Director of Development and Advocacy for Europe
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.- based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.
Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a consulting Director of Development & Advocacy for Europe for the period of one year with the possibility of permanent hire.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in Europe.
Location: Europe, with a preference for Brussels, Geneva, or The Hague
Reports to: Director of Development, in consultation with the Director of Advocacy, Policy and Communications
Organizational Overview
Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.
PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.
Role Description
We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Director of Development and Advocacy for Europe to lead our organization’s efforts in securing funding and building influential partnerships with European bilateral, multilateral, institutional and other donors. With a deep understanding of human rights issues and affinity for PHR’s mission, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission, expanding our donor base, and advocating for health and human rights policies that align with PHR’s goals, principally in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Responsibilities
Development and Fundraising
· Strategic Planning: In collaboration with the Development team, help craft and implement a comprehensive development strategy tailored to engage European bilateral, multilateral, and other donors. Align the strategy with PHR’s mission and long-term objectives.
· Donor Relations: Cultivate and nurture robust relationships with key representatives from European government agencies, European Union institutions, foundations, international organizations, and other donors. Identify new funding opportunities and engage donors in our mission.
· Fundraising: Raise organizational and project grants from donors based in Europe. With support from PHR’s Program and Development teams, develop compelling grant proposals, manage grant applications, and oversee donor stewardship activities.
· Collaboration and Partnerships: Identify and foster strategic collaborations and partnerships with Europe-based donors that enhance our impact and sustainability. Foster collaboration with other Europe-based organizations, CSOs, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise.
· Reporting and Impact Assessment: With support from Program and Development colleagues, oversee the preparation of regular reports and updates tailored to Europe-based donors showcasing PHR’s accomplishments, impact, and progress toward goals. Continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of Development and Advocacy strategies.
· Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure rigorous compliance with Europe-based donor regulations and reporting mandates. Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with donor relationships and funding.
Advocacy
· Advocacy Engagement: Working closely with the Director of Advocacy, Policy and Communications, contribute to framing and implementing advocacy and policy initiatives that advance PHR’s brand, mission and objectives within the European landscape. Jointly develop and implement advocacy efforts, brief policymakers and represent the organization at relevant forums, meetings, and conferences in Europe including, as requested, before the UN Human Rights Council, UN treaty bodies, special procedures, UN Permanent Missions and other Geneva-based entities consistent with PHR’s advocacy objectives.
· Partnerships and Networking: Together with the Executive Director and the Director of Advocacy, Policy and Communications, help grow PHR’s credibility, visibility, and network of contacts within Europe-based humanitarian and human rights communities. Conduct advocacy as requested in partnership with like-minded CSOs.
· Preparation of Statements and Resolutions: Together with the Director of Advocacy, Policy and Communications, contribute to the preparation of draft resolutions before the UN Human Rights Council and advocate for adoption of specific language and for the adoption of resolutions PHR endorses and against those it does not. Draft and deliver oral statements to the UN Human Right Council as requested.
· Internal Reporting: Keep the Executive Director, the Advocacy team and relevant staff members apprised of advocacy opportunities before UN human rights bodies in Geneva and make introductions for PHR staff members where relevant.
· Briefings and Events: Organize briefings and side events and manage Swiss visa and grounds pass requests on behalf of PHR staff and partners before Geneva-based UN bodies. Create and implement opportunities for PHR partners to conduct advocacy in their own name before UN human rights bodies in Geneva and manage their Swiss visa and grounds pass requests.
Travel
· As requested to capitals across Europe for fund-raising and advocacy, occasionally to field missions (e.g. Kenya, DRC, Iraq etc.) and at least once a year to PHR’s headquarters in New York.
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
· Master’s degree in a relevant field.
· Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising and donor relations with European bilateral and multilateral donors.
· In-depth understanding of international development and advocacy trends, European donor priorities and grant application and reporting procedures.
· Strong grasp of European human rights advocacy and policy engagement at both the regional and UN levels.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
· A self-starter, able to work independently and in close collaboration with diverse global teams.
· Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight.
· Outstanding networking and relationship-building capabilities.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor management software.
· Ability to travel within Europe as required.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time position in Europe, with a preference for Brussels, Geneva, or The Hague. The salary range is $90,000-$120,000 Euros and is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including generous vacation.
How to Apply
Please email cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body.
Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.