Director of Programs, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, New York, NY

Director of Programs

Posted on: February 25, 2013
Application deadline: April 1, 2013
Posted by: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1990 and guided by the values of collaboration, depth and feminism, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) strives to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people live safer, healthier, and more empowered lives worldwide. IGLHRC focuses its efforts on supporting organizations to effectively document human rights violations and advocate for the rights of LGBT people. IGLHRC's vision of change includes policy reform, legal challenges, increased coalition work, and stronger LGBT communities worldwide. IGLHRC currently seeks a Director of Programs.

The Director of Programs helps IGLHRC to conceptualize, design and implement strategies to advance LGBT rights in policy and practice by enlisting possible allies, including: civil society, governments, international and regional human rights institutions, media, and the general public.

The Director of Programs is an energetic, seasoned professional with a proven track record in advocacy, capacity strengthening, and human rights documentation. Working closely with the Executive Director, program staff, senior staff and the Board, the Director of Programs will be based in New York City but should expect to travel extensively.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory

• Implement organizational strategic plan with its dual focus on training local LGBT community activists and organizations to document the realities of their lives and advocate for change.
• Translate the strategic plan into the creation and implementation of work plans.
• Support and manage 4 regional program coordinators internationally and other staff as needed.
• Envision ambitious and evolving programmatic goals, in conjunction with IGLHRC staff and external partners, under supervision of Executive Director.

Advocacy

• Lead work with UN treaty bodies, including supporting LGBT organizations to write and submit shadow reports, lobby during sessions, and implement treaty body work domestically.
• Co-coordinate annual high-level LGBT rights side event at UN headquarters.
• Lead IGLHRC's efforts to support UN resolutions that affirm LGBT and other human rights and block conservative initiatives.
• Engage relevant UN stakeholders, including special mechanisms and UN agencies as well as state missions, to support LGBT rights.
• Represent IGLHRC to relevant UN meetings, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC NGO Committee, Human Rights Council, and beyond.
• Supervise the efforts of regional program staff to take the lead at regional human rights monitoring bodies.
• Collaborate with like-minded NGOs.

Administrative

• Liaise with Communications, Development and Operations to ensure programmatic vision is reflected in written output, fundraising, and hiring.
• Function as part of senior management team under Executive Director.
• Serve as a key organizational spokesperson, including to government officials, international agencies, media and the public.
• Draft reports and proposals to funders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A graduate degree in human rights, international relations, journalism, law, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of direct experience working to influence policy on LGBT human rights or a related area of social or economic justice.
• Knowledge and track record producing credible human rights documentation.
• Knowledge and track record with training.
• Capacity to plan and prioritize multiple, sometimes competing demands in fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the on-going study of the political change, cultural norms and movement building.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• Commitment to the pursuit of liberation from persecution based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity or expression within the broader context of a desire to eliminate all intersecting forms of oppression.
• Willingness to work in New York City and, if necessary, to apply for and qualify for a US Visa.

• Demonstrated experience working regionally and/or internationally.

• Senior level advocacy experience and knowledge of policymaking.
• Ability to explain complex issues and positions to governmental and intergovernmental bodies as well as to media.
• A track record with the media, including experience with media interviews and cultivating and maintaining relationships with key journalists.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (both writing and editing) in English.
• Proficiency in another language is highly desired.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how your skills and background fit this position, a resume/CV, and a writing sample to jobs@iglhrc.org. Please refer to Director of Programs in the subject line.

IGLHRC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, People of Color, and transgender/gender-variant individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.