Research and Campaigns Assistant at Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world and have: more than 2 million members and supporters who drive forward our fight for rights, more than 5 million activists who strengthen our calls for justice.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Title: Research and Campaigns Assistant

Location: Abuja
Job No.: 2243
Directorate: Amnesty International National Office
Type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 2 years
Working Hours: 35

Amnesty International Purpose

• Amnesty International operates from a number of sites around the world and gathers and communicates accurate and action-oriented human rights information globally
• We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal human rights standards
• We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal rights standards. 

Amnesty Nigeria Purpose

• Amnesty International Nigeria mission is to build an inclusive and constructive constituency in Nigeria for Nigeria on Nigeria that has a significant impact on the key human rights issues of contemporary Nigeria; and to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria.

Job Summary

• To assist in the development and implementation of research and campaigning strategies in the Nigeria team, including by monitoring developments;
• Managing information and communications systems; drafting and assisting in the productions of documents;
• Participating in the coordination of the work of the team and providing other support including in relation to field work and response to crisis.

Working Relationships

• Reporting to: Programmes Director -  Amnesty International Nigeria
• Posts that this Job Manages: None
• Other Key Relationships: Amnesty International Nigeria staff particularly the researchers and campaigners, as appropriate. International Secretariat (IS) particularly the thematic teams, National offices and other sections.

Main Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain a broad overview of relevant political and human rights developments
• Assist with research and investigations on the human rights situation in Nigeria or thematic areas
• Participate in the planning, organization, and coordination of field research and other relevant AI missions and travel and campaign activities; including interviewing, taking notes, writing reports and briefings, preparing budgets, providing logistical support and solving problems
• Assist the Nigeria teams’ research, campaigning, communication and growth activities by gathering and managing human rights-related information, by liaising with national and local contacts, media monitoring, internet searches and manual and electronic filing in relevant databases.
• Assist with campaigning, communication, research, human rights education and growth activities through the production and distribution of public and internal campaigning materials, reports and other documents, as delegated or originated by campaigns, communications, research or growth teams, including drafting, formatting, editing/proof-reading, distribution of texts and, where appropriate, coordinating the translation of documents
• Assist in planning, management and administrative meetings, seminars and workshops;
• Assist with processing incoming inquiries, petitions and follow-up with correspondence
• Manage files, records and other information retrieval systems where necessary within the organization’s self-servicing guidelines
• Contribute to the development of programme-wide strategies and plans for research, campaigning, youth activism and growth and provide input into internal discussions on the AI mission, policy and organizational issues in order to increase the effectiveness of AI’s work
• Contribute to the team’s response during a crisis or unexpected work Interview, assist with the selection of, induct, and supervise volunteers working in the team
• Participate in coordinating the work of the team and contribute to the overall flexibility of resource use, including through providing cover for other Programme staff as agreed with management

Skills, Attributes and Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Law or related disciplines
• At least 3 years’ work experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, e.g. through previous work, membership of an organization, involvement in advocacy of human rights, etc
• Experience of writing research materials for a variety of audiences, together with an understanding of the importance of tailoring materials for various target audiences including through digital channels
• Good interpersonal skills, a helpful and personable attitude;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; other relevant local languages or additional foreign languages desirable;
• Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting demands, multi task and work to deadlines to achieve results; 
• Ability to deal in a sensitive and understanding manner with a variety of people, including survivors of human rights violations and others who may be distressed.
• Able to work in a manner that is consistent with the organisation’s core behaviours and competencies.
• Possess a high level of resilience, initiative and drive, is creative and able to be flexible and change orientation as required;
• Good working knowledge of standard Office software e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook 
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to draft and proof-read research, communication and campaign materials tailored to the appropriate audience
• Ability to gather and process human rights-related information/material
• Experience of establishing and maintaining office systems and coordinating an efficient flow of communications and information
• Experience of information management, including the creation and maintenance of electronic databases
• Ability to use sound judgment and initiative, solve problems and provide constructive inputs
• Experience of working in a team and understanding of the importance of efficient communications for the coordination and effective functioning of teams, including ability to supervise volunteers

This is not an exhaustive list of duties.  The need for flexibility is required and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties, that are within the employee’s skills and capabilities whenever reasonably instructed.
 
Equality Statement

• Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Conflict of Interest

• Public or other activity, affiliation to or support for any group or organization, personal association or other factor which may generate a real or perceived conflict of interest with Amnesty International’s principles (specifically independence and impartiality), or raise a security concern, or otherwise prevent the candidate from carrying out key functions of the specific post and would therefore disqualify the candidate from being appointed.

Application Closing Date
20th March, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online