The World
Council of Churches (WCC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches founded
in 1948. It brings together 350 member churches from all over the world,
including Orthodox churches, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran and Reformed
denominations, to promote Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a
just and peaceful world.
The WCC is looking for an: Advocacy Officer at 100%
Based in Jerusalem, the advocacy officer
will advocate for all the WCC activities based in Jerusalem and Israel. He/she
will work with and assist all relevant stakeholders of the Ecumenical
Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) and the JerusalemLiaisonOffice(WCC-JLO).He/shewillworkcloselywiththerelevantstaffteamsin Jerusalem, the programme executive for
peacebuilding in the Middle East region, the Director of the Commission of the
Churches on International Affairs(CCIA).
In particular, he/she will be
responsible for: WCC-EAPPI
Work closely with
the EAPPI Advocacy Task Force and relevant WCC staff in Jerusalem and
Geneva/New York to implement the WCC-EAPPI advocacystrategy.
Definekeyissuesanddevelopstrategies,messagingandoutputsforadvocacyinitiatives based on the reports,
observations and experiences of Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) and local
partners.
Liaise closely
with local counterparts (esp. churches and church-related organizations) in
relation to such issues, strategies, messaging andoutputs.
TrainandsupportEAsinrelationtotheiradvocacywork(andrelatedprocesses)during their time
in the field, including preparing EAs to brief their consulates in Israel
and/or Palestine on specific issues that are in need of diplomatic attention
andintervention.
Draft Urgent
Action Appeals/Advocacy Alerts on imminent threats of human rights violations
affecting placement and partnercommunities.
Develop and
maintain close relations with national and international advocacy
organizations,keygovernmentalandUNactors,aswellasregionaladvocacygroupsand networks.
Develop ways to
provide feedback on advocacy initiatives to the communities concerned
Stay highly informed
about the situation in Palestine and Israel by reading EA logs, news media and
reports by partner organizations.
Together with
local staff in Jerusalem, research and draft text for statements and
submissions to relevant UN forums/mechanisms in Geneva and/or New York; liaise and
collaborate closely with relevant colleagues in Geneva and New York in relation
to advocacy opportunities and initiatives in the UN.
Develop links
with organisations and networks working on the issue of I/OPT in the European
Union (EU) in Brussels, and attend meetings specialising on advocacy on Israel/Occupied
Palestinian Territories at the EU such as the ACT EU Middle East working group.
Engage with
advocacy targets such as Members of European Parliament, EU Special
Representatives and officials.
Organise an annual
lobby week at the EU in cooperation with relevant partners. Support day-to-day
running of EAPPI as requested by the Programme Coordinator, such as editing
internal reports, communicating information about EAPPI to partner
organizations and delegations etc.
WCC-JLO
Undertake
advocacy functions on behalf of the Jerusalem Liaison Office, under the
supervision of the JLO Coordinator, in particular relating to JLO work with
local church leaders and communities, inter-religious relations in the region,
and ecumenical theological reflection on the situation in Palestine andIsrael.
Liaise closely
with relevant WCC colleagues in Geneva (especially the Programme Executive on
peacebuilding in the Middle East region) and New York in relation to such
advocacy initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Experience:
At least three to five years’
experience in the field of advocacy: public information, public relations,
international relations, public administration or related area, especially
within humanitarian organizations and ecumenical movement.
Demonstrated
skills in defining key issues for advocacy, and developing effective advocacy
strategies andmessaging.
Writing and
technical skills for the production of a range of advocacy outputs, including
reports, case studies, advocacy alerts, photographs,videos.
Highdegreeofinter-culturalawarenessandsensitivity;abilitytorelateappropriately and work creatively with
local churches and church-related organizations, and with other local and
international stakeholders andcounterparts.
Capacity to
represent EAPPI/JLO in relevant meeting and working groups related to the
functions of theposition.
Education: University degree (Bachelor/Master’s degree
or equivalent) in international relations, public administration or related
field.
Language skills: Strong oral communication skills in Arabic
and English. Hebrew is an asset. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
Other requirements:
Ability to work
under pressure with irregular hours as needed and ability to travel to all
areas of the WestBank.
Jerusalem ID is aplus
A valid driving
license for Israel and the West Bank is required. Having a car is aplus.
ABOUT HUMAN RESOURCES AT THE WCC: The WCC is an equal opportunity employer.
The sole criteria for recruitment, training and career opportunities are
qualification, skills, experience and performance to all its staff members.