Professional (f/m/x) for national and international lobbying and advocacy work for human rights in Mexico

Background and Partner Organisation

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) is a programme for the prevention of violence and the promotion of peace in crisis and conflict regions. As an expert in the CPS, you will work with partner organisations that are committed to social justice, peace and the realisation of human rights on the ground. The organisations work in a national network of peace organisations and thus join forces for sustainable and effective social transformation.

The non-governmental organisation Centro de Justicia para la Paz y el Desarrollo (CEPAD) is a key figure in civil society’s commitment to the protection of human rights in the Mexican state of Jalisco. CEPAD pursues a holistic approach that includes both legal and psychosocial support in cases of human rights violations. The issues of torture and enforced disappearances take centre stage. The organisation supports collectives of relatives of disappeared persons and works to improve their access to justice. CEPAD also carries out research, advocacy and public relations work on the human rights situation in Jalisco in order to initiate political and structural changes.

The organisation is based in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Job Scope

As a team member in the “Disappearances” work area, you will support CEPAD in raising awareness of the issue of enforced disappearances and the situation of affected children and young people in Jalisco at international, national and local level, stimulating legal and political developments and sensitising the population.

In particular, you are responsible for the following:

• Collaboration in the analysis of state measures, instruments and actions against enforced disappearances as well as the development of recommendations, position papers and materials for various target groups
• Supporting the planning and organisation of information events
• Establishing/expanding and maintaining networks with relevant civil society/state/international actors and participating in dialogue forums
• Participation in the development and implementation of issue-related advocacy and communication strategies and activities (international, national, local level)
• Drafting and submitting documents, communications and applications, especially to international human rights bodies, in cooperation with other stakeholders
• Participation in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of lobbying activities
• Development of an internal handbook to systematise recommendations for international advocacy work by civil society organisations and collectives

Profile

As a dedicated professional with extensive knowledge of the human rights context in Mexico, you have

• A relevant degree (at least a Bachelor’s degree), e.g. political science, international relations, administrative sciences, law, economics, sociology, journalism, as well as relevant further training and several years of relevant professional experience in national and international lobbying and advocacy work for human rights, preferably in the area of enforced disappearances and the rights of children and adolescents
• Several years of professional experience with international human rights protection systems, in particular the universal and inter-American human rights systems
• Experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies and legislative projects
• Experience in dialogue and cooperation with authorities, state actors and international human rights organisations as well as with affected groups
• Business fluent in English and Spanish
• A high level of intercultural and gender competence, diplomatic skills and a high level of sensitivity for working with victims of serious human rights violations
• A strong tolerance for frustration
• Willingness to travel on business

Citizenship of a Member State of the European Union or Switzerland is required.

Benefits provided by Bread for the World and Dienste in Übersee
Bread for the World provides a framework in which the professionals of Dienste in Übersee share their knowledge and skills with people of another culture.

Supportive cooperation, mutual learning and intercultural exchange are enabled by:

• Individual preparation
• Three year contract with benefits in accordance with the German Development Aid Workers Act
• Coaching