AIUSA China Specialist

Amnesty International USA is seeking a qualified volunteer Country Specialist to help monitor the human rights situation in China and to mobilize action in response to developing needs to promote and protect human rights there.

The China Country Specialist is part of a corps of volunteer leaders who serve as country 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. Country Specialists develop a solid understanding of Amnesty International’s concerns in the target country and may be called upon to represent the organization in relevant forums.

In collaboration with other volunteers and staff, Country Specialists develop action strategies designed to bring about positive change in the human rights situation in the target country. These strategies may involve rapid responses, media and social media engagement, US and foreign government advocacy, and collaboration with coalitions.

What You’ll Do

• Routinely monitor the political and human rights situation in China with a solid understanding of Amnesty International policy and specific concerns pertaining to China.
• Work with other volunteer experts, AIUSA Asia Advocacy Director, and Amnesty International’s researchers and campaigners to advance Amnesty International campaigns, actions, Individuals at Risk cases, and other priorities outlined by the Amnesty International Secretariat.
• Provide general assistance, information, and actions to AIUSA members and activists seeking to work on issues related to human rights in China.
• Coordinate with other volunteer experts and AIUSA staff in developing and maintaining partnerships with coalitions, other human rights organizations, solidarity groups, diaspora communities, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with AIUSA Advocacy Directors on AIUSA’s legislative work pertaining to China (i.e. communicating with US State Department desk officers, US embassies abroad, foreign embassies in Washington DC and consulates throughout the US).
• Serve as one of AIUSA’s spokespersons for China
• Work with relevant staff to maintain China pages on AIUSA’s website and write blogs.

Key Qualifications

• Based in the United States, willing to commit to the role for a minimum of two years.
• Substantive knowledge of human rights issues in China
• Experience with grassroots campaigning and/or Amnesty International.
• Familiarity with international human rights standards.
• Comfortable speaking out on human rights either on social media, in front of a public audience, by lobbying members of congress or through writing.
• Engaged and responsive.
• Thoughtful, respectful, and committed team member dedicated to human rights in China and ready to join our team.
• Knowledge of Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or other regional languages.

Time Commitment & Training

• Training is provided
• 2 year commitment preferred
• 10-15 hours per month: average time commitment varies depending on the country being covered by a specialist
• Remote: Most of the work is conducted from the volunteer’s home via email or phone.
• Travel: Occasional travel, mostly within the United States, may be requested.
• Compensation: this is a volunteer leadership position. Although the position is unpaid, certain volunteer-related expenses are reimbursed.

Volunteering at AIUSA

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/