Advocacy expert-Arab Institute for Human Rights عودة إلى الفرص

Type of contract:  Consultancy- Civic Horizons Advocacy expert 

Location: Tunisia with possible visits to MENA Countries

Duration: 6 months with a possibility of extension

Starting date: October 2023

The Arab Institute for Human Rights:

The Arab Institute for Human Rights is an independent regional non-governmental organization based in Tunisia. It was founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, the Union of Arab Lawyers and the Tunisian League for Human Rights and with the support of the United Nations Center for human rights.

The Arab Institute for Human Rights aims to promote a culture of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international conventions, and to strengthen the values of democracy and citizenship in the Arab region.

Context: 

Civic Horizons is a regional consortium present in six countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon). It endeavors to improve conditions for Civil Society (CS) in unique, innovative, and strategic ways. The overall action is piloting a holistic approach that brings together sets of strategies, tools, and knowledge that address the operational space of civil society through policy and legal lenses, as well as social and cultural lenses—with intersectionality and human rights-based approaches as a methodological backbone. This means that the way we seek to create change stands central to the program. The processes we roll out through our activities consider power dynamics and how to share power by creating space at the decision-making table. The values of human rights, transparency, participation and ownership stand central in the governance and management itself of the program. 

The Consortium envisions a future where Civil Society actors and communities, especially youth, women, and marginalized groups (YWM), can participate in enabling a civil society environment that advances human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms throughout the MENA region. 

Civic Horizons is a three-year programme 2022-2024 co-funded by the EU.

• Background and Context :

The Advocacy Expert will work closely with the Civic Horizons’ team to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies to promote address the drivers of shrinking civic space in the previously mentionned countries. The program aims to raise awareness, influence policy decisions, and drive positive change in the collaboration between Civil Society Actors, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders such as govermental institutions, donors, policy makers…

• Scope of Work : 

The Advocacy Expert will be responsible for the following tasks and activities:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the current advocacy landscape related to shrinking civic space in the MENA region to identify key stakeholders, policy influencers, and potential obstacles.
• Collaborate with the consortium team to refine and define clear advocacy goals and objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy that outlines key messages, target audiences, tactics, and desired outcomes.
• Create compelling advocacy materials, including position papers, policy briefs, op-eds, and social media content, to effectively communicate the organization’s message.
• Establish and nurture relationships with relevant policymakers, legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders to garner support for the organization’s objectives.
• Coordinate with the consortium partners and participate in advocacy campaigns, events, and initiatives, leveraging various channels to maximize impact.
• Monitor and analyze developments in the field, policy changes, and public sentiment to adapt advocacy strategies as needed.
• Provide regular updates and reports on the progress of advocacy efforts, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

•  Deliverables:

• A detailed advocacy strategy document, including a clear roadmap and timeline for implementation in accordance with the program’s advocacy activities timelines.
• Well-crafted advocacy materials and communications that effectively convey the organization’s message.
• Regular monthly progress reports outlining the status of advocacy activities, key milestones achieved, and any adjustments made to the strategy.
• Documentation of stakeholder engagement efforts, including meetings, panels, round tables, discussions, and collaborations.

• Qualifications : 

The Advocacy Expert should possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• A strong background in advocacy, public policy, or a related field, with a track record of successful advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft persuasive messages for various audiences in Arabic and in English.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, building relationships, and collaborating with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated regional experience is highly desired.
• Knowledge of the drivers of shrinking civic space in the MENA region is a strong asset.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and seize opportunities during advocacy efforts.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Load of Effort per deliverable and Duration of the consultancy: 

The contract for the Advocacy Expert will be for 01 October2023 to 30 March 2024 with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.

• Reporting and Communication : 

The Advocacy Expert will report to the Program Manager of the Arab Institute for Human Rights and maintain regular communication with the organization’s team. 

Updates, reports, and key documents will be shared through the designated communication channels: email, meetings, shared folders…