November, 2015
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
LGBTI PROGRAM OFFICER
Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights
Location: Washington, D.C.
The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights is a new human rights organization created in 2015 working in partnership with local activists in Latin America to build grassroots movements that promote and protect the rights of populations marginalized because of gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
The Institute has a dynamic capacity-building approach to promote 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 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 to advocate for the full incorporation of discrimination issues at the Organization of American States (OAS) and to litigate within the Inter-American human rights system, in coordination with capacity-building to pursue domestic litigation, policy advocacy and community mobilization. Using the Universal System is crucial for the advancement of human rights in particular the treaty bodies and special procedures such as the UN CERD Committee and the CEDAW. The Institute works extensively in the UN system.
Job Description: Working in close partnership with our partners and the Executive Director, the LGBTI Program Officer will design and implement innovative programs to build the capacity of LGBTI human rights activists in Latin America and Africa working in very difficult political environments. Duties include organizing/conducting human rights trainings from a Race/SOGI perspective; facilitating international and domestic advocacy and litigation on SOGI; research on current trends on SOGI issues; preparing written reports of program impact and successes, including administrative and logistics aspects; report writing to donors and keeping our website updated with information. The LGBTI Program Officer will also work in designing proposals and planning activities.
Qualifications: Advanced university degree in Latin American Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies or related field. Specialized studies in human rights preferred; 3 to 5 years of experience working on LGBTI human rights issues or related field in Latin America or Africa; mature political judgment and knowledge of Latin American political and legal traditions; knowledge/experience on LGBTI issues in the region from a race perspective; demonstrated capacity to understand and work on sexuality and gender-related issues; work experience in capacity building and community mobilization; strong writing and advocacy skills; knowledge/experience in the Inter-American and UN Systems required; ability to work under pressure; ability to travel internationally; ability to administer programs; experience with use of social media; fluency in Spanish and English essential, strong knowledge of Portuguese and French helpful. Excellent oral/written communication skills in English and Spanish are required.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and scale in non-governmental organizations.
Apply: No calls please. Send immediately cover letter and resume by email to jobs@oldrace.wp
Afro-descendants, women and LGBTI persons are encouraged to apply.
The Institute is an equal opportunity employer
