Advocacy Manager, Ukraine/Europe

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS has a long history in Ukraine, which began with the resettlement of Jews and later other religious minorities to the United States and shifted to providing legal and humanitarian aid to internally displaced people from Eastern Ukraine. Today, HIAS’ work in Ukraine continues through its partner, Right to Protection (R2P), formerly HIAS Ukraine. With emergency technical and financial support from HIAS, R2P has pivoted its programs to respond to urgent needs to those affected by Russia’s February 2022 invasion.

HIAS seeks an Advocacy Manager, Ukraine/Europe to help elevate HIAS’ thought leadership in relation to the Ukraine crisis by engaging, educating and influencing law and policy makers to advance U.S., European and international policy for refugees and displaced people from Ukraine. Reporting to the Senior Director, International Advocacy and engaging with staff across the agency involved in the Ukraine response, the Advocacy Manager, Ukraine/Europe will help implement HIAS’ advocacy strategy on the Ukraine crisis and engage in a wide range of activities to advance HIAS’ objectives regarding HIAS’ work.

Note, this is a full-time, temporary position that lasts for 12 months, with possible extension. The position is based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Helps develop and implement HIAS’ advocacy strategy and deliverables in relation to HIAS’ Ukraine response in close coordination with relevant teams across HIAS HQ and HIAS Europe.

• Stays current on all aspects of the Ukraine crisis and other crises causing migration to and displacement in Europe, sharing relevant information and analysis during both internal and external meetings.

• Schedules and attends meetings, representing HIAS in relevant committees, clusters, working groups and panels relating to the Ukraine crisis and the EU’s response to refugees and migrants.

• Ensures routine coordination with partner organizations to influence key policy makers in the U.S. government, international governments and multilateral agencies.

• Develops statements, letters, factsheets, recommendations and other materials related to the Ukraine response, in coordination with communications and other colleagues.

• Ensures that HIAS’ advocacy actions and products actively support localization efforts and responses to refugee crises.

• Supports an Advocacy Community of Practice for HIAS’ country offices in relation to HIAS’ Ukraine response.

• Other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international affairs or a related field; graduate degree strongly preferred.

• 4-6 years of humanitarian and/or international policy and advocacy work experience, preferably focused on Europe/EU.

• Understanding of Ukrainian, Russian and/or Eastern European political context.

• Detailed knowledge of EU Migration policies and knowledge of migration-related issues across the EU strongly desirable.

• Persuasive, strategic oral and written communicator.

• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, including an ability to nurture collegial relationships with law and policy makers, coalition partners and other stakeholders and partners.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and project management skills.

• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Potential travel to the region, if required.

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION:

All employees are expected to represent the organization in alignment with HIAS’ mission, vision and values. Some employees of HIAS are expected to speak externally on behalf of the organization with clients, donors, affiliates, partners, etc. as part of their work-related responsibilities. Applicants for these roles acknowledge and accept the inherent risk associated with external representation of HIAS.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.