Center for Migrant Advocacy Volunteer Assignment

 

Please note you must be 18 - 30 to apply for this assignment.

Assignment Number: AY1112PH18P

Assignment Position Title: Human Rights Policy and Advocacy Officer

Name of Host Organisation: Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Duration: 10 months

Description of the Host Organisation:

CMA is a human rights based NGO in Quezon City, Philippines. CMA works for the rights and well-being of overseas Filipino workers and their families through policy advocacy, research, information, and education components. Networking, enhancing capacities of migrants and communities and facilitating assistance to migrants in distress also make up CMA’s work.

CMA has four full time staff and a board of directors. A host of volunteers and interns also contribute online and in the office. Activities include direct lobby work in Congress and with the various executive agencies of government. Work also occurs at the regional level, such as ASEAN Committee on Migrant Workers, Colombo Process, and Abu Dhabi Dialogue, and at international forums like the UN HRC and ILO. CMA also contributes to capacity building for partners in local communities and with local government.


Assignment Summary:

The Human Rights Policy and Advocacy Officer will work within the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) to support them in supporting the rights of Filipinos who are overseas.

The volunteer will be expected to develop the capacity of the organisation in three key areas. Firstly, the volunteer will support the CMA team in the enhancement of local staff capacity on the conduct of effective and professional lobbying and advocacy work by developing training modules and conducting on-the-job training and mentoring. Secondly, the volunteer will participate in the development of a CMA resource centre by helping to identify online resources and developing a cataloguing system and guidelines for efficient work. Finally, the volunteer will participate in networking and strengthening relations with Australian based organisations, including the Australian government and Australian Embassy in Manila.

These objectives will contribute to ensuring the rights of Filipino migrant workers are better protected through enactment of new laws or enhancement of existing laws or policies on migrant workers’ welfare. This will also lead to strong linkages and cooperation amongst local organisations and international institutions that advocate for migrant workers’ rights.


Assignment Outcomes to build Host Organisation Capacity:

• Enhance local staff capacity on the conduct of effective and professional lobbying and advocacy work
• Develop a CMA resource centre on migrant workers’ rights, and policies, which can be used by other like-minded groups for research purposes
• Network and strengthening relations with Australian based organisations, including with the Australian government or Australian Embassy in Manila


Essential Minimum Qualifications required by the AYAD:

• Bachelor Degree in Law, International Development, International Human Rights, or other related field


Essential Minimum Experience required by the AYAD:

• One year of experience in lobbying and advocacy work, preferably for legislative or policy purposes
• Relevant experience in research and policy formulation
• Experience as a mentor


Desirables:

• Involvement in international human rights campaigns
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Experience developing partnerships and networks


Description of Assignment Location:

Quezon City is located within Quezon province, approximately 10 kilometres north of Manila. It is the second largest city in the Philippines and the most populous with nearly 3 million people. Once the nation’s capital, Quezon City is more than four times the size of Manila in area and is characterised by rolling hills and a young population, as over 40% of the population is younger than 20 years. Quezon City is a true “lifestyle city”, with an abundance of restaurants, theatres, shopping malls, and other amenities and services, including the third largest shopping centre in the world. Quezon City is also becoming a hub of information technology, with the country’s second densest concentration of IT parks and buildings. Temperatures are high throughout the year, with the driest period from January to April and high rainfall from July to October.


Information on Accommodation Options:

Assistance with the identification of suitable, safe and affordable accommodation will be provided by the In-Country Manager and the Host Organisation.


To apply for this assignment please go to http://bit.ly/UjgvBi