Research, Campaigns and Communications Assistant Job at Amnesty International Kenya

JOB PURPOSE: To assist in the development and implementation of research, campaigning, communication and growth strategies in the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes teams, including by monitoring developments; managing information and communications systems; drafting and assisting in the production of documents; participating in the coordination of the work of the team and providing it with administrative and other support including in relation to field work and in response to crisis.

AIIS PURPOSE: The IS, which operates from a number of sites around the world, 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 provide strategic leadership, support and advice to the AI movement globally, fostering AI’s contribution, presence and public accountability throughout the world.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to: Deputy Regional Director - Research

Posts that this job manages: This job has no line management responsibilities but supervises team volunteers, as appropriate

Other key relationships: Researchers, campaigners, communications, growth and other programme staff, as appropriate. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes teams’ research, campaigning, communication and growth activities by gathering and managing human rights-related information, by liaising with national and local contacts and relevant Amnesty International members, media monitoring, internet searches and manual and electronic filing in relevant databases, using relevant language
• Assist with research, campaigning, communication and growth activities through the production and distribution of public and internal reports, campaigning materials, and other documents, as delegated or originated by research, campaigns, communications or growth staff, including drafting, formatting, editing/proof-reading, distribution of texts and, where appropriate, coordinating the translation of documents
• Monitor and maintain a broad overview of relevant political and human rights developments
• Act as a point of contact for internal and external interlocutors, process incoming inquiries and, as appropriate, respond to inquiries from other teams and programmes, AI membership and the public

Participate in the planning, organization, and coordination of field research and other relevant AI missions and travel and campaign activities; including preparing budgets, providing logistical support and solving problems

• Contribute to the team’s response during a crisis or unexpected work
• Develop, maintain and manage administrative and communications systems, including setting up new systems where necessary in support of research, campaigning and growth activities; 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 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
• 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, and participating in recruitment and other corporate tasks

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE IN THIS JOB? 

• A successful RCCA will have contributed to and facilitated the development and implementation of research, campaigning and growth strategies in the team’s brief
• Success would also involve developing and maintaining effective administrative and communications systems where information directly relevant to the team’s research, campaigning or growth activities is properly gathered and easily retrievable and usable
• A successful RCCA will have contributed to the effective functioning of the team, and to the implementation of AI’s mission, upholding AI’s values at all times

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• General knowledge of the region, and of any of the countries covered by the East Africa regional office. Specifically, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda

• Fluency in written and spoken English, and French or Arabic
• Understanding of and commitment to human rights issues
• 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

• Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing, and communicate complex issues with sensitivity to the audience
• 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
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Experience of managing conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities
• 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 manage schedules and  supervise volunteers

• Understanding of equal opportunities, cultural diversity and gender issues as well as a commitment to apply relevant policies 

HOW YOU WORK:

• Delivering Results – Delivering our strategic objectives by managing workload and developing plans and priorities - Level A
• Working with others – Build and maintain positive trust based relationships internally and externally to increase effectiveness of self, team, programme and IS to achieve goals. Involves understanding and respecting diversity, being sensitive to the needs of others, managing conflict, team building – Level B
• Developing One-self and Others – Development of self and others to further the IS’s goals and personal effectiveness. Involves providing coaching/guidance, giving feedback, building understanding and sharing knowledge with others – Level A

• Contributing to a Dynamic and Effective IS – The ability to see change as positive and necessary and to work in ways which facilitate the implementation of change – Level A
• Making Decisions – Ability to gather information, involve others and use judgment to make decisions that are creative, practical and timely. Support others in their decision making – Level A
• Taking the Initiative – Exercising initiative to change approaches and take responsibility for solving problems and being innovative – Level B

Communicating and Influencing – Taking responsibility for conveying information, ideas and arguments in a manner that is accurate and timely, taking account of the needs of the recipient and tailoring the approach accordingly. Involves effective listening as much as speaking or writing – Level A

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 AI’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.