Freedom House
Short Term Consultancy (Possibility of Longer-Term Position)
Senior Policy Advisor on Iran
Location: Washington, DC
ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE
Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a nonpartisan non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.
OVERVIEW OF CONSULTANCY
The Senior Policy Advisor for Iran will play a leading role in crafting Freedom House’s policy agenda and advocacy strategy for promoting democracy and human rights in Iran. This is a six-month position, with the possibility of extension based on funding.
Working in close coordination with other FH experts and through consultations with external partners , the consultant will develop policy recommendations, an advocacy strategy to advance that broader policy agenda, and coordinate the implementation of the advocacy strategy. As part of the strategy, Freedom House envisions close partnership with other groups and individuals to spur action by democratic governments, international organizations, and others to pressure the Iranian regime to end its repression and support the protesters. One hoped-for outcome is a broad coalition of interested actors who will work together to keep the global attention focused on Iran, urge global leaders to jointly pressure the Iranian regime, and build global support and solidarity for the protestors.
A primary advocacy focus for this position is the US government, with additional multistakeholder and international advocacy as relevant in accordance with the advocacy strategy. A key component of the strategy will include advocating for policies and legislation that build international support for a democratic Iran, drive increased support to the protest movement, and promote fundamental rights and freedoms for the people of Iran.
This role requires knowledge of one or more policy topics related to Iran or related international affairs , such as the current protest movement, US-Iran relations, sanctions, democracy and human rights issues and historical challenges to addressing this issue in multilateral bodies ( e.g. UN, EU, NATO). The consultant should have a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders and to get things done.
This position has the potential to be longer-term with an expanded role. Pending additional funding, this role could be extended to a full year or longer , and could be expanded to include the entire MENA region. Additionally, if the position is extended, it will also expand to include building additional MENA programmatic capabilities at Freedom House. Preference will be given to candidates with MENA – not only Iran – experience and programmatic experience .
PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS
· Leading development of policy agenda and positions and a related advocacy strategy for Iran. This includes determining which US and foreign government officials to meet with, which advocacy materials to produce, how to promote existing publications, and how to move existing policy recommendations forward.
· Authoring policy recommendations, policy briefs, congressional testimony, op-eds, press releases, talking points, and other advocacy materials as necessary, in close coordination with colleagues focused on Iran.
· Monitoring US legislative and policy developments and key international developments related to Iran to keep colleagues informed and recommend policy positions and advocacy interventions.
· Organizing and leading meetings and roundtables on key policy issues with subject matter experts, civil society partners, industry, and others to assess challenges to human rights in Iran and identify effective ways to counter the oppression by the Iranian government.
· Leading the preparation of Freedom House staff and democracy and human rights activists for meetings, hearings, briefings, press interviews, or speaking engagements related to Iran, and representing Freedom House at such engagements as needed , including the creation of talking points, briefing memos, letters, press releases, and other written products as relevant.
· Reviewing and recommending whether Freedom House should sign on to advocacy and coalition letters with partner organizations and other stakeholders around these issues. In addition, identifying and overseeing opportunities for Freedom House to draft and lead on coalition letters.
· Assisting with inputs for funding proposals for Freedom House’s work on Iran.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in regional studies , human rights, international affairs, political science, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
· Broad understanding of issues related to Iran, and detailed knowledge of topics related to sanctions, promoting democracy and human rights, US-Iran relations, and the rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and religious and ethnic minorities in Iran.
· Familiarity with policy debates surrounding the Iranian nuclear program, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian economic policy, and Iran’s involvement in multilateral bodies is desirable.
· Previous employment in democracy/human rights advocacy organizations, the US Senate, US House, US Department of State, USAID, White House, or similar, required, including hands-on policy or advocacy experience and the ability to demonstrate success at moving legislation or policy agendas.
· Knowledge of or experience with the United Nations and/or other multilateral bodies a plus.
· Demonstrated eagerness to grapple with complicated policy questions.
· Proven ability to research, analyze, and report on policy issues, including demonstrated experience drafting legislation, policy memos, and other written products relevant to policy and advocacy work.
· Proven ability to build consensus amongst a variety of diverse stakeholders.
· Track record of strategic leadership.
Technical Skills
· Familiarity with social media for advocacy.
· Familiarity with the MS Office suite of applications.
· Familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
· Familiarity with task management software a plus.
Personal Attributes and Characteristics
· Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
· Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multitask to meet tight deadlines.
· Ability to assess and recommend policy positions based on Freedom House’s lens toward bipartisan, pragmatic solutions.
· Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Farsi language skills a plus.
· Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibits unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
· Must be able to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders, and be able to translate complex financial issues into easily understood concepts.
· Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrates a strong desire for personal excellence and can inspire others to achieve as well. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
· Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
· Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
· Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals from the LGBTI+ community, and people living with disabilities—to apply.
· Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
· Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. The payment for this consultancy is $12,500 per month for six months.
· Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.
· As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General Working Conditions
· General working office environment or telecommuting.
· May require some long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
· This role requires daily exposure to potentially distressing news content, research, and personal stories.
· Potential travel for events and initiatives less than 10 percent of the time.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or telecommuting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
DIRECTIONS TO APPLY
Applicants should send to [email protected] a 1 to 2-page resume and a 1-page cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the job description. Cover letters that highlight a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will be well received.
How to apply
https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=FREEHOUS&cws=39&rid=1332