The International Press Institute (IPI) is in search of an enthusiastic, dedicated and creative Head of Advocacy to drive the organisation’s global advocacy and campaign work in support of press freedom and independent journalism.
The Head of Advocacy will play a leading role in shaping IPI’s priority thematic and geographic advocacy goals and in identifying and implementing specific strategies to achieve goals, in coordination with IPI members, donors and partners. He or she will aim to ensure that IPI’s advocacy work has a strong practical impact and reaches the necessary audiences.
The duties and responsibilities
The Head of Advocacy will include coordinating, in cooperation with IPI’s members, directors and other significant stakeholders, IPI’s overall advocacy work in the defence of press freedom and the promotion of independent journalism.
Specifically, the Head of Advocacy will, among other things:
- Coordinate IPI’s public advocacy work, including, but not limited to, the development of online and offline campaigns designed to reach and engage with a broad public audience and the organisation of public events.
- Manage advocacy components of ongoing and future IPI donor-funded projects, including overseeing the work of project coordinators.
- Conduct direct advocacy efforts with government and other official actors, including by organising and participating in press freedom missions and official meetings carried out by IPI as well as in coordination with partner organisations.
- Oversee advocacy efforts with respect to courts, including through the coordination of amicus curiae briefs in support of cases at the European Court of Human Rights and other international legal bodies.
- Develop and implement IPI’s activities with respect to key dates, including World Press Freedom Day (3 May) and the International Day to End Impunity (2 November).
Skills
Candidates should possess the following skills, among others:
- Proven familiarity with press freedom issues and a solid understanding of freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
- Demonstrates a sincere interest in and commitment to the overall aims of the International Press Institute and to journalism as an essential democratic good.
- Very strong communicator comfortable with developing and publicly presenting arguments in a convincing and professional manner, including in front of individuals hostile to press freedom.
- Able to engage actively and enthusiastically with IPI’s various stakeholders, including members and partner organisations, in the pursuit of common goals.
- Very good knowledge of the journalistic profession and of the various challenges that the profession faces.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of other languages is considered an advantage.
- Familiarity with international human rights law related to freedom of expression and with the workings and activities of international and regional courts and bodies tasked with defending human rights, including freedom of expression.
- Able to work independently and efficiently, making the most out of limited resources.
- Comfortable working in a diverse, multinational environment.
- Demonstrates a collegial attitude toward others.
This position is expected to involve regular travel.
Work experience and education
Candidates applying for this position should have at least five years of relevant professional experience. Journalistic experience and experience working for a human rights organisation in areas related to campaign and advocacy activities are highly valued and will be considered a clear advantage.
In addition, applicants are required to have at least a master’s degree in journalism, politics, international relations, law or other related field.
Remuneration
Salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Net (take-home) salaries are paid 14 times per year in accordance with Austrian employment law. Benefits include participation in the Austrian national health, pension and workplace accident insurance schemes.
Application procedure
Qualified candidates, who wish to be part of the IPI’s passionate team, should please send a cover letter and CV to IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen (sgriffen@ipi.media) with the subject line “Head of Advocacy”. Names and contact information of at least two references should be included. Applications must be received by no later than December 18, 2017.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted at IPI’s offices in Vienna, or via Skype or other video telephony software.
The location for this position is Vienna, Austria, at IPI’s headquarters. All nationalities are eligible to apply.
The start date for this position is February 1, 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.
