Call for Thematic Specialist: Military, Police, Transfer Services

MSP- Thematic Specialist

Description

Amnesty International USA is seeking a qualified volunteer Military, Security, and Police Transfers Thematic Specialist to help monitor and advocate for the inclusion of a human rights framework in arms trade policies and we work to prevent arms transfers likely to jeopardize human rights.   

The MSP Thematic Specialist is part of a corps of volunteer leaders who serve as thematic 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. Thematic Specialists develop a solid understanding of Amnesty International’s concerns for the target issue, and may be called upon to represent the organization in relevant forums.

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

A range of qualifications are considered when recruiting new Thematic Specialists, including a candidate’s:

• Knowledge of the thematic 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 Thematic Specialists. While the average time commitment can vary greatly, depending on the 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. Occasional travel, mostly within the United States, may be requested. Although the position is unpaid, certain volunteer-related expenses are reimbursed.

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/