PENNOYER FELLOW ON CHINA – New York

Human Rights First works in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We work to protect individuals at risk: Refugees fleeing persecution, victims of crimes against humanity or other mass human rights violations, victims of discrimination, those whose rights are eroded in the name of national security, and human rights advocates who are targeted for defending the rights of others. Human Rights First seeks a Pennoyer Fellow in the Human Rights Defenders Program in its New York office. The Pennoyer Fellow will enhance Human Rights Firsts capacity to support and protect non-violent advocates of human rights and democratic change. The Pennoyer Fellow will focus on human rights defenders in China. Working in collaboration with local human rights defenders and organizations, and other regional contacts, the Pennoyer Fellow will research and advocate on behalf of human rights activists who are persecuted, threatened, or harassed for their promotion of basic freedoms and human rights. The duration of the Pennoyer Fellowship is two years.Primary Responsibilities will include:Developing and maintaining close working relationships with human rights defenders in China;Developing familiarity with the political contexts in which human rights activists are operating in China and build relationships with research contacts and partner activists throughout the region;Preparing research and advocacy materials, which will bolster Human Rights Firsts efforts to mobilize U.S. and international policy makers, the press, and the public in supporting advocates at risk and in calling for relevant reforms;Developing and implementing an advocacy strategy for supporting human rights defenders in China, targeting regional governments, the U.S. government and relevant intergovernmental organizations; Maintaining and developing relationships with other NGOs, both in the U.S. and internationally, to ensure effective and timely responses to threats to human rights defenders as they arise.The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:Demonstrated experience, expertise in, and commitment to:international human rights advocacy; andhuman rights issues in China.Excellent research skills, with ability to speak and conduct research in Mandarin. Additional Chinese languages preferable;Excellent English written and oral communications skills;Sound knowledge of international human rights standards and their enforcement institutions at the regional and international levels; Experience promoting and protecting human rights in diverse international environments;Experience traveling or living in China preferred, and ability and willingness to travel to the region required.Capacity to work under pressure, to take initiative and to work collegially with others; Law degree or Masters in international relations, regional studies, or related field, or equivalent experience;SALARY: Competitive, Excellent benefits. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 16th, 2008START DATE: THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE HIRESUBMISSIONS (E-mail Preferred): Cover letter Resume Names and contact details for three (3) references Three (3) writing samplesTO: HUMAN RIGHTS FIRSTATTN: HR-Pennoyer Fellow Human Rights Defenders Program Code: 910 (Must appear as such in the title of your email)EMAIL: HumanResources@HumanRightsFirst.org FAX: (212) 845-5299Please choose one method of delivery (e.g. do not send by both fax and email). All applicants will be notified of our receipt of application. Only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE CONSIDER APPLICANTS FOR ALL POSITIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.www.HumanRightsFirst.org

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Salary: Competitive