Human Rights First works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We work to protect individuals at risk: Refugees fleeing persecution, victims of crimes against humanity or other mass human rights violations, victims of discrimination, those whose rights are eroded in the name of national security, and human rights advocates who are targeted for defending the rights of others.
Reporting to the Director of the Human Rights Defenders Program, the Program Assistant will provide comprehensive programmatic support for the program.
Primary responsibilities will include:
Administrative
• Managing the infrastructure of the department. This requires managing administrative and financial paperwork for the department, photocopying, coordinating meetings for the entire department and other duties which include but are not limited to:
? Maintaining the calendar.
? Database maintenance; program e-mail; faxing and photocopying.
? Organizing and maintaining electronic and paper files.
? Making travel arrangements and maintaining expense records for the Human Rights Defenders Program.
? Providing administrative support for the Director and other program staff as directed.
• Providing Front Desk relief. For a minimum of 1.5 hours per week, greeting visitors to Human Rights First and operating a multi-line switchboard, fielding both external and internal calls. Receipt and routing of packages, faxes, and mail while projecting a friendly, courteous, and efficient image.
Programmatic
• Public Outreach. The Assistant may outreach to other advocacy groups, or strategic grassroots communities; Oversee and implement the HRDP web advocacy strategy, including managing growth of online activist community and enhancing the effectiveness of public outreach
• Media Outreach. The Assistant may be called upon to assist in drafting advocacy alerts, letters, media communications, etc.;
• Writing. The Program Assistant is called upon to write, draft/edit a variety of public documents, including correspondence, cover letters, web material, reports etc.
• General Writing. Writing, editing, and proofreading materials for general audiences.
• Research. Conduct research as needed for program.
• Managing Interns. As needed, the assistant will manage summer and semester interns, preparing their assignments and reviewing their work.
Additional Qualifications:
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
• College degree;
• A minimum of one year experience in a fast-paced environment calling for self-motivation and independent judgment, attention to detail, direct involvement in operations, and professionalism. Experience working with a human rights NGO and/or an advocacy group preferred.
• Advanced-level proficiency and previous experience in a variety of computer software applications (MS Office – especially Internet Explorer, MS Word XP. Excel, PowerPoint), knowledge of or willingness to learn basic HTML; experience with Dreamweaver a strong plus.
• Knowledge of foreign languages, especially Spanish, Russian or Arabic, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent communication and telephone skills;
• Diplomacy and sense of humor.
How to Apply:
SUBMISSIONS (E-mail Preferred):
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Names and contact details for three (3) references
ATTN: HUMAN RESOURCES - HRDP Program Assistant Ref.ID