Job Description
Core skills:
Well organised, self-motivated, independent and reliable
Technically savvy - able to work remotely with ease and limited support or oversight
Fluent in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
Understanding of human rights and context of human rights work in Colombia
Commitment to rule of law and solidarity with Colombian human rights lawyers
Purpose of consultancy: To project manage and coordinate the delivery of the charitable activities of the Colombian Caravana under the remote direction of the organisation's trustees and directors.
Typical working hours: An average of 20hrs per week and not to exceed 40 hours in any given week. During occasional periods of substantial activity (which may occur once or twice during this contract), there may be a requirement to work more hours than 20hrs a week, in which case fewer hours will be worked at other times - this will be discussed, planned, and agreed in advance with the board of directors. The Consultant is largely free to decide how and when to work and how to manage the available hours over the course of the consultancy in whichever working pattern and combination the Consultant sees fit in order to deliver activities. However, the consultant will need to attend board meetings every 6-8 weeks which take place on weekday evenings, an average of one remote evening event per month, and schedule meetings and calls with Colombian partners, Board, members/volunteers in evenings (usually no more than once a week). The consultant will also be required to monitor the Caravana's email account ideally on daily basis (but at least three days a week), and inform the Board or appropriate directors of anything urgent in order to take appropriate action.
Consultancy period and remuneration: 8-9 months, at a rate of £17 per hour (inclusive of any VAT or liable taxes). As an example, should the consultant begin to deliver services on 1 November 2021 and end on 31 July 2022, budget will be available to an absolute maximum of 780 hours or £13,260. No additional funds will be made available without prior agreement for additional hours. The consutancy will be reviewed at the three month point as a means to check in with both the consultant and the board and to ensure services are being delivered as expected and processes are effective. The consultancy may be open to extension subject to funding. Invoices should be sent on a monthly basis specifying hours worked in the delivery of agreed services for that period. The Consultant is responsible for any and all tax liabilities, insurance, pensions, and any other statutory requirements depending on where and how they operate.
Location(s): Fully flexible, the consultant is expected to work remotely and with a high-level of independence. The Consultant can be based anywhere subject to good internet connectivity but the Consultant will need to be able to schedule calls for the Europe and Americas time zones. No technical equipment will be provided and the Consultant is expected to make use of their own equipment, technology, and working space to deliver services. For the duration of this initial contract, we do not envisage a firm requirement to be in London for any meetings or events, however, if restrictions allow, this may be desirable in 2022 and can be discussed.
The following activities will be delivered by the Consultant with support from the Board:
Coordination and collaboration with UK, international, and Colombian partners in order to deliver Caravana objectives as agreed by trustees and directors and occasionally representing the Caravana's position as a Consultant for the Caravana when appropriate in public and private meetings, including:
Online secure meetings with Colombian lawyers at-risk to provide updates on five emblematic cases and discuss the most pressing new cases, in order to raise awareness to the general public and among the legal international community.
Joint virtual advocacy 'tour' for lawyer(s) at-risk, including online meetings with UK stakeholders such as the FCO, UK members of parliament, and the UK embassy in Colombia to strengthen the connection between the Colombian legal community and the international community in relation to political and diplomatic processes that might improve access to justice and strengthening of the rule of law.
Attend roundtables and meetings with UK and European organisations to strengthen joint action to support Colombian lawyers and access to justice in Colombia and explore international initiatives to support access to justice, rule of law, and the safety of lawyers in Colombia
Scoping online meetings with Colombian authorities and Colombian lawyers facilitated by the Caravana, where they can bring forward their concerns and seek to find joint solutions.
Scoping and initial planning of potential for an adapted postponed in-person delegation to Colombia for late 2022, dependent on the global health situation at the time.
Coordination of responses to requests for the Caravana to join advocacy actions (eg letters, public statements, parliamentary briefings, Amicus Briefs, meetings, individual letters, UN activity)
Supporting trial observation initiatives according to the strategy agreed by Caravana board members
Coordination of events and meetings, including confirming participants, agenda, interpreting services, and logistical support. Specifically:
Organisation of logistics for Board meetings (every 6-8 weeks) including taking and distributing minutes.
Six remote events with Colombian, UK and international partners on relevant thematic topics to raise awareness and spur action on human rights and rule of law issues in Colombia
Communications and member engagement including:
gatekeeping the Caravana email account, responding appropriately to enquiries
maintenance of website and use of social media
member and support e-newsletter and invitations to events
occasional logistical support for fundraising and awareness-raising events
Fundraising:
Support of fundraising strategy, including research into funding opportunities, development and drafting of funding applications
Liaison with donors as point of contact for the Caravana and therefore, at times, representing the Caravana at fundraising meetings
Maintenance of digital project files and records, including the Caravana email account.
Timely updates to the board and/or appropriate directors of issues arising that may affect delivery of project.
In order to successfully deliver the coordination services, the consultant will require the following skills, attributes and experience:
Essential
Fluent written and spoken Spanish and English
Project management experience in the context of human rights, international development, legal advocacy, or political campaigns
Strong knowledge and understanding of the Colombian or Latin American social and human rights situation and of ways to raise awareness and advocate for change
Experience producing high-quality written reports and documentation
Strong IT skills and confidence to update websites, use social media, Mailchimp, and other basic software and programmes, as well as Zoom and video meeting platforms
Excellent organisation and time-management skills, with ability to prioritise competing tasks frequently, with minimal oversight
Highly motivated, confident, and able to work independently, with a flexible, calm approach and positive attitude
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build rapport with a diverse spread of stakeholders, including taking into account cultural diversity
Enthusiasm for the aims and objectives of the Caravana and commitment to promoting justice and protecting human rights in Colombia through partnerships and collaboration with Colombian lawyers
Desirable
Experience living, working, or studying in Latin America
Experience working in a multi-cultural environment
Experience in an advocacy, policy, or communications role
Law qualifications and/or experience; Expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Experience of working in charities or in charity governance
Graphic design skills, digital comms expertise
Experience drafting funding applications and in fundraising