Voluntary work for KHRP can be divided into three categories: Internships, Project Volunteerships and International Fellowships.

Internships

KHRP recruits interns throughout the year to work on its diverse projects and activities. Tasks will vary depending on the type of internship, but most will involve some level of research. Interns are a valued and integral part of the organisation.
 

Project Volunteers

Volunteers are recruited to assist KHRP with specific projects. Volunteers may have technical or administrative skills essential for the effective running of the organisation.
 

International Fellowship Programme

In conjunction with the Sigrid Rausing Trust, KHRP offer a limited number of International Fellowships. The fellowships are designated for exceptional advocates from Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, or countries of the former Soviet Union with significant Kurdish populations, who have shown interest in working with international human rights mechanisms. This scheme allows Fellows to work in KHRP's London Headquarters for 4-6 months with KHRP's extensive Legal Team, on live cases to the European Court of Human Rights and complaints to UN and other international human rights mechanisms.  Visit the Fellowship page under the 'Work For Us' menu.

Current Opportunities

2. LEGAL INTERNSHIPS

3. FINANCE INTERNSHIPS

4. RESOURCES AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIPS, INCLUDING THE SPECIAL RESOURCE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT INTERNSHIP

5. RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS

6. DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING INTERNSHIPS

7. RESOURCE CENTRE VOLUNTEERS

 
Iran & Syria Desk Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:    Iran & Syria Desk Officer
           
Location:    London

Reporting to:    Deputy Director

Part–time or full-time, 3 days per week minimum

UNPAID POSITION, TRAVEL EXPENSES ARE REIMBURSED


The Iran & Syria Desk Officer will monitor the evolution of civil society growth and application of international human rights standards in the Kurdish regions of Iran and liaise with and maintain relationships with policy makers and relevant civil society actors.   In so doing, the post holder will suggest topics and timings for missions to the regions and research to be carried out, and will liaise with regional representatives and applicants on cases to be submitted to international judicial bodies. 

The Iran & Syria Desk Officer should explore avenues for KHRP to offer constructive advice and information to new civil society organisations in developing a public awareness of the definitions of fundamental rights and the ability to exercise one’s rights, and assist in the development of public awareness tools for these areas.  Further, the post-holder will respond to media and public inquiries about the regions and about KHRP’s role.  S/he will represent KHRP at public events and meetings where appropriate, and assist in developing public meetings in Europe, as well as in the regions.  S/he will be the primary point of contact for regional partners and representatives, and will assist them when they visit KHRP London offices.

Specific Tasks Include But Are Not Limited To:

The work of the Iran & Syria Desk Officer involves carrying out the following duties in conjunction with all KHRP staff, but most often with the Regional Office, Legal Officer and Development Officer, under the supervision of the Deputy Director.  The post-holder will work in tandem with the Regional Office in carrying and implementing activities. S/he will be the primary day-to-day contact of KHRP HQ for the Regional Office; however, other staff can and will liaise as necessary.

1.    General Responsibilities/Tasks

• Maintaining regular communication with KHRP’s constituency, volunteers, and staff to keep them updated on political, social and legal developments in the regions, as well as on the work of other NGOs, providing timely written and/or oral briefings;
• Developing and implementing public education strategies and materials with other relevant staff as necessary to build support for KHRP activities;
• Identifying and cultivating agreed upon partners to build coalitions in order to further the aims of KHRP;
• Maintaining regular and consistent proactive contact with partners and the Regional Office;
• Translating/interpreting relevant documents, including news articles, organisational materials and speeches;
• Contributing to the overall development of the organisation;
• Exploring with the Regional Office possibilities for future trips, including making contacts;
• Collaborating with  the Regional Office, and the Legal Officer, Deputy Director, Iraq & Turkey Desk Officer and other staff where relevant, to brainstorm new trip ideas and to problem-solve;
• Keeping abreast and proactively seeking out new information from partners and Regional Office of current events pertaining to upcoming trips; and
• Taking on (as time and talent allow) special projects that better the organisation as a whole.

