AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Status: Full-Time
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline to Apply: April 4th, 2015.
Summary of Principal Responsibilities
The Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Asia will work to further the objectives set in the Asia Advocacy Strategy, and is responsible for lifting up the issues of peace and justice in the context of shared security in Asia through education, advocacy and constituency mobilization. The coordinator implements and measures the impact of strategies to influence US thinking, policy and practice relating to Asia, and currently with a focus on China and North Korea.
Under the overall direction of the Regional Director for Asia based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, he/she engages and collaborates with the AFSC Asia Leadership Team, the AFSC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington D. C., where the position is based, the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in New York, additional IP and U.S. regional staff, on matters related to U.S. Asia policy. The coordinator keeps abreast of the relevant contextual realities, emerging issues and policy developments in the U.S. and Asia. The coordinator attends external meetings and conferences, creates resource documents, and speaks publicly on behalf of AFSC when appropriate.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator, Asia include the following:
Program Development and Implementation
- Within the framework of the approved Asia Strategy and the Asia Advocacy Strategy, and the Global Shared Security plan develop specific goal orientated actions, and ways to measure progress, appropriate for achieving the strategic objectives in the United States, e.g.
- Participate in and/or facilitate external meetings and conferences to discuss priority issues associated with Asia.
- Produce education and communication materials such as Action Alerts, newsletters, policy briefs, reports and content for the website in consultation with the Asia Regional Team and the Communications Department.
- Collect information and analysis from the Asia Leadership Team and package for policy audiences in Washington; in the context of doing so, carefully manage confidential materials and information.
- Build relationships with relevant key bodies and decision makers.
- Work with the Public Policy and Advocacy Office, IP/Asia Leadership Team and the QUNO Director and staff to carry out the identified advocacy and diplomacy efforts.
- Plan, lead or coordinate campaigns, delegations, and speaking and study tours as approved in the strategies, in consultation with the appropriate AFSC bodies.
- Keep abreast of current political and security developments and contextual realities in the region, and research and produce analytical educational materials and analysis for internal usage.
- Actively participate in global shared security meetings, content development, reporting and monitoring and evaluation efforts
Organizational Support
- Monitor progress toward achievement of goals and objectives of strategies and programs, undertake regular evaluations to measure outcomes and impact and draw lessons to inform programs and decisions making.
- Ensure that all assigned projects are carried out effectively and professionally and are consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of AFSC.
- Promote teamwork to achieve a common purpose
- Engage in continuous professional growth.
- Adhere to all AFSC policies and procedures.
Decision-Making
- With the overall guidance and consent of the Regional Director for Asia, coordinate consultations and solicit comments on key policy papers, advocacy strategies, media materials and public education plans.
- Provide consultation on thematic or geographic issues related to Asia, and facilitate discussions and input around possible initiatives or on how to address emerging problems.
- Participate in the Asia Leadership Team, Regional staff, and Global Shared Security group meetings
Communications
- Coordinate work with Communication Department (media, web and publication team) and serve as an information resource on Asia issues for AFSC staff members.
- Serve as the principal US contact on Asia issues and provide verbal and written briefings and updates to appropriate audiences, as needed
- Under the direction of the Regional Director for Asia, draft position statements, press releases, op eds, talking points, etc. and manage the process for review, as defined by AFSC policy
- Maintain regular contact with regional team members in Asia and visit staff and programs on a regular basis; make timely requests for information from the field in order to leverage strategic advocacy openings as they are identified
- Take the time necessary to become well informed of the Asia work in order to communicate the work and underlying principles with eloquence.
Collaboration
- Facilitate collaboration between staff members on advocacy themes throughout AFSC and convene advocacy related calls with relevant persons as necessary.
- Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, professional groups, institutions, etc. that will expand the reach and maximize the effectiveness of the AFSC.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Consider accessibility and inclusivity in all planning and activities. Ensure no groups are excluded on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion and so on, unless an event or activity is deliberately designed for a specific group – i.e, Muslims, women etc.
- Ensure all internal policy and practice in the coordinators work reflect a commitment to inclusion, in terms of accessibility, recruitment and other policies and benefits. Continue to educate staff on AFSC’s commitment to inclusion and what this means.
- Encourage partners to adopt inclusive policies, practices and considerations in all the activities they engage in with AFSC support, and beyond, if possible.
Administration
- Formulate budgets for public education and advocacy work on Asia in the U.S and participate in the annual budgeting processes
- Participate in the development of strategies for obtaining funds for the region, including writing proposals for grants and identifying potential donors.
- Maintain all financial records on program work and prepare financial reports for accountability
- Supervise interns and program assistants as required.
Other Responsibilities
Willingness to work beyond the Asia Advocacy Strategy on related AFSC thematic foci with AFSC working groups, as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Graduated degree or the equivalent related experience in social policy, peace studies, conflict resolution, political science, international relations, law or a related area studies field is required.
Experience:
- Five years’ experience or more in policy analysis, research and advocacy work, including significant prior work experience in Washington, D.C.
- Understanding of U.S. political processes and demonstrated ability to connect with government officials, congressional staffers, and key policy makers.
- At least two years’ experience living and working in Asia, Northeast or Southeast Asia preferred.
- Demonstrated success in coalition-building, constituency outreach, public education, and working with academics, policy experts, and key non-governmental actors
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of conflict resolutions, conflict transformation, reconciliation and peace building.
- Ability to connect with diverse audiences, negotiate and influence situations using tact and diplomacy—both internally and externally.
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