Amnesty International USA is seeking qualified volunteer Country/Thematic Specialists to help monitor the human rights situations of specific regions or issues and to mobilize action in response to developing needs to promote and protect human rights.
Country/Thematic Specialists are part of a corps of volunteer leaders who serve as country or issue experts and strategists for Amnesty International USA. These specialists serve as a link between Amnesty’s primary research staff based abroad and the members and staff of the US branch of the organization. These specialists develop a solid understanding of Amnesty International’s concerns in the target country or issue, and may be called upon to represent the organization in relevant forums.
In collaboration with other volunteers and staff, Country/Thematic Specialists develop action strategies designed to bring about positive change in the human rights situation in the target country or issue. These strategies may involve rapid responses, media and social media engagement, US and foreign government advocacy, and collaboration with coalitions.
Qualifications
A range of qualifications are considered when recruiting new Country/Thematic Specialists, including a candidate’s:
- knowledge of the country/region or issue
- experience with grassroots campaigning and/or Amnesty International
- interpersonal skills
- ability to follow through on projects
- familiarity with international human rights standards
- language skills
Training is provided, and a two-year commitment is requested of all new Country/Thematic Specialists. While the average time commitment can vary greatly, depending on the country or issue being covered by a specialist, for many the time commitment averages 5 hours per week. Most of the work is conducted from the volunteer’s home via email or phone. Beyond the requirement that volunteers be based in the U.S., we are flexible regarding where exactly in the U.S. the specialist is based. Occasional travel, mostly within the United States, may be requested. Although the position is unpaid, certain volunteer-related expenses are reimbursed.
AIUSA is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We prohibit discrimination of any kind based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, indigenous status, immigration status, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other legally protected and non-merit factors.
COUNTRY/THEMATIC SPECIALIST APPLICATION
COUNTRY & THEMATIC SPECIALIST OPENINGS
Democratic Republic of the Congo
WORKING AT AIUSA
Amnesty International USA is an equal opportunity employer. AIUSA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities, protected veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.
OUR COMMITMENT AS AN ANTI-RACIST ORGANIZATION AND TO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA)
Dismantling white supremacy is central to the fight for human rights in the United States and around the world. As we mobilize staff and activists and work with partners to help transform the multiple systems where oppression operates in the world around us as part of our human rights mandate, anti-racism must be integral to our work. What does that mean for Amnesty International in the United States? It means using our people power to fight injustice and centering the voices and experiences of those most impacted by racist structures, beliefs, and laws. Fundamentally, it means doing our human rights work differently than it has been done before, because we know that who we work with, how we work, the work we do, and ultimately who we are, are all interconnected.
As an international, intercultural, intergenerational and intersectional movement of activists committed to protecting and advancing human rights for all, Amnesty is deeply committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA). To learn more about how we integrate IDEA into our programs and workplace, visit: https://www.amnestyusa.org/idea/
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