Advocacy and Campaigns Officer (ACO) – Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) At ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Advocacy and Campaigns Officer (ACO) to lead the organisation’s work on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB). The role will involve a significant amount of research and advocacy work, as well as wider program work aimed at advancing the role and effectiveness of parliamentarians in advancing the right to FORB in the region.

Among other things the ACO monitors developments in the area of FORB, liaise and identity strategic partners, designs advocacy strategies, draft a wide range of outputs, organise events workshops and missions, and complete other tasks necessary for the project’s success.

He/She reports directly to the Research and Advocacy Director and closely liaises with members of Parliament who are part of APHR’s network.

About APHR:

APHR is a regional network of current and former parliamentarians who use their unique positions to advance human rights and democracy in Southeast Asia. We seek to help create a region where people can express themselves without fear, live free from all forms of discrimination and violence, and where development takes place with human rights at the forefront.

Our members use their mandate to advocate for human rights inside and outside of parliaments, regionally and globally. They work closely with civil society, conduct fact-finding missions, and publish recommendations and opinions on the most important issues affecting the region.

APHR was born out of the recognition that human rights issues in Southeast Asia are interconnected, and from the desire of progressive legislators to work together across borders to promote and protect human rights.

Main responsibilities:

Advocacy and Campaigns:

● Lead in the development and implementation of advocacy and campaign strategies to promote the role of parliamentarians in advancing FORB in Southeast Asia;

● Identify opportunities for APHR to engage the unique mandate of its membership on FORB issues;

● Develop and draft high quality research, advocacy and campaign material;

● Organize programs and activities relevant to the portfolio, including fact-finding missions and conferences;

● Work closely with the Media and Communications Officer to develop appropriate messaging in media and social media outputs; and

● Update the SEAPFoRB toolkit and produce its quarterly newsletter.

Research:

● Maintain oversight and understanding of the key developments relevant to the portfolio in the region and at the international level;

● Lead and conduct research on relevant issues to the portfolio and to APHR’s mandate; and

● Support in developing APHR’s position and policy recommendations on key issues relevant to the portfolio.

Membership and networking:

● Coordone, and manage the Southeast Asia Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SEAPFoRB), working group composed of former and current parliamentarians working to advance FoRB in the region;

● Consult, motivate and support APHR and SEAPFORB members to ensure their meaningful participation in APHR’s activities relevant to the portfolio;

● Develop and maintain a network of contacts with rights holders, civil society, international organisations, government, and other key stakeholders relevant to the portfolio.

Administration & Other Responsibilities

● Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and reporting of program and project activities;

● Act as the focal point for APHR’s key partner on the issue: IPPFORB;

● Support in proposal writing and identifying funding opportunities; and

● Carry out other duties, including logistics and administrative support in coordination with other Secretariat staff, as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

● Bachelor’s degree in related field;

● Minimum of 4 years professional experience of conducting advocacy on issues relating to freedom of religion or belief;

● Strong knowledge of the political context in Southeast Asia, derived from direct working experience in the region;

● Excellent analytical and writing skills for a wide variety of audiences;

● Proven experience of designing advocacy campaigns and conducting research on FORB related issues;

● Strong networks with civil society organizations in Southeast Asia;

● Proven organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail;

● Ability to work as a member of an international team;

● Commitment to the objectives of the organization;

● Oral and written fluency in English;

● Ability and willingness to travel in the project region and beyond; and

● Be able to handle challenging and demanding work situations.

Desirable:

● Experience working with parliamentarians and/or government officials

● A high degree of initiative and persistence combined with high levels of discretion and diplomacy;

● Ability to build productive working relationships, influence and engage others;

● Excellent interpersonal skills, respectful, working effectively with others, listening, and understanding;

● Knowledge of at least one Southeast Asian language;

● Proficient knowledge of Information Technology and excellent working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office software, and experience of working in global teams and use of appropriate communication tools.

Working Conditions / Salary and Benefits

● The ACO will ideally be based in Bangkok or Jakarta, but location is negotiable for the right candidate.

● The APHR team works mostly remotely or online. Some overseas travel may be required to support APHR workshops or conferences.

● APHR operates on a standard five-day work week but staff may be required to work some evenings and weekends to respond to developments and when on missions. Days in lieu will be provided for non-standard workdays.

● The starting salary package is at USD 2,500 after local taxes with health benefits, communications, and social security allowance.

● An initial contract will be for 12 months, with a three-month probationary period.

● APHR does not cover costs associated with relocation. The successful candidate will be expected to take up duties as soon as possible.