Advocacy Director - Cebu, Philippines

The Need

International Justice Mission (IJM) is seeking an experienced Filipino attorney to serve as National Director in Cebu, Philippines. The qualified candidate will assist the Director of Legal Intervention in developing, coordinating and implementing IJM’s legal strategy.

Responsibilities

Lead National Level Advocacy

• Leverage IJM casework to effect changes in national level public justice system (PJS) agency policies and procedures to make the PJS response to trafficking in persons and other abuses targeted by IJM more effective and sustainable.
• In consultation with the Manila and Cebu Field Offices (FOs), map and assess stakeholders, define advocacy priorities, and develop national level advocacy strategies, measurable goals, and plans of action in support of FO objectives each year.
• Build and maintain strong networks of stakeholder support for IJM Philippines objectives from national government agencies, politicians, NGOs, media and church sectors.
• In cooperation with IJM FO and HQ Communications Staff, generate publicity of effective anti-trafficking casework of IJM and partner agencies to build awareness of potential justice system effectiveness among politicians and PJS officials.
• In consultation with the FOs, draft and edit reports, memos and other documents as needed to support advocacy strategies (eg., reports summarizing IJM casework, capacity building and other activities in partnership with national agencies that are priority targets of upcoming advocacy).
• Represent IJM in stakeholder meetings, alone or together with other IJM staff as appropriate, to build key networks of support and/or advance defined advocacy priorities.
• Draft and deliver presentations to small and large groups on behalf of IJM as necessary to advance defined advocacy priorities.
• Consult with PJS agency partners in designing strategies to enhance their policies and strategies and activities in response to trafficking in persons and other focal issues, in coordination with the FO directors.
• Meet and otherwise communicate regularly with Manila and Cebu FO directors and coordinators to provide relevant updates and solicit input regarding interactions with key stakeholders, progress on advocacy plans, and upcoming plans of action.
• Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan for advocacy activities.
• Ensure that advocacy goals are met on time.
• Draft monthly reports of accomplishments and activities according to plans.

Consult with Field Offices on Local Advocacy

• Assist IJM Philippines Field Offices in designing and implementing local advocacy strategies to enhance the response of the local level public justice system actors in their respective target areas;
• Consult regularly with Field Office Directors and community mobilization staff, providing technical assistance in defining priorities, designing strategies and evaluating activities, and ensuring that local plans support national advocacy plans.

Other

• Act as a spokesperson for IJM in interactions with media to publicize key IJM messages;
• In general, work from a home base in the Metro Manila area, but spend an average of at least two to three working days per month in each FO;
• Comply with all HR, Finance and other policies of the Manila Field Office; and
• Perform other related duties as required and necessary.

Required Skills and Experience

• Fluency in oral and written communication in English and Cebuano;
• Minimum of 5 years experience advocating with national level officials for human rights issues;
• Excellent academic credentials;
• Member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines preferred;
• Strong leadership skills; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Critical Qualities

• Mature orthodox Christian faith;
• Organized meticulous attention to detail and disciplined with priorities;
• Sustained positive attitude;
• Personable and mature judgment;
• Professional in demeanor, written and oral communication;
• Genuinely reliable and consistently punctual;
• Works well under stress and sustained positive attitude;
• Strong ethic of service and a passion for IJM’s goals;
• Flexible and diplomatic; and
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Organization Information

• Competitive salary, with medical benefits;
• Position reports to the National Director;
• Applications accepted until the position is filled; and
• Target date for hire is immediate.
  
  

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The Mission

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.