Jobs at MDAC

MDAC seeks a Consultant (paid) to develop its “Educational training package on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. Deadline 15 September 2009.

MDAC seeks a Litigation Consultant (pro bono). Deadline 30 September 2009.

If you have time on your hands would you consider volunteering for MDAC? Perhaps you are a senior lawyer looking to impart your litigation skills to a human rights charity? Perhaps you are a student who is job hunting? Perhaps you are a website designer? Perhaps you are interested in fundraising? Email MDAC to register your interest and we will get back to you soon.

MDAC is an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all prospective and actual employees and consultants are treated equally, irrespective of disability, age, race, religious belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or marital status. In accordance with its “User Involvement Policy”, MDAC welcomes applications from suitably qualified and experienced people who are or have been users of mental health services.

For more information on these positions, visit MDAC's website section on jobs:
http://www.mdac.info/en/jobs

Programmes Director

Job title: Programmes Director

Location: MDAC headquarters, Budapest, Hungary

Reports to: Executive Director

Responsible for: Several programmatic staff

Goal: Based in MDAC’s headquarters in Budapest and working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, the Programmes Director oversees MDAC programming, ensuring program integration and policy coherence. The post-holder supervises staff, ensures delivery of project results, and makes sure that the organisation communicates in an effective way to a variety of stakeholders.


Programme Management
• Inspires, guides and supervises staff, consultants and volunteers;
• Develops team knowledge and skills;
• Acts as project manager in specific projects and project supervisor in others;
• Ensures the smooth management of several projects running in parallel;
• Represents MDAC as required at external meetings;
• Participates in strategic planning and new project development;
• Gathers reports on work achieved and planned.

Policy and Advocacy
• Guides the implementation of policy and advocacy initiatives and related strategies at international and regional levels;
• Oversees national-level advocacy in conjunction with MDAC staff and NGO partners, ensuring policy consistency and an integrated approach across MDAC’s programming;
• Ensures that the organisation establishes and maintains good working relationships with partner organisations, including NGOs, governments, Ombuds offices, and international