Human Rights and Advocacy Manager

Published June 2, 2021
Locations Asia PacificSouth East AsiaThailand

TERMS OF REFERENCE: 

Functional title : Human Rights and Advocacy Manager 
Location : Initially remote (with relocation to Bangkok expected in October)
Period : Immediate
Deadline for applications: 23 June 2021 (Wednesday)
Duration of contract : 1 year contract 
Report to : Executive Director

Background

The Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) is a regional network that is working towards the advancement of trans rights in the Asia Pacific region through research and evidence generation, legal, policy and programmatic advocacy, and public campaigning. APTN office is legally established and has been operating as a registered entity as a Thai Foundation in Bangkok, Thailand. APTN currently works with more than 15 partners in 12 countries in the region

APTN addresses transgender-specific issues including vulnerability to gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, risks for HIV infection, and health issues stemming from almost complete lack of access to appropriate health and medical care. In this region, the terms transgender and trans are used frequently as an umbrella term to describe people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth including those who have not seek medically gender-affirming health services. In 2011, the governing board decided to formally include trans men as a Board member and to consider trans man advocacy health issues beyond HIV.


APTN Focus

APTN has published several key reports, policy and technical briefs that have been used to inform programmes, policy and laws. Legal gender recognition deeply impacts the livelihood of trans and gender diverse people and is critical to ensure their dignity, rights and security. APTN is committed to working to ensure that so long as gender exists as a legal classification, that all people in Asia and the Pacific have access to identity documents that reflect their self-defined gender. 

APTN envision a society that upholds, respects, and protects the diversity, safety, equality, and dignity of trans /transgender people, the mission of APTN is to mobilize and advocate for the human rights of trans/transgender people in the Pacific and Asia Region.


Position Summary
The APTN is seeking a Human Rights and Advocacy Manager to aid in leading the advocacy work at APTN to address some of the complex human rights and gender recognition issues faced by transgender people in the Asia- Pacific region. The Human Rights and Advocacy Manager will report to and work closely with the Executive Director.

Job Profile

The Human Rights & Advocacy Manager will undertake the following tasks:

  • Develop and implement an Advocacy Framework according to APTN strategic pillars 
  • Organising advocacy consultations on APTN’s priority issues ; including developing agenda and identifying stakeholders
  • Develop and implement a plan for engagement with Trans Advocacy Week, UN IE on SOGIESC and other human rights mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review and Treaty Body Mechanisms
  • Develop and implement a plan for engagement with 2030 Agenda review and monitoring mechanisms
  • Conceptualise and implement a capacity strengthening plan for community mobilisation for advocacy and to support implementation of APTN’s advocacy strategy
  • Conceptualise and implement a communications strategy to support APTN’s advocacy interventions and messaging
  • Draft and distribute reports, briefing papers, letters, press release, op-eds and other submissions to UN human rights bodies
  • Coordinate communication channels with UN partners and other relevant stakeholders
  • Disseminate knowledge products to stakeholders and partners as required
  • Support country partners in training and documentation of human rights violations including developing strategies to address and change abusive laws, policies, and practices
  • Support APTN representatives and present human rights concerns of transgender people in public forums, international, regional, and national meetings
  • Liaising with APTN country partners and staff to ensure effective coordination and delivery of advocacy activities
  • Travelling in the region and internationally, when assigned by the Executive Director; 
  • Providing technical support to the project teams as required
  • Updating APTN legal mapping reports; Country Situational Analysis, APTN State of Trans Health Report, APTN State of Trans Organising Report
  • Support the mapping of available legal aid and community support to victims / survivors of hate crimes and violence including gaps in areas of services identified in literature review / research
  • Support APTN to conduct a regional research on conversion therapy and coordinate with country partners and relevant regional stakeholders to develop an advocacy roadmap to address the practice
  • Coordinate and develop abstracts / session proposals for submission to relevant conferences, and powerpoint presentations needed for meetings/workshops/conferences
  • Assist in the development of technical reports and publications where necessary
  • Draft general correspondence and responses to advocacy related enquiries and field requests for information
  • Other relevant tasks as assigned by the Executive Director

Prerequisite 

  • Good knowledge of training methodologies as well as devising and delivering training materials;
  • Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
  • Ability to conduct data collection using various methods;
  • Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases;
  • Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements;    
  • Ability to work with people with different genders, sexual orientation, race, nationalities, ages, religions, cultures, etc.;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
  • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
  • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of it in all areas of work.

Qualifications

  • University degree and/or equivalent experience in Human Rights, Sociology, Law, Health, Community Mobilization, and/or Public Policy or other relevant field
  • Minimum of 5 years of work experience in the human rights and/or advocacy field
  • Documented experience working with transgender organizations and/or related issues on human rights, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identify and Expression (SOGIE) issues and challenges faced by the transgender community;
  • Experience of working with community based organisations is highly preferred;
  • Engagement with UN, and other international rights organizations on human rights issues will be an asset;
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
  • Proficiency with social media is a strong asset.
  • Language Requirement: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
  • Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
  • High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
  • Poised, works well under pressure, and attentive to detail;
  • Willing to grow and learn from experiences.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
  • Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with co-workers, partners, and the general public;
  • Fluency in written and verbal English is required. Ability to speak in Thai would be an advantage;
  • Must be willing to travel at least 20 percent of the time.


How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to apply@weareaptn.org by Wednesdday, 23 June. Recruitment is on a rolling basis and may close ahead of the deadline once a suitable candidate has been identified. Please indicate “Application: Human Right Advocacy Manager” in the subject of email. Transgender Persons from Asia and the Pacific are highly encouraged to apply. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. 

APTN is an Equal Opportunities Employer. APTN adheres to a fair recruitment process, regardless of any individual or group characteristics, including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, race, age, disability, ability, economic status, national origin, religion, ethnicity, and historical, cultural and geographic experiences. 

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