Director of Advocacy

Helem is the first LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the Arab world, officially established in Beirut, Lebanon in 2001. Its mission is to lead the struggle for the liberation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Intersex, Transgendered, Queer (LGBTQIA+) and other people with non-conforming sexualities and/or gender identities in Lebanon and the SWANA region from all sorts of violations of their individual and collective civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Our goal is to empower young LGBTQIA+ leaders to advocate for their own liberation. We seek to create initiatives and spaces where our communities can leverage unity through diversity and build power. We protect and support individuals with the resources to resist the harm caused by homophobia and transphobia. We empower our youth through education and community building and mobilize to change the laws, policies, and practices that deny us equality and reduce our quality of life.

Helem seeking an exceptional candidate to join our LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the position of Director of Advocacy. The ideal candidate would have a diverse range of expertise including intimate knowledge of international and domestic human rights law and mechanisms, a thorough understanding of gender and sexual rights in Lebanon and the MENA region, and experience creating and implementing impactful advocacy strategies with a wide range of stakeholders in the policy, media and legislative spheres. This position presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on advancing equal.

Tasks:

• Implement and expand Helem’s advocacy and engagement strategy, including developing new and improved objectives and targets for a wide range of reform priorities both in Lebanon and the in the MENA region.
• Lead Helem’s advocacy team and manage the department’s needs including staff performance, capacity building and wellbeing, budget and spending, timelines, and deliverables.
• Oversee and expand Helem’s human rights violations documentation program including all data gathering, analysis, and trainings components.
• Oversee and expand Helem’s organizational outreach program and associated referral mechanisms and identify new targets for engagement.
• Oversee and expand Helem’s legal aid program and integrate its work into existing documentation and advocacy efforts by the department.
• Produce and edit all Helem reports on LGBTIQ rights violations and devise specific engagement and dissemination strategies for each with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Provide expert insight and advice on human rights and/or gender and sexuality related issues for other departments and individuals within Helem.
• Develop new programs and research projects in line with Helem’s key strategic priorities including but not limited to opposition mapping and monitoring, coalition building, and ally engagement.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for LGBTQIA+ and gender equality issues, participating in conferences, workshops, and international forums.
• Collaborate and grow the organization’s allies and membership within existing and future coalitions.
• Collaborate with the communications department within Helem to produce high impact, evidence-based advocacy campaigns targeting a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to the general public, the legislature, the judiciary, the private sector, civil society, and the media among others.
• Collaborate with the communications department within Helem to represent the organization’s mission, work, and ethos in the media.
• Uphold the organization's mission, vision, values, and goals.

Qualifications:

• Expertise and experience as a human rights specialist, with a deep understanding of LGBTQIA+ communities, SOGIESC, and how they intersect with multiple identity and issue-based movements in Lebanon and the MENA region.
• Strong managerial skills with proven record of managing both programs and people in a collaborative and energetic environment.
• Strong knowledge of MENA politics, policy, and civil society. Familiarity with Helem’s advocacy priorities that include digital rights, political participation, economic justice, access to healthcare, and other civil, political and economic rights.
• Strong knowledge of gender equality frameworks, policies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences on gender-related matters.
• Excellent language skills in both Arabic and English with the ability to produce quality content and improve and edit other content for public dissemination.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated success in developing and implementing advocacy strategies, securing gains and impact with relevant stakeholders.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with partners, coalitions, and other human rights advocates.
• Proficiency in using fundraising software, databases, and online platforms.
• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Women's Studies, Human Rights Law, Human Rights Advocacy, Public Policy or Administration, International Relations or Studies, or a related field.