Maghreb Regional Programme Assistant, based in France

Position description:

The Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and committed individual to support its programmes in the Maghreb region, particularly in Tunisia. The aim of the post is to support defenders and non-governmental organisations and ensure tailored accompaniment to contribute to the consolidation and sustainability of the human rights ecosystem. This position requires knowledge and understanding of civil society dynamics (established and recent) and political developments in Tunisia, among other countries in the region.

Background:

EMHRF is a private foundation based in Denmark, established on 9 December 2004 (https://emhrf.org/). The Foundation aims at providing flexible financial assistance to regional, national and local human rights NGOs and institutes as well as individuals who promote, support, protect and monitor the observance of human rights in the South-Mediterranean region. The EMHRF headquarters is in Copenhagen, and it has a sub-office in France. The Board, the highest authority of EMHRF, is composed of twelve volunteer members who are leading civil society representatives from the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Responsibilities:

The Maghreb Regional Programme Assistant will assist the programme team in its daily work to protect and support Tunisian human rights defenders and organisations.

1) Supporting and monitoring civil society dynamics

• Monitor and provide regular feedback on civil society dynamics in Tunisia.
• Ensure reception and thorough due diligence reviews on grant applications for protection, seed, and operational grants from Tunisian civil society actors.
• Encourage and assist applicants to identify their strengths and weaknesses, to develop realistic plans and proposals that include follow-up elements for their development and sustained engagement.
• Ensure the evaluation of narrative and financial reports of defenders and organisations supported in accordance with internal guidelines for monitoring and evaluation of grants.
• Work closely with defenders and organisations supported and provide advice on monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting to build their capacity in this area.

2) Tailored follow-up and coaching

• Strengthen coordination with local, national, regional and international partners involved in protecting and supporting Tunisian civil society.
• Provide relevant resources to consolidate the agency of Tunisian civil society, and act as a bridging mechanism to enable them to expand their collaborations and alliances to strengthen their security, operational capacity and human rights agenda in the long term.
• Support the development of civil society actors supported, particularly the young generation, by strengthening their access to support networks, assisting them in obtaining fellowships or pursuing learning exchanges.
• Assist in organising, as appropriate, exchanges between donors, foundations, academics, and defenders on civil society developments and needs to strengthen knowledge sharing, coordination, and convergence.

Education, experience, and skills required for the position:

• A university degree in human rights, political or social sciences, or a similar field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience working in or with civil society in the Maghreb region, in particular Tunisia.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in Arabic and French are required, as well as a good command of English.
• Strong commitment to the principles and practice of human rights and gender equality.
• Knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, to take initiative and show creativity in solving problems.
• Ability to keep full confidentiality about assigned tasks and related documentation as well as able to exercise discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines, to set priorities, and to coordinate work with other colleagues based in different locations.
• Computer literacy mandatory, and familiarity with digital security preferable.

Commitment to equality:

EMHRF is committed to ensuring equality and non-discrimination on grounds of gender, religion or belief, race, colour, ethnic origin, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, nationality, social position, economic position, political opinion, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or reassignment in its hiring process. EMHRF is a multicultural environment that celebrates diversity. All employees are expected to promote and act in a manner that ensures a non-discriminatory, open and sensitive approach to others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Conditions:

• Duty station: France (Paris suburb)
• Type of contract: Open-ended contract (CDI)
• Working hours: full-time
• Salary: Based on the salary scale, min. 3,145€/month (gross) according to experience plus benefits (meal vouchers, supplementary health insurance, and public transport)
• Start of the assignment: Ideally in September 2023