ABA ROLI Human Rights Advisor – Armenia

For over 30 years, and through our work in more than 100 countries, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) has sought to strengthen legal institutions, support legal professionals, foster respect for human rights, and advance public understanding of the law and citizen rights. In collaboration with government agencies, the judiciary, lawyers, bar associations, legislatures, and civil society, we design programs that are responsive to local needs and that prioritize sustainable solutions to pressing rule of law challenges.

To learn more about our work in Armenia, please visit https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/armenia/

Job Summary

ABA ROLI is seeking candidates for the position of Human Rights Advisor for an anticipated project based in Yerevan, Armenia. The Human Rights Advisor will be responsible for leading human rights initiatives and activities to improve human rights institutions and strengthen oversight mechanisms in Armenia through collaboration with the Government of Armenia (GoA) and other relevant stakeholders. The Human Rights Advisor will provide technical leadership in coordinating with the GoA, private sector, human rights defenders (HRDs), and civil society to provide input for proposed Program activities and goals. The HR Advisor will also oversee reporting of major progress in the human rights promotion aspects of the Program through impact reports and tangible monitoring and evaluation data.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated deep technical knowledge of systems and processes to promote and protect human rights. Specifically, experience with assisting and/or working with human rights defenders (HRDs), marginalized groups, and civil society organizations would be beneficial. Those with experience in advocacy, digital security, rule of law, access to justice, or human rights in Armenia generally are also encouraged to apply. Armenian citizens preferred. This position is subject to the availability of funds and pending USAID management approvals.

Principal Duties

• Provide strategic and technical leadership in program design, reflection, work planning, reporting, and other implementation touchpoints.
• Responsible for leading human rights protection strengthening initiatives with the private sector, national and municipal government institutions, and civil society, including ensuring successful completion of deliverables and expected results with any needed pivots in program design due to evolving needs.
• Oversee technical integrity of program deliverables related to human rights, protection of/assistance to HRDs, and human rights violation reporting and redress; including presentation of related data to a wide range of audiences including GoA individuals, the USG donor, HRDs, the private sector, journalists, and civil society and other partners.
• Ensure technical integrity of participant-facing program materials and donor-facing interim and final reports, and related technical deliverables.

Principal Qualifications

• Armenian nationals preferred.
• Excellent oral and written English language communication skills required.
• Bachelor or Graduate degree in international development, social science, business, law, human rights, communication, or related field.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience working on international donor-funded programs on human rights, marginalized communities’ rights, business and human rights, civil society strengthening, advocacy, rule of law, access to justice, judicial independence, trial monitoring, strategic litigation, or similar topics.
• Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise staff.
• Knowledge and experience on gender, equality, and social inclusion.
• Good understanding of human rights-focused Armenian civil society organizations and networks, the Human Rights Defender’s Office, law schools, legal associations, judicial actors and entities, the private sector, and journalist organizations; familiarity with GoA functions, officials, and relevant offices.
• Solid communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and relation management skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships and networks with national and municipal government institutions, HRDs, private sector, civil society organizations and networks, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.