Job Title: Coordinator for the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security
Location: New York, United Nations Office
Contract: 1 Year
Deadline: Open until filled
Send Resume and Cover Letter to: Admin2@womenpeacesecurity.org

NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security
The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security (NGOWG), is a coalition of civil society organizations united in May 2000 to advocate for a United Nations Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Following the unanimous adoption of SCR 1325 in October 2000, the group began the work of pressing for its full implementation. The NGO Working Group monitors the implementation of the resolution worldwide and believes that a peaceful future depends on the full participation of women in all decision making to prevent violent conflict and to protect the human rights of women and girls. A broad and positive impact on the lives of all people experiencing conflict will result from the full implementation of SCR 1325 and promotion of the Beijing Platform for Action and CEDAW.

As a key catalyst in advocacy for the integration of gender perspectives in all peace and security, conflict prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding initiatives of the United Nations, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, via its strategic positioning at UN headquarters, has played an important global role in raising awareness of the principles and provisions of SCR 1325. Together with its growing network of gender and security experts, NGOWG has built a constituency of women, peace and security advocates among UN Member States, high-level UN decision makers, and civil society internationally working on peacebuilding initiatives at the national and local levels.

Members of the NGO Working Group are: Amnesty International, Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights, Femmes Africa Solidarité, Global Action to Prevent War, Global Justice Center, Hague Appeal for Peace/Peace Boat US, Human Rights Watch, International Alert, International Women’s Tribune Center, Women’s Action for New Directions, the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, United Methodist Women’s Division, the PeaceWomen Project of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. International Action Network on Small Arms

Roles and Responsibilities (detailed job description available upon request):

The Coordinator takes her/his mandate from and is responsible to the NGO Working Group members. In addition, He/She will
• Facilitate and document collaborative work of member organizations;
• Coordinate communication on NGOWG activities within the group and externally; through the production of activity updates and support for the maintenance of the NGOWG website;
• Facilitate and support the development of NGOWG advocacy positions and strategies including the development of advocacy materials, events, meetings and training
• Lead and facilitate the development of an NGOWG fundraising strategy and proposals including identifying opportunities, maintaining donor relationships, on reporting on funding
• Be responsible for general and financial aspects of the work of the group;
• In accordance with the priorities and work plan of the group, monitor the activities of relevant UN bodies and inform member organizations of relevant sessions, events, outcomes and opportunities for advocacy
• Network and maintain relationships with civil society actors working on women, peace and security, primarily at the global and regional level, including through the maintenance of a database of actors,
• Hire and manage administrative assistant and interns

Personal Specification

Education: A Masters degree in gender and conflict studies, political science, International Law, international relations or similar experience desirable.

The candidate should be a US Citizen or a Greencard Holder

Essential Experience
• working collaboratively within a diverse coalition
• Advocacy work at national or international levels desirable
• working on women’s issues in non-governmental organizations and women’s organisations at national, regional and international levels
• Commitment and demonstrable practical and theoretical understanding of gender and conflict issues
• Proven track record in advocacy, including experience in networking and high level representation
• Project coordination

Essential Knowledge & Skills (unless noted as desirable)
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Working knowledge of a second language desirable
• Excellent communication, networking and inter-personal skills
• Knowledge of budget management and financial reporting desirable
• Knowledge of a range of conflict/post-conflict countries
• Proactive, able to work independently and in a team and manage a diverse workload
• Project management skills
• Strong gender analysis skills
• Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, QuickBooks)
• Knowledge of and commitment to the workings of the UN bodies and member states
• Familiarity with key issues related to women, peace and security and the implementation of SCR 1325
• Knowledge of policy-making institutions within the UN, particularly how they relate to peace-building and SCR 1325

Please submit Curriculum Vitae, writing sample, and three references to Admin2@ womenpeacesecurity.org

Job posted on 25th April 2008
Please mention Human Rights Jobs when applying to this position