Summary of the position:
APHR is looking to hire a Myanmar Advocacy Specialist to support the organization’s work on Myanmar. The Advocacy Specialist will identify and implement advocacy opportunities and strategies to empower parliamentarians, in the region and globally, to use their position to leverage ASEAN and its partners to create positive change in Myanmar. They will also work to ensure MPs act globally as a consistent public voice for democracy and human rights for all in Myanmar.
Contract duration: 12 months (with 3 months probation).
Location: Southeast Asia, preferably Bangkok or Jakarta but location is negotiable for the right candidate.
Line Management: The Myanmar Advocacy Specialist will report directly to the Research and Advocacy Director.
About APHR: APHR is a regional network of current and former parliamentarians who use their unique position 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.
Representing a unique and strategically focused addition to the regional and international human rights framework, APHR is supported by a young and dynamic team of human rights professionals that make up the Secretariat, with staff currently based across the region. As part of a member-driven organization, the Secretariat also works directly with legislators and political leaders in Southeast Asia and beyond to craft strategies and respond effectively to developing situations.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Regional Advocacy:
● Identify and develop forward-thinking advocacy strategies to leverage ASEAN and its Member States into taking positive and effective action in Myanmar.
● Develop concrete policy recommendations and actions ASEAN, its Member States, and key partners can take to help bring an end to the Myanmar’s military violence.
● Implement such strategies by engaging Member States at the highest level, including in parliaments, as well as with key influencers.
● Daily monitoring of national, international and regional developments relating to Myanmar to identify and seize reactive media and advocacy opportunities, and to keep parliamentarians informed.
● Continuously and regularly liaise and engage with key stakeholders to develop and implement advocacy activities (CSOs, INGOs, diplomats, public servants, MPs, UN, media, academics, think tanks etc.)
Support the International Parliamentarians Alliance for Myanmar (IPAM):
● Identify and develop joint international advocacy strategies and activities for IPAM and its members to promote human rights and democracy in Myanmar.
● Provide IPAM members with the necessary information, analysis, and research to support their continued engagement on Myanmar.
● Coordinate the activities of IPAM: organize meetings, support drafting of material, etc.
● Work to continue to expand IPAM’s membership.
Media and social media outreach:
In close collaboration with APHR’s Media and Communications Officer:
● Develop long-term and reactive social media and media strategies on Myanmar.
● Identify media opportunities for IPAM, APHR, and their respective members through supporting the drafting of joint letters, statements, and other media outputs, and securing interviews.
● Monitor social media trends and developments and identify key target audiences on social media.
● Engage daily on social media platforms.
Administration:
● Comply with the implementation of operational policies, procedures and practices of the organization, as well as donor requirements.
● Maintain and file documentation in an organized and efficient manner.
● Carry out other duties, including translation, logistics, monitoring and evaluation, and administrative support in coordination with other Secretariat staff, as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Required
● Bachelor’s degree in related field.
● Extensive experience in designing and implementing strategic media and advocacy plans in coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, including with high level officials and ministers.
● Significant experience in conducting advocacy in the ASEAN region, and sound knowledge of ASEAN’s mechanisms and ways of working.
● Strong knowledge of the political context and human rights issues in Myanmar.
● Wide networks within the ASEAN region with a broad range of actors including diplomats, state officials, civil society organizations, think tanks, etc.
● Oral and written fluency in English.
● Excellent analytical and writing skills.
● Solid political analysis skills and creative thinking.
● Ability and willingness to travel in the region and beyond.
● Commitment to the objectives of the organization.
● Ability to work as a member of an international team.
Others:
● Experience working with parliamentarians.
● Self-motivated, ability to use own initiative, and ability to think outside of the box.
● 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 empathy.
● 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: 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.
Monthly salary package: $3,300 net before tax, including health benefits, social security and communications allowance.
APHR does not cover costs associated with relocation.
The successful candidate will be expected to take up duties as soon as possible.
How to apply
Deadline for applications is Sunday 1st August. Send your CV and cover letter to jobs@aseanmp.org with the subject heading “Application: Myanmar Advocacy Specialist.” Apologies in advance that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ASEAN Nationals are encouraged to apply for this position.
*APHR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates of all genders from all national, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply.