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Amnesty International, Nigeria

Nigeria Director

About Amnesty International 

Amnesty International is a truly global human rights movement, made up of millions of individual members and supporters passionate about defending human rights for all and who believe the world would be a better place if we took injustice personally together. By mobilising the humanity in everyone, shining a light on human rights abuses wherever they may occur and speaking truth to power, Amnesty International has made a tangible difference in the lives of those denied their basic rights every hour, every day for over 50 years.

About the Role

The Amnesty International Nigeria (AIN) Director is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing strategies, operational plans and budgets for the work of Amnesty International Nigeria, all in alignment with Amnesty International’s Global Strategic Framework and towards establishing and developing an effective AIN presence in the country. 

The Director is accountable for managing the staff, resources, office and operations of AI Nigeria. They must ensure the application of AI policy and quality standards across the operations and provision of political advice for AI’s work in Nigeria. 

Externally, the Director is responsible for building national relationships and Amnesty International’s profile in Nigeria and within the Amnesty International movement. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Delivering Human Rights impact through organisational management and leadership:
  • Develop and promote an organisational vision, human rights and growth strategy for Amnesty International Nigeria, which articulates AI’s Global Strategic Framework and inspires and motivates internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that Amnesty International Nigeria maintains its pre-eminent position in the field of human rights, legal and policy analysis by ensuring the application of AIN standards of work, including AIN’s human rights policy and standards, and the accuracy of the analysis and application of law and policy.
  • Recruit, develop and manage the performance of staff, volunteers and consultants to ensure that impact-oriented operational plans are delivered on time to a high standard and in compliance with Amnesty International’s Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment, related policies and local employment law.
  • Develop, monitor and provide internal and external reports on project budgets and financial issues per the Financial Policy of Amnesty International Nigeria. 
  • Establish and implement quality control systems to ensure that the activities of AIN (Research, Campaigns, Communication and Human Rights Education) meet the organisational standards of timeliness, accuracy, consistency, balance, independence and impartiality.
  • Establish a culture of engagement across the movement to model One Amnesty and its benefits.

  1. External representation of the Amnesty International movement within Nigeria:
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key external stakeholders, including partner organisations, the media, government, networks, coalitions, donors and key internal stakeholders in Nigeria, to identify and take advantage of cooperation, collaboration and information-sharing opportunities. Represent Amnesty International in these fora, which will increase the impact and influence of the work of AIN.
  • Leverage Nigeria’s influence regionally and globally by calling on the government to be a global leader promoting human rights domestically and internationally. 
  • Coordinate advocacy and lobbying work in Nigeria, including building relationships with partner organisations, the media and government and working with global sections to maximise the influence of their international solidarity work.
  • Identify and ensure relationships are built with key donors, funding constituencies and high-net-worth individuals.
  • As the Chief Media spokesperson in the country, interact with the media proactively and support the organisation of media activities to support AIN research and high-level missions and to ensure compliance with the organisational standards for media work.
  1. Operational Management:
  • Accountable for the office’s overall health, safety and security to ensure that the office carries out the facilities, logistical and administrative functions required to effectively carry out its activities and support those of AI Nigeria.
  • Based on the Human Rights and the Global Strategic Framework, develop and implement operational plans for AIN to deliver on objectives related to:
    • A solid research, campaigning, communications, mobilisation and activism programme linked to the clear theory of change for priority human rights issues in Nigeria.
    • A centralised constituency relationship management system capable of mobilising activism and resources to further Amnesty International’s human rights goals in Nigeria.
    • Strengthening the power of right-holders and supporting the human rights movement through innovative options for engagement and activism.

Skills and Experience

  • Commitment to and substantial knowledge of human rights.
  • Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate strategy and concepts into action and to review and adapt plans as required.
  • Proven record of senior-level leadership and management success, preferably in an international organisation.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the political, economic and social context and a deep understanding of the challenges of developing activist organisations in the country.
  • An understanding of the civil society landscape in Nigeria with established networks in place.
  • Knowledge of research, campaigning, media and communications and project management with the ability to lead the organisation’s strategic planning and ensure the monitoring and evaluation of performance and impact.
  • Experience effectively lobbying governments and intergovernmental agents for policy change.
  • Strong relationships and track record with national media and funding institutions. Experience building public constituency in Nigeria.
  • Demonstrated people management skills, including managing complex relationships with private and public sector stakeholders, media, donors and high-level governmental and non-governmental officials.
  • Excellent organisation, time management and administrative skills, particularly an appreciation for the importance of strong fiscal management.
  • Strong facilitation skills with the ability to listen and learn from diverse perspectives.
  • Sound, mature judgment, integrity, and understanding of physical and political security issues.
  • Self-motivation and initiative with the ability to work independently and in teams.
  • Readiness to report and to be accountable to the Board and Amnesty International Secretariat.
  • Exemplary communication skills, both oral and written and fluency in English.