03 February 2023, Friday

About SJI

SJI is dedicated to the legal protection of victims of human rights violations connected to armed conflict and counter-terrorism operations, torture and gender-based violence in the post-Soviet region. We strive to restore victims’ rights and to push for systemic reform in law and policy. We build the capacity of legal professionals, NGOs, human rights defenders and other stakeholders through trainings, legal consultations, mutually beneficial partnerships and original research and publications on relevant human rights topics. We seek to raise greater public awareness by highlighting legacies of conflict, and contributing to ongoing dialogues about human rights protection for vulnerable groups.

About the position

The Executive Director is responsible for securing the impact and overall sustainability of SJI in a highly volatile operational environment across several legal jurisdictions, and ensures the development and adaptation of SJI’s mission and methodologies in areas such as strategic litigation, human rights research, capacity-building and advocacy.

Duties:

The Executive Director, reporting to the SJI Board, provides overall leadership of SJI and has the  following areas of responsibility:

Strategic leadership

  • Monitor, adapt and implement a strategy to achieve impact in the organization’s priority thematic areas and in accordance with its strategic plan and mission;
  • Provide support and direction to program staff and facilitate the development of objectives, goals and methodologies that fulfill the organization’s mission;
  • Oversee all programmatic activities of the organization and support general strategy development in consultation with staff, Board and external partners.
  • Represent SJI in various forums (conferences, advocacy meetings, interviews with media etc.), presenting a clear vision of SJI’s goals and strategies.

Fundraising and financial management

  • Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, securing sufficient funds to carry out activities in accordance with project commitments, strategic and annual plans;
  • Ensure financial due diligence and compliance across several jurisdictions;
  • Lead financial management processes such as budgeting and internal/external financial reporting and ensure transparency of accounting systems;
  • Ensure internal quarterly, yearly and half-yearly internal financial accounting.

Project design and management

  • In consultation with staff and partners, design human rights projects within the organization’s mandate;
  • Manage and cultivate partnerships with international, national and local civil society groups and activists;
  • Develop effective mechanisms for overseeing and streamlining project management;
  • Ensure timely and accurate project reporting.

Staff and organizational management

  • Promote and model professionalism, collaboration, respect and transparency across the organization and with all organizational partners;
  • Adequately address and appropriately prioritize staff’s concerns and views, support opportunities for professional development; 
  • Ensure compliance of SJI and partners’ operations with local and national legislation and conduct assessments of operational landscapes and emerging risks;
  • Manage and mitigate organizational risk through analysis of current/emerging security threats for staff, partners and institutions, and ensure risks are taken into account in all planning processes;
  • Assist in the recruitment, evaluation and overall management of staff and consultants.
  • Ensure that SJI continuously develops and improves appropriate internal management, governance and reporting structures (including project and line management)
  • In consultation with Board and staff, develop and implement institutional contingency planning.

Essential Qualifications:

  • M.A. or higher in a relevant field (law, political science, international affairs, etc); or B.A. in a relevant field with at least seven years’ relevant experience;
  • Written and oral fluency in English and Russian with strong presentation and advocacy abilities in both languages;
  • At least three years’ experience working on human rights/rule of law projects in Russia or former Soviet Union, and knowledge of challenges faced by human rights defenders and lawyers in the region;
  • At least five years’ experience in a management position in the civil society/non-profit sector;
  • At least five years’ experience in project management and/or financial management, preferably in combination with a fundraising role;
  • Knowledge of regional and international mechanisms of human rights protection;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, exceptional leadership capacity, ability to solve problems under pressure, cross-cultural sensitivity and experience with managing operations with a range of individual and organizational partners operating in high-risk environments;
  • Outstanding personal and professional integrity, demonstrated commitment to equality and non-discrimination;
  • Willing to undertake international travel.

Desirable qualifications:

  • Experience advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, women and children;
  • Experience working on human rights violations in the context of armed conflict;
  • Proven track record of advocating for victims of sexual and gender-based violence;
  • Experience in national or international strategic litigation, human rights documentation and research, international or national advocacy;
  • Experience leading organizational change management processes, team development, strategic reviews and project evaluations;
  • Successful fundraising record in an organization of similar size and scope.

Location and desired start date:

The position is open to candidates based in Russia, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and the European continent. In particular circumstances, depending on their location at the time of application, the successful candidate may be requested to relocate in order to take up the position and will be provided with relocation assistance from SJI.

The desired start date is 1 May 2023 or sooner.

Hours

This is a full-time position that sometimes requires evening/weekend working hours.

Salary and benefits:

Salary will depend on the applicant’s experience and also his/her location and tax regime in the country of residence or relocation. Gross salary range is between 50 000-70 000 euro/per annum. Other benefits may be offered depending on the candidate’s current or planned location.

Application deadline: 6 March 2023

How to apply:

Please send applications to: EDsearch@srji.org. Applications should consist of:

  • Cover letter;
  • CV;
  • Names and affiliations of two potential referees.

Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


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