Header

Director of International Policy Relations New York, NY

10:09:00 AM

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) is an international non-profit organization specializing in the field of transitional justice. ICTJ works to help societies in transition address legacies of massive human rights violations and build civic trust in state institutions as protectors of human rights.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The rationale for this position is to promote the development of global policy on redressing and preventing severe human rights violations in ways that are consistent with holistic accountability solutions. The primary responsibility of the Director is twofold: 1) to serve as a substantive institutional focal point for ICTJ’s strategic engagement with senior level policymakers; 2) to support the work of ICTJ’s policy engagements at regional and national levels and to utilize political analysis to inform contextual policy solutions.

The purpose of this role is to ensure that ICTJ remains a valued contributor of specialized technical expertise in effective responses to mass human rights abuse, coupled with in-country and research knowledge, to the high level development of norms and policy formulation in areas relevant to or affected by transitional justice. In addition to engagement in high-level policy circles, the policy relations unit also provides substantive input and support to ICTJ’s national-level presences as they develop policy advice related to specific transitional justice opportunities and processes. This includes working closely with the President and Program Department to monitor and identify key policymaking opportunities to ensure ICTJ’s technical experts and local partners are well placed to provide substantive policy input to inter-governmental institutions such as the United Nations secretariat and agencies, regional bodies, and national government representatives engaged on global policy formulation around redress and prevention of mass human rights violations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. In consultation with program and research departments, develop strategic institutional policymaking priorities that will advance the impact of ICTJ’s work. This will involve identifying 2-3 priority areas per year.

  1. Coordinate the integration of prioritized policymaking work into ICTJ’s programming, research and donor relations, including to:
    1. advise the President and other ICTJ staff of the opportunities to present ICTJ’s substantive and technical work to relevant international policymakers.
    2. work with relevant units in ICTJ to maintain an overview vision for maximizing the high-level impact of ICTJ’s knowledge and expertise.
    3. Support linkages between ICTJ’s national-level policy and technical advice and the development of policy at the regional and international levels, with particular attention to reflecting the needs and interests of victims in policy development.

  1. Establish and maintain relations with selected senior policymakers in substantive areas related to transitional justice, including international, regional, and relevant national organizations. This includes representing ICTJ at relevant policymaking events and speaking engagements.

  1. Engage in organizational work, such as participating in staff meetings and retreats; draft funding proposals or funding reports for the program and its specific planned activities in conjunction with the Development Unit.

  1. Coordinate strategic gatherings and consultations of policymakers to advance specific transitional justice aims, both at the international level and related to particular national contexts.


Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: A Master’s degree in humanities, law, international affairs, public policy, or related field of social science is required.

Experience: 10 years relevant experience, including direct experience working on transitional justice issues at a policy level, such as with a bi-lateral or multi-lateral institution, international development agency or government foreign ministry.

Related Skills or Knowledge: Must be familiar with transitional justice and other current issues of international affairs, and have a demonstrated commitment to the field. Project and program management experience is required. Strong oral and written communication skills are required, including public speaking experience. English language skills at professional level required; knowledge of other languages at a professional level is highly desirable. Must have strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of cultural differences; willingness to engage in substantial international travel. Excellent organizational skills and adept at multi-tasking; high level of professionalism and attention to detail; ability to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. Proficiency in MS Office applications.


Contact Details


Application Instructions

CONTACT: Please submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to jobs@ictj.org. Please include the job title “Director, International Policy Relations” in the subject line of the email. Deadline to apply is 02/10/12. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Please, no telephone calls/faxes.

The ICTJ is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer strongly committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and internationally representative staff. Qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

Post a Comment