Vacancy: Amnesty International European Institutions Office
Executive Officer on Council of Europe - Maternity cover
Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office (EIO) is looking for an executive officer for maternity
cover to lead AI’s relationship with the Council of Europe. This full-time post runs from 15 October 2013 to 15
June 2014. The post-holder will work with AI’s International Secretariat (headquarters) in London, our national
offices, and the EIO team in Brussels to coordinate AI’s strategy on the Council of Europe. The post-holder will
take the lead on political advocacy, monitor relevant bodies and developments, and integrate others’ activities
into a comprehensive strategy.
We’re looking for an effective advocate, who can deliver an organisation-wide strategy, translate Council of
Europe contexts into advocacy action and interact with key decision-makers on AI’s behalf. The post-holder
needs to be a strong analytical and strategic thinker with political savvy, an independent and organised worker,
and able to mobilise people around a global organisation to work together.
Please fill in the application form and send it to searchcommittee@amnesty.eu no later than 7 July 2013.
Interviews will be held in Brussels in early September.
Please note: We don’t accept CVs!
Amnesty International is an equal opportunities employer and offers competitive remuneration with benefits
under Belgian law.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Executive Officer on the Council of Europe. Full-time, time-limited maternity cover contract
Purpose of job: Implementing AI’s strategy on the Council of Europe
Reports to: Director, EIO
Key contacts: Programme Director Europe & Central Asia Programme, Programme Director in Law & Policy
Programme, International Secretariat
Duties and responsibilities
1. Strategy
Put into effect AI’s Council of Europe engagement strategy and related projects and coordinate our political
advocacy response. This includes working with the IS and EIO teams to integrate other strands of work led by
others (eg standard-setting and litigation), developing positions targeting the Council of Europe, and
monitoring relevant bodies and developments:
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Monitor developments in all Council of Europe bodies which have a bearing on AI priorities, involving
the relevant AI expert in delivering messages
Liaise and carry out advocacy with relevant monitoring bodies
Work with IS and EIO teams to continue developing positions that maximise the EU-Council of Europe
linkage on human rights issues
2. Management
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Recruit, induct and supervise trainees
Successfully deliver Council of Europe commitments under AI’s European operational plan
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Maintain excellent relations and strategic coherence with staff in the IS, especially those who also
work on the Council of Europe, national offices, the EIO team, partner organisations, and Council of
Europe and national officials
Report within EIO and contribute to Council of Europe reporting at the IS
Prepare and run training courses
3. Implementation
(a) Co-ordination, monitoring and advocacy
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Monitor Council of Europe developments in its relevant mechanisms and bodies
Brief AI experts on opportunities for influence
Coordinate AI’s work. This includes advocacy and campaigning, which can require writing action
circulars and coordinating our national offices which work in this area
Maintain relationships with key Council of Europe decision-makers
Write and edit position papers and communications targeting Council of Europe policy-makers
Write short monthly updates for AI’s networks on the developments at the Council of Europe
Coordinate key messages and advocacy actions that are carried jointly to EU and Council of Europe
(b) Networking
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Act as AI liaison with the Council of Europe and its institutions. Includes ensuring
information-sharing with and about the Council, in coordination with EIO’s Director
Maintain and expand work with key Council of Europe contacts
Arrange external and internal meetings
Represent AI on Director’s behalf, liaising with IS Europe & Central Asia and Law & Policy programme
directors
Network with other organisations in areas of interest. Set up and maintain collaboration and strategic
alliances to carry out joint activities
Skill requirements
1. Experience and knowledge
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At least three years’ relevant work experience
Excellent knowledge of European human rights standards, continuously updated
Proven expertise working in advocacy with Council of Europe or strong proven transferable advocacy
skills
Good knowledge of Council of Europe institutions and how they operate
University degree in relevant field
Proven track record of advocacy or inter-governmental work
2. Skills
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Excellent communications, networking, and inter-personal skills
Knowledge of international work environments and inter-cultural communication
Good strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills
Political savvy and ability to be diplomatic with diverse actors within and outside AI
Proven excellence in writing and editing in English. Fluency in at least one other relevant European
language, preferably French
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Strong computer skills
3. Personal qualities
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work
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Innovative and independent worker keen to contribute to team goals, taking responsibility for own
Able to work in small team, share information and contribute to diverse minor tasks
Managing relationships constructively and diplomatically, maintaining sense of humour, both within
and outside AI
Sense of service to colleagues and external associates
Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
Willingness to travel regularly
Please note: While the post is based in Brussels, we require frequent travel to Strasbourg and London. In
practice, the post-holder will be a member of both EIO and Europe & Central Asia programme teams.