JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
LATIN AMERICA LEGAL PROGRAM OFFICER
International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights
Location: Washington, DC
Start date: ASAP
The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights is a human rights organization created in 2014 working in partnership with local activists in Latin America to build grass roots movements that promote and protect the rights of populations marginalized because of gender, ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Race and Equality has a dynamic capacity-building approach to promote human rights race and combat discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Our work largely focuses on the rights of Afro-Latinos, LGBTI people, indigenous peoples, women and other marginalized communities. Using a combination of litigation, community mobilization, human rights reporting, research and advocacy methodology at the domestic and international level, we join our partners in developing and implementing strategies for change. We work with our partners to combat racial discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) through a holistic multi-faceted approach. Critical to this work is expanding the role of NGOs representing marginalized communities at the regional level. Hence our program includes building the capacity of our partners for advocating for the full incorporation of discrimination issues at the Organization of American States (OAS) and litigation within the Inter-American Human Rights System, in coordination with domestic litigation, policy advocacy and community mobilization. Using the Universal System is crucial for the advancement of human rights, in particular the Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures Mandates, and the Universal Periodic Review. Race and Equality works extensively in the UN system.
Job Description: Working in close partnership with our partners, the Executive Director, and the Director of Programs, the Legal Program Officer will design and implement innovative programs to build the capacity of human rights activists in Latin America working in very difficult political environments. Duties include organizing/conducting human rights trainings; facilitating international and domestic advocacy and strategic litigation; research on current trends on human rights violations in LAC; preparing written reports of program impact and successes; including administrative and logistical aspects; and report writing to donors and keeping our website updated with information. The Legal Program Officer will also work in designing programs and planning activities.
Qualifications: Advanced university degree in Law or equivalent specialized study of human rights preferred; 3 to 5 years of experience working in human rights or related field in Latin America; mature political judgment and knowledge of Latin American political and legal traditions; knowledge/experience on ethnic and racial discrimination, LGBTI issues, and religious freedom issues in the region; demonstrated capacity to understand and work on sexuality and gender-related issues; work experience in capacity building and community mobilization, especially in closed societies; strong writing and advocacy skills; knowledge/experience in the Inter-American and UN Systems required; strategic litigation experience at the national or regional level; ability to work under pressure; ability to travel internationally; ability to administer programs; experience on use of social media; fluency in Spanish and English essential, knowledge of Portuguese and French helpful. Excellent oral/written communication skills in English and Spanish are required. U.S. work authorization required.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and scale in non-governmental organizations.
Apply: No calls please. Send immediately cover letter, resume, and writing samples in English and Spanish by email to jobs@oldrace.wp
Afro-descendants, women and LGBTI persons are encouraged to apply
Race and Equality is an equal opportunity employer