2.    Developing relationships in order to build public awareness.
Mission coordination responsibilities will be done in conjunction with the Regional Office and partners, but the post-holder will be responsible for:

• Developing the pre-departure packets at London headquarters;
• Coordinating transportation for trip;
• Creating trip schedule;
• Organising trip meetings via e-mail or Skype;
• Creating trip budget and submitting them to the Deputy Director 5 working days before needed;
• Preparing pre-departure packet, including administrative forms, discussion/reflection materials for trip, as needed, in collaboration with the Legal Officer and the Iraq & Turkey Desk Officer;
• Confirming all trip details with Deputy Director and mission member(s);
• Organising interpretation/translation as necessary;
• Liaising with mission members;
• Carrying out pre-departure briefings which discuss aims and objectives of mission, and informing mission members of their obligations and potential problems;
• Problem-solving ‘on the fly’ when plans change;
• Functioning as a resource on local information;
• Assisting the Legal Officer with organisation of legal and women’s training programmes within the Kurdish regions of Iran and Syria;
• Communicating with local partner organisations, bar associations and other participating organisations with regards to those training programmes;
• Recommending appropriate subjects for fact-finding missions in the Kurdish regions of Iran and Syria; and
• Assisting KHRP representatives in producing reports from the fact-finding missions.

3.    Advocacy responsibilities

• Conducting ongoing research on the situation of the Kurdish people in Iran and Syria;
• Organising and supervising external researchers who are carrying out research on behalf of KHRP;
• Providing organisation and communication for publishers regarding Kurdish publications in the Kurdish regions of Iran and Syria;
• Supporting co-workers in both delegation and non-delegation responsibilities;
• Sending out weekly updates on the Kurdish regions of Iran and Syria;
• Providing materials requested by the public, staff, board, legal team and others to assist them in advocacy work where relevant; and
• Participating in planning and producing monthly discussions on message development, partnership building, and legislative/advocacy planning.

The post-holder is expected to communicate with parliamentary offices, and attend parliamentary hearings, briefings, conferences, and other meetings on a regular basis. The post-holder will function as one of KHRP’s primary liaisons to the public, including government and non-government bodies on Iran and Syria, and as such, will be expected to coordinate briefings hosted by KHRP. The post-holder will at times be expected to communicate with donors, allied organisations and members of general public.

The Iran & Syria Desk Officer must collaborate on strategic planning for, and assist in implementing, legislative and communications strategy, specifically supporting coverage that furthers tactical and strategic goals. This may include helping plan and organise issue-specific conference calls for editorial writers and other journalists, writing and editing background materials for media campaigns, contacting media outlets and providing them with necessary information, as well as supporting KHRP volunteers in their efforts to generate local media.


Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum of 3 years experience working in the human rights field;
• Highly developed organisational, liaison and communication skills;
• Fluency in English;
• Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a small team;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to be administratively self-sufficient;
• Good communication channels with human rights organisations and Kurdish NGO groups in Iran and Syria;
• Experience in social and political research projects;
• Commitment to the promotion of human rights;
• Proficiency in standard computer software (word-processing, Excel, databases, Power-Point and internet);
• Able to coordinate translation, and willingness to carry out translation as needed;
• Experience working with diverse communities;
• Ability to analyse and explain concepts of law and public policy, and to communicate complex issues clearly to a variety of audiences;
• Experience in developing and implementing successful political, legislative and public education campaigns;
• Must be available for some evening and weekend hours; and
• Familiarity and comfort with legislative processes and settings.

Highly Desirable:

• Experience and knowledge of international human rights mechanisms and human rights practices;
• Experience in impact of social and economics issues within Kurdish society, especially the experience of internally displaced Kurds;
• Public speaking experience;
• An understanding of the issues facing people living in the Kurdish regions of Iran and Syria;
• Experience of working in the non-government sector;
• Fluency in Formal Kurmanji/Sorani or a dialect of Kurmanji.

Equal Opportunities Policy

KHRP aims to develop and maintain employment policies which ensure that no one is unfairly discriminated against, whether directly or indirectly, on any grounds including race, ethnic origin, culture, gender, sexuality, disability, age or religion.  These policies will apply in relation to all those involved in the work of the organisation including paid staff, trainees, consultants, interns, volunteers, those offering services on a pro bono basis and trustees.

Applicants please note: KHRP is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity. Unfortunately, we believe that we will be unsuccessful in obtaining a work permit for these posts. For this reason, you should only apply if you already have the right to work within the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of the European Union. Please refer to http://www.workpermits.gov.uk/ for more information about work permit eligibility.

