Position Title: Advocacy and Communication Officer

About Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center - JLAC

Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center was established in 1974 by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). (JLAC) has remained steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the human rights of Palestinians. Over the years, JLAC has adapted its focus to address the most urgent concerns of the time, with emphasis currently placed on protecting vulnerable communities in East Jerusalem and Area C, ensuring their rights to housing, livelihood, and public freedoms. Through the provision of pro bono legal aid, outreach efforts, and advocacy initiatives, JLAC endeavors to hold various Duty Bearers, including the Israeli government in East Jerusalem, its military apparatus in Area C, and the Palestinian Authority, accountable for their responsibilities.

Overview:

The Advocacy and Communication Officer at the Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center (JLAC) will hold a key position in driving forward JLAC’s mission to deliver legal aid to marginalized communities and combat the violations of human rights. This role encompasses the development and implementation of advocacy strategies and communication campaigns to raise awareness, mobilize support, and contribute to effect positive change.

Enhance JLAC’s Visibility among different stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

1. Advocacy Strategy Development:

• Collaborate with JLAC’s staff to implement advocacy strategies that are aligned with JLAC's objectives, focusing on critical human rights issues like house demolition, forced displacement/forcible transfer, land confiscation, and settler terror.
• Conduct thorough research to identify emerging challenges and opportunities, staying up to date of political, legal, and social developments pertinent to JLAC's work.
• Document key findings and follow up mechanisms for relevant advocacy files.
• Review and document national and regional development in the field of human rights, shelter and protection sectors, as well as the larger context of geopolitical developments impacting the sectors.
• Maintain up-to-date analysis of the external context, including mapping and database of stakeholders, potential supporters and partnership opportunities that are relevant to JLAC’s advocacy efforts.
• Brief/educate diplomats, policymakers and their staff through field visits, meetings, and other communications.
• Provide support in preparation for national and regional conferences and events.
• Maintaining a calendar of key dates for internal and external significant events and anniversaries.

2. Communication and Outreach:

• Design and implement communication campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of human rights issues and JLAC's efforts among diverse stakeholders, including affected communities, OCHA clusters, policymakers, NGOs, and the public.
• Create compelling communication materials such as press releases, reports, fact sheets and multimedia content, and manage JLAC's online presence to amplify its message effectively.

3. Coalition Building and Networking:

• Establish and enhnace relationships with key stakeholders including government entities, international organizations, media, UN officials, diplomats, civil society groups and staff to advance advocacy goals.
• Represent JLAC in various forums/conferences and related events in addition to actively participate in advocacy networks and coalitions to enhance collaboration and maximize impact.
• Understand the UN mechanisms and monitor UN discussions, debates, and resolutions related to JLAC’s focus areas. In addition to analyze UN reports, publications, and policies to identify opportunities for alignment or intervention.
• Attend UN meetings, briefings, and conferences relevant to JLAC’s mission and advocate for the organization's priorities within UN processes.

4. Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training and capacity-building support on advocacy techniques, communication strategies, and human rights principles to JLAC staff, partners, and community members.
• Develop educational resources and conduct workshops to empower communities to advocate for their rights with confidence.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy and communication efforts, gathering data and feedback to inform future strategies and initiatives.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on advocacy outcomes, highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned for internal and external stakeholders.

6. Skills    & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, human rights, international relations, communication, or related field.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in advocacy, communication, or related fields, preferably with a focus on human rights and social justice issues.
• Profound understanding of human rights principles, international humanitarian law, and the socio-political landscape of the Middle East, particularly Palestine.
• Exceptional communication skills in English and Arabic, encompassing writing, editing, and public speaking.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing advocacy strategies, media relations, and digital advocacy tools.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in multicultural settings and a strong commitment to JLAC's mission and values.
• Analytical strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to highly complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Strong diplomacy skills.
• The Advocacy and Communication Officer is expected to demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and a strong dedication to their responsibilities.

7. Reporting

• The Advocacy and Communication Officer will report directly to the JLAC Director .

8. Conditions

• Location: Ramallah, West Bank. 
• Duration: full time.
• Starting date: As soon as possible

9. Application & Deadline 

• If you have the required qualifications and are interested in this contract, please send your Updated CV and A motivation letter to jobs@jlac.ps no later than Sunday 17 March 2024.
• Please make sure to include the job title (Advocacy and Communication Officer) in the subject line.  
• Once shortlisted, you will be asked to provide proof of education, previous work experience

• Applications beyond this deadline will not be considered. Due to the urgency of filling this post, applications will be processed on a rolling basis, thus candidates are encouraged to apply early.   
• Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered.
• Please ensure that all necessary documents are attached, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted, for any questions or clarifications, please contact us through jobs @jlac.ps 
• Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to sit for a written test, successful candidates will be invited for a personal interview.