Executive Director

The Arab Human Rights Fund (AHRF) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organization that supports the promotion and realization of human rights through grants to human rights initiatives in the Arab region. Governed by a diverse Board of Directors, the Fund is independent of any governmental, political, religious or other interests and is committed to operating with transparency and accountability. 
 AHRF works directly and consults widely and regularly with actors in the field of human rights throughout the region to identify appropriate and promising strategies for human rights promotion in accordance with the needs of the region.  By virtue of its trans-regional orientation, the Fund is uniquely positioned to link the region’s human rights community with global rights and legal networks as well as philanthropic resources. 
 The Fund also works to cultivate domestic funding for human rights, promote the concept of social justice philanthropy within the Arab region, and build productive relationships between human rights practitioners and colleagues in the development, media and social service arenas.  In these and other ways AHRF hopes to expand and enhance the support available for human rights activities in the Arab region. 
 In its fifth year of operation, the Fund seeks an experienced, creative and energetic Executive Director to carry out its ambitious programs.  Under her/his able leadership the Fund should make major strides in supporting groups to realize the vision of enjoyment of all human rights by all in the Arab region.  The ideal candidate will combine good experience in human rights, grantmaking, institution-building, and fundraising with excellent knowledge of the Arab region.
 
The Executive Director will:

Work closely with the Board to develop optimal strategies and approaches for both the management and programmatic work of the Fund. 
Work closely with the Board to implement its decisions in the areas of grantmaking, fundraising, outreach and institution-building in fulfillment of the Fund’s mission and in accordance with the by-laws governing the AHRF.
Exercise overall responsibility for management of the office. Streamline office systems and procedures to ensure smooth, effective and accountable functioning of administrative and financial processes. Supervise staff in the most effective manner to achieve the aims of the AHRF.
Develop AHRF operational activities in coordination with the Board to support its mandate of being a resource to the human rights community in the region, to donors, and to the community of philanthropic organizations and foundations.
Draft and propose to the Board creative and effective grantmaking strategies, including the use of consultative mechanisms to identify funding directions, recommendations for grants, and responsible supervision of grantmaking and reporting.
Create in coordination with the Grants Program Manager streamlined and effective grantmaking processes from first receipt of applications to preparation of recommendations for grants. Propose changes to the Board for discussion and approval.
Support the Grants Program Manager in supervising AHRF grants portfolio and grantee reporting, including due diligence and follow-up activities.
Develop and initiate fundraising and outreach strategies in coordination with the head of communications and development in order to fulfill the Fund’s mission.
Work with consultants and the Board to develop and implement effective communications strategies and tools to reach the Fund’s human rights constituencies, potential donors, the media and the public at large.
Represent the AHRF in regional and international meetings, and build strong cooperative relationships with like-minded organizations around the world.
Develop and propose to the Board evaluation methodologies and measures of accountability, transparency and effectiveness for the Fund and grant recipients, and oversee their implementation.

The ideal candidate will have:

A Graduate degree in international affairs, human rights, international development, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in human rights and good knowledge of the region’s human rights issues and communities.  A good understanding of human rights at the international level.
A minimum of eight years of experience in civil society work.
Excellent knowledge of the economic, political, social and cultural conditions in the Arab region.
Commitment to teamwork and consensual team building.
Good experience working effectively with a Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Successful fundraising with institutional and individual donors in an international environment.
Experience in grantmaking and project evaluation.
Demonstrated administration and management experience, including managing significant budgets.
Good experience in recruiting and developing talented and diverse staff.
Ability to work confidently and comfortably with a variety of communities, including non-profits organizations, foundation representatives, major donors, business leaders, the media, and representatives of international agencies.
Sensitivity to the needs and capacities of fledgling organizations working in adverse environments.
Excellent communication skills.
Native Arabic and excellent English skills (reading, writing, and correspondence). French is preferred.