Download Application form

LEGAL INTERNSHIP

Legal interns provide invaluable research and support assistance to the legal team, including but not exclusively work relating to its heavy caseload to the European Court of Human Rights and complaints to UN mechanisms and researching specific issues of human rights law in the Kurdish regions. The casework incorporates many challenging areas of human rights law or legal precedent, including cases concerning the death penalty, torture or ill-treatment or freedom of expression. Legal interns also assist with the preparation of the biannual legal journal, the only existing legal journal focusing on human rights developments in the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Caucasus. Legal interns commonly have experience of human rights law at undergraduate or postgraduate level or in other capacities.

Essential:

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Experience of research and analysis

* Experience and knowledge of human rights and law

* Graduate of a relevant discipline.

* An understanding of working in the non-governmental sector and civil society organisations and the environment in which they operate

* Computer literacy and good typing skills

* Ability to work as part of a team

* Ability to work under pressure when necessary

* Flexible approach

Download Application form

FINANCE INTERNSHIP

Finance interns gain an excellent experience of human rights issues. They also gain valuable financial skills and experience of working in a non-governmental organisation.

Finance Interns provide assistance to the Finance Officer in preparing financial reports and in administrative work. This includes:

• Assistance in the preparation of financial reports;

• Assistance in preparing budgets and forecasts

Specific skills required for this role;

• Experience in working with PC-based spread sheets, database applications and word processing, particularly Microsoft Excel

• Experience in filing, record keeping

• Strong oral and written communications skills

• Knowledge of accounting would be desirable

The time commitment for this role is least 1 day per week for minimum of 3 months

Download Application Form

RESOURCES AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP

The Resources and Communications interns work with the Resources and Communications Coordinator, providing assistance in the collation, editing, proofing and dissemination of KHRP publications, including trial observation and fact-finding mission reports. Further, and in cooperation with KHRP's research interns, the post will involve the research and drafting of articles on the organisation's work for use in its press releases and newsletter.

Essential:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English.
• A flexible and adaptable writing style.
• Experience of research and analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Graduate or postgraduate of a relevant discipline.
• Computer literacy and good typing skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure when necessary.
• Flexible approach.

Extremely Desirable:

• Working knowledge of another language (particularly Kurdish, Turkish, Farsi, Arabic, German and French).
• An understanding of the history of the Kurdish regions and of contemporary politics in the wider Middle East.
• Copy writing/editing experience.
• Experience and knowledge of human rights and law.
• An understanding of work in the non-governmental sector and civil society organisations.

*RESOURCE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT INTERNSHIP*

3-6 month duration; full or part time, as available; unpaid.

The KHRP Resources and Communications department is seeking an ambitious, assertive and forward-thinking intern with a background in database and website technology and/or library science to aid the department in the development and organisation of a fully searchable catalogue of its printed and electronic resources.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate of Computer Science or Library science to gain hands-on and meaningful experience in an ambitious institutional development project. The internship would see the applicant work closely with the Resources and Communications Coordinator to elaborate a system of categorisation and shelving for the charity’s archives, with a view to make resources easily accessible and, eventually, searchable online.

Eligibility Criteria:

Essential:

• Graduate-level (or higher) qualification and/ or working experience in IT, particularly in database design, statistics and web design. In particular, a proficiency in excel is essential.
• Experience in planning and coordinating complex projects.
• Adaptability, particularly the ability to adapt suggestions, plans and strategies to institutional requirements and limitations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Experience of research and analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure when necessary.
• Flexible approach.

Extremely Desirable:

• A background in Library Science
• Familiarity with the Salesforce.com Customer Relationship Management system
• Working knowledge of another language (particularly Kurdish, Turkish, Farsi, Arabic, German and French).
• An understanding of work in the non-governmental sector and civil society organisations.

Download Application Form

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

Research interns provide invaluable research and support assistance to the Research & Publications team on its preparation of reports, briefings and other materials. The internships provide the opportunity to research a diverse array of human rights issues.

Essential:

    * Excellent written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English

    * Experience of research and analysis.

    * Experience and knowledge of human rights and law

    * Graduate or postgraduate of a relevant discipline.

    * An understanding of working in the non-governmental sector and civil society organisations and the environment in which they operate.

    * Computer literacy and good typing skills.

    * Ability to work as part of a team.

    * Ability to work under pressure when necessary.

    * Flexible approach.

Desirable:

    * Working knowledge of another language

Download Application Form

DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING INTERNSHIP

Development and funding interns obtain highly sought-after skills in the charity and non-profit sector, including, but not exclusively, business planning and fundraising. By researching a diverse range of potential funders (from individuals and small trusts to larger foundations and governments), and helping in the preparation of funding proposals, report backs to funders and other materials, interns provide invaluable research and support assistance to the Fundraising team. Working in this department not only provides a unique glimpse into all the organisation's project areas, including our legal, advocacy, research and education and public awareness projects, but also offers wider insight into NGO work overall, particularly within a human rights environment. Examples of ways development and funding interns provide invaluable support in tasks include:

    * Researching potential trust, government and individual funders

    * Maintaining and developing KHRP membership scheme

    * Assisting in developing systems of monitoring and evaluation

    * Contacting/liaising with existing/potential funders

    * Developing fundraising strategy

    * Drafting fundraising/ outreach materials

    * Helping plan events

    * Researching 'best-practice' policies

    * Assisting in drafting and editing proposals/reports

    * Fundraising database research

    * Database development and data entry

    * General administrative assistance - filing/ faxing/ scheduling

Essential:

    * Graduate of a relevant discipline.

    * Ability to work as part of a team.

    * Ability to work under pressure when necessary.

    * Flexible approach.

    * Excellent written and oral communication skills

Skills/ Qualifications (minimum of 3 required)

    * Strong editing and research skills

    * Proficiency in MS Word or similar word processing application

    * Market research

    * Business planning

    * Events planning

    * Alliance building

    * Donor outreach

Download Application Form


 

RESOURCE CENTRE VOLUNTEER

Resource Centre Volunteer required to provide assistance in the recording of Kurdish Human Rights Project's varied resources including documents, articles, and publications, CDs, DVDs and videos.

Essential

    * Good IT and admin skills

    * Good Organisational skills

    * Ability to work as part of a team

    * Flexible approach

How to apply

Send an email detailing: the time you are willing the numbers of hours/ days per week you are willing to volunteer at KHRP and what you're up to at the moment, and a copy of your CV to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

General Information:

The organisation encourages applicants from the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Caucasus who would commonly have experience of human rights law at undergraduate or postgraduate level or in other capacities. They should also have a good grasp of written and spoken English as well as strong IT skills. Interns are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences whilst at KHRP, both during the internship and after they have returned home.

Conditions of Service:

    * For some interns from the Kurdish regions, KHRP can provide the cost of a return air fare and accommodation for a three- to six- month period, up to a maximum of £325 per month. Daily local travel expenses up to a maximum of £100 per month and meal expenses up to a maximum of £300 per month can also be provided. This sponsorship reflects the organisation's commitment to raising awareness of human rights standards and practices among all people from the Kurdish regions.

    * All other internships are voluntary. KHRP regrets that, as a registered charity, it is unable to provide reimbursement to applicants for travel or meal expenses or to provide assistance in finding accommodation

    * Interns will be based in KHRP's office in central London

    * Interns are required to comply with a confidentiality agreement

    * Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. The office is not open at weekends

    * Part-time interns must commit to a regular schedule to be agreed with their supervisor (eg. every Monday - Wednesday each week).

Application Guidance Notes:

Please follow these guidance notes to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible:

* It is possible to apply for more than one internship, e.g. Legal and Research

* When completing your application form, ensure that you address carefully the post details given

* Unless otherwise specified, CVs may be accepted as supporting documentation to the application form, but are not mandatory

* Ensure that you specify whether you are applying for a full or part-time internship and, if the latter, please indicate your availability. Please note that applications for part-time internships are highly competitive and that more opportunities are available for full-time internships

* Ensure that you state the post applied for in all correspondence

* Use additional sheets if there is insufficient space on the application form

 * Complete the declaration form

Disability:

Applications are welcomed from disabled applicants. If you have a disability, you are advised to contact us if you need help completing the application form and/ or if any adjustments need to be made in advance to facilitate your full participation a t t he selection stage and/ or thereafter.

Equal Opportunities Policy

KHRP is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. In order to monitor the operation of this policy it is necessary to collect information from all job and volunteer applicants and employees on the key characteristics which relate to equal opportunity. The Equal Opportunities Policy aims to ensure that no direct or indirect discrimination occurs on the grounds of gender, colour, race, age, marital status or disability. The information you give is in confidence and will not affect your selection. It will be used only for statistical purposes to monitor the operation of the Equal Opportunities Policy.

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