Advocacy and Operations Coordinator

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 an Advocacy and Operations Coordinator.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: Headquarters, New York, NY

Reports to: Deputy Director of Research and Operations Manager

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) deploys scientific, medical, public health, and forensic technical expertise to document and seek justice for human rights and humanitarian violations and international crimes.

Through advocacy and partnerships with affected communities, mobilization of the moral authority of medical and public health professionals, and collaboration with local and international organizations and associations, we empower our networks of health professionals to serve as human rights advocates.

In parallel, we strengthen the methods by which clinicians, alongside law enforcement and legal sectors, gather and present evidence that documents cases of human rights violations and war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Role Description

The Advocacy and Operations Coordinator will support the work of the Research, Legal, and Advocacy (RLA) program and the Operations division at Physicians for Human Rights. The coordinator will organize and facilitate meetings, both internally and externally, and will coordinate between RLA, Operations, and other PHR teams, as well as with external partners. Time/workload will be split approximately 50:50 across advocacy and operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a collaborative nonprofit environment.

The coordinator will, when required, attend external advocacy meetings, sessions, conferences or events, and may be required to undertake limited travel, as needed.

 Responsibilities

Operations (50%)

The Advocacy and Operations Coordinator will provide administrative and coordination support across the organization’s operations. This includes executive and board support, development, office management, and cross-functional coordination during a high-activity period for the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring continuity of core operational functions, supporting development operations, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners as needed.

• Provide administrative coordination and organization for the Executive Management Team (EMT), Board of Directors, board committees, and Advisory Council including scheduling, meeting preparation, travel support and any related follow-up.
• Maintain and coordinate PHR’s yearly charitable solicitation state renewal process to ensure compliance.
• Manage and record check deposits and gift acknowledgments process.
• Receive and organize PHR’s mail.
• Oversee PHR’s NYC general office management including coordinating events, guest passes, and office inventory, etc.
• Maintain the central filing system for PHR’s official records and other organizational materials.
• Provide back-up support for the Human Resources department including vendor management, IT coordination, onboarding and offboarding staff, and any projects needed.
• Maintain account and donation records in Salesforce, with consistency and accuracy
• Support other assigned duties and activities as needed.

Research and Advocacy (50%)

The Advocacy and Operations Coordinator will support the development and implementation of strategic advocacy plans. The Coordinator will develop and maintain internal tracking and planning documents, calendars, meeting notes, strategies, contact lists, and other materials, including RLA contacts within PHR’s Salesforce database. The coordinator may also be asked to take on research projects, including but not limited to, advocacy and policy briefs, white papers, and official submissions, and may also draft statements, letters, op-eds, social media posts, other content.

• Organize and attend advocacy meetings and events, including assisting with logistical arrangements, note-taking, preparing talking points and materials, and traveling as needed.
• Maintain the Advocacy Calendar, ensuring timely updates and coordination of activities.
• Draft and submit advocacy documents, including reports, briefs, and statements, including by providing assistance in formatting, developing tables of authorities and contents, and checking citations.
• Support preparation of research reports, including coordinating aspects of the research process and developing and implementing advocacy and launch strategies.
• Maintain the Salesforce contact database, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Provide administrative support for the Research, Legal, and Advocacy Program, including:
• Coordinate Advocacy team meetings, contributing to agenda-setting and record keeping.
• Support registration procedures to enable PHR’s engagement with key multilateral institutions, including ensuring compliance with requirements to maintain the organization’s ECOSOC status and assistance in securing UN and other badges as needed.
• Lead all aspects of intern recruitment and hiring, onboarding, mentorship, and supervision and contribute to the overall internship learning program.
• Co-develop and track the Advocacy and Research budgets, and support expense reporting.
• Provide logistical and other support to sustain PHR’s Asylum Network engagement as needed.
• Perform other tasks as requested to support the Research, Legal, and Advocacy Program’s objectives and initiatives.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, international relations, pre-medicine, law, social sciences, or other related field.
• Internships or work experience in the fields of advocacy, international human rights, or public health.
• Strong commitment to human rights with cross-cultural experience and cultural sensitivity.
• Familiarity with international humanitarian and human rights and the workings of government, human rights bodies, NGOs, and professional associations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Tech savvy and creative problem solver.
• Adept at managing relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Experience convening and facilitating workshops, coalition meetings, and advocacy meetings preferred.
• Energetic self-starter: proactive, ability to anticipate upcoming needs, work effectively under pressure with attention to detail, and prioritize and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Advanced knowledge of Salesforce or other contact management database systems desired.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Additional language proficiencies are welcome.
• Bi- or multi-lingual fluency preferred.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time Union position located in New York, New York with a hybrid work model. Salary range is $53,000-$67,000 and is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and 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 committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. We recruit and hire without discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.

PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous vacation.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Additional language proficiencies are welcome.
• Bi- or multi-lingual fluency preferred.