Regional Researcher at Amnesty International

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities will include (please refer to JD for full list):

• Lead on the development and implementation of overarching human rights research and advocacy strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities on the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as thematically in line with our regional strategy.
• Research and provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and expert advice on the human rights situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
• Organize, participate and/or lead on-the-ground and remote research and other missions for information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations.
• Supervise external research consultants or assistants.
• Draft and edit timely and effective reports, briefings, position papers, correspondence, press releases, campaign materials and other external or internal documents.
• Lead advocacy and represent Amnesty International to external stakeholders, including governments, inter-governmental organizations, the media and civil society.
• Cultivate partnerships and networks with local, regional and international civil society organizations.
• Act as a spokesperson on the Horn of Africa and, as delegated by regional management, on other regional or thematic issues, if requested.
• Promote teamwork, integrated ways of working, liaising closely with campaigns and communications staff to achieve human rights impact.
• Provide cover for other regional office staff as agreed with management.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

(please refer to the JD for a full list)

• Specialist knowledge and first-hand experience of Ethiopia and Eritrea; an in-depth understanding of the nature of key human rights concerns, as well as political, social, legal, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues regionally and in these countries; experience working at a regional level desirable.
• Deep understanding of human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law, and specialist experience working in/or conflicts.
• Strong political judgment and influencing skills.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, demonstrated in a range of publications, and substantial experience in planning and leading in-country research missions, as well as remote research.
• Ability to understand and express ideas in English and, ideally, in Amharic, Tigrinya and/or other local languages, in a fluent, clear and concise way, both orally and in writing.
• Strong credibility and relationship building and advocacy skills, including a relevant network and experience of influencing governments, intergovernmental bodies, and media.
• Experience cultivating networks and partnerships with local, regional and international civil society organizations.
• Personal resilience and ability to deal in a sensitive and understanding manner with a variety of people, including survivors of human rights violations.
• Experience in negotiating and working collaboratively - within a team and externally.