Jobs
Programme Officer for the Human Rights Portfolio
Application Process
Please submit a CV to application@zennstrom.org and a covering letter outlining your skills and how they are appropriate for this role, as well as your reasons for applying. No calls or faxes please, and we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: 10 December 2008
First interviews will be in London in the week starting January 5th 2009.
Zennström Philanthropies:
Zennström Philanthropies was founded in 2007 by Niklas and Catherine Zennström, who sit on the Board together with Salvatore LaSpada, Director of the Institute for Philanthropy. The organisation has two principal portfolios, Climate Change and Human Rights
Human Rights Portfolio:
This focuses on human rights in a European context. The aim of the portfolio is to address serious breaches of human rights, making use of European institutions and instruments as well as the framework of international conventions that have been recognised by the European nations.
Zennström Philanthropy's vision is of a world in which all have the right to live in safety and stability, in which impunity and corruption are contested and honesty and integrity are supported, and in which courageous advocates are the voices of justice, transparency and fairness.
The mission of Zennström Philanthropy's Human Rights Portfolio is to support efforts to build civil society networks in Europe; to help make rights real and effective in Europe; to make better use of European institutions to advance human rights in Europe; and to promote and protect human rights in Europe.
The tools used by this portfolio are: the European institutions and mechanisms as points of leverage; research and advocacy; litigation and access to justice for all; and Justice as a judicial or non-judicial mechanism, to promote transition, peace, and reconciliation.
The candidate:
The candidate will have a good knowledge of civil society in Europe and the European landscape in so far as it applies to human rights and an understanding of the legal and institutional structures underpinning that landscape. The right candidate also needs the willingness and ability to work in close harmony with the director responsible for overseeing this portfolio, as well as the other team members in a small growing foundation. Knowledge of philanthropy or grant making is an advantage for this senior position. A creative approach to supporting human rights in Europe needs to be demonstrated, combined with a grasp of international affairs and the wider field of human rights. Strong writing and reporting skills are necessary with an ability to write and speak publicly, interestingly and coherently in English. The candidate will report to the director of the Human Rights portfolio and the Board as a whole. The candidate must have the ability to live and work in the UK.
Main responsibilities of the Human Rights Programme Officer:
- Implement the strategy and ensure the vision, values and mission are realised throughout the portfolio, working in close co-operation with the director responsible for the development of this portfolio.
- Develop further the strategy and plans for the human rights portfolio in the medium and long term.
- Participate in the strategic development of Zennström Philanthropies as a whole.
- Manage in a timely and efficient way the grant making process, including developing an effective evaluation process.
- Manage existing grants in the human rights portfolio and others as needed.
- Analyse and assess grantees on an annual or more frequent basis, depending on the type of grant given.
- Analyse the successes and failures of core grants and/or projects undertaken by grantees.
- Present information to the Board for appropriate decision making.
- Write grant recommendations for board review throughout the year.
- Work with the rest of the staff and the Board on any other aspects of grant-making that may be required.
- Travel to assess projects or to attend international conferences related to human rights.
- Remain up to date with human rights developments internationally; and periodically write briefing notes to the Board and the staff as required.
- Maintain and develop key strategic alliances and relationships with consultants and with other funding organisations in the human rights arena and ensure that the Board is aware of trends in the field.
- Provide advice to directors on all policy matters relating to human rights and the work of the organisation.
- Ensure that the organisation has an effective communications strategy in parallel with the other portfolios, and that the reputation of Zennström Philanthropies is protected.
Essential skills:
- A university degree.
- Between 5 to 10 years of experience in the field of human rights.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Ability to work full time and to travel occasionally internationally.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; good sense of humour, positive attitude, good team spirit.
- Very good written and oral communication skills, including experience in report-writing and proofreading.
- Must have the ability to live and work in the UK.
- A sound understanding of European institutions and a knowledge of human rights issues as they apply in Europe.
- Experience in grant-making.
- A sound understanding of international human rights in the current context.
- Ability to speak and write in a second European language.
A competitive salary and a medical insurance package, 25 days holidays will be offered to the successful candidate for this full time position based in London.
