESCR-Net seeks to strengthen the field of all human rights, with a special focus on economic, social and cultural rights, and further develop the tools for achieving their promotion, protection and fulfillment. By facilitating joint actions, enhancing communications and building solidarity between members, the network seeks to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all. The collective work of ESCR-Net members is supported by a small secretariat staff. For more information on ESCR-Net, please visit www.escr-net.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

ESCR-Net is seeking a new member for our Secretariat team who can balance the requirements of continuous outreach to ESCR-Net members, facilitation of collective work, logistical planning and informed analysis of a diverse range of issues. In close collaboration with the Coordinator of the Corporate Accountability and Economic Policy working groups, the Program Facilitator will coordinate and/or support member-led projects of the Corporate Accountability Working Group and Economic Policy Working Group, ranging from activities such as the Peoples’ Forum on Human Rights & Business, the collaborative activities of the Bank on Human Rights Coalition, the Corporate Capture Project and collective advocacy activities in support of the development of a treaty on human rights & business.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

v Outreach to a diverse group of ESCR-Net members engaged in areas of work related to economic policy and human rights to assess their priorities and overlaps with the priorities of other members;

v Support outreach and coordination of member-led projects of the Bank on Human Rights Coalition in the field of human rights & development finance;

v Facilitate and/or support member-led projects of the Corporate Accountability Working Group and Economic Policy Working Group, including the:

• Annual ESCR-Net Peoples’ Forum on Human Rights & Business;

• Corporate Capture Project;

• Development of an international treaty on human rights and business;

• Consultations on a UN General Comment on ESCR & Corporate Actors by the Committee on the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and

• Advocacy of emblematic cases of corporate related human rights abuses.v Organize, facilitate and/or support international conference calls, in-person meetings, advocacy efforts and/or activities;

v Moderate online discussion groups, facilitate information exchange, update related websites and produce informational materials as necessary;

v Manage queries and other requests from ESCR-Net members and other groups working in the field of human rights;

v Travel internationally in relationship to ESCR-Net activities and areas of work on a periodic basis as necessary, and;

v Represent ESCR-Net at international events, conferences, and meetings and convey organizational framework; build strategic partnerships with current and prospective members.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A relevant post-graduate degree in the fields of law, economics, international affairs, law or relevant degree related to the field of human rights, plus a minimum of one year of work experience in a relevant field of human rights, OR;

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in the fields of law, economics, international affairs, law or relevant degree related to the field of human rights, plus a minimum of three years of experience in a relevant field of human rights.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strong listening skills and ability to quickly grasp new issues in dialogue with members and through research;

• Experience planning and implementing collaborative workshops, advocacy efforts and/or activities in multiple contexts and/or countries;

• Good political judgment and capacity to outreach to and engage with diverse human rights organizations, grassroots groups, advocates and government officials across the world;

• Ability to think strategically and identify emerging issues and relevant openings in the field;

• Flexibility to work comfortably in a small, collegial office environment and periodically take on different administrative and support tasks;

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including experience with utilizing social media and updating websites;

• Ability to work independently, and;

• Fluency in English and a high level of proficiency in Spanish.

Preferred:

• Fluency in a third language, particularly French or Arabic, including drafting and reviewing documents and oral communication;

• Experience organizing or working in close partnership with frontline advocates challenging human rights abuses;

• Experience living and working in multiple regions of the world;

• Experience with undertaking research and related writing into topics concerning corporate accountability / economic policy and human rights;• Strong facilitation skills and experience coordinating collective advocacy with diverse human rights organizations, grassroots groups, advocates and government officials, and;

• Effective public speaking experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The ESCR-Net Secretariat is an open office format allowing collaboration. The Secretariat has a welcoming, cooperative and focused environment. This position will involve extended computer and desk use on a daily basis. The role may also require travel to different regions.

COMPENSATION:

Program Assistant is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage and generous vacation and paid leave. Pay is commensurate with experience and comparable to similar NGOs. This position will ideally be based at the primary office of ESCR-Net’s Secretariat in New York City; however, in certain circumstances, we may consider a remote working arrangement.

How to apply:

Please send a resume, references and cover letter to ESCR-Net: escr-net@escr-net.org, using Program Assistant, Corporate Accountability Working Group / Economic Policy Working Group’ in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first review of applications will take place on Monday, December 8th. Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding during this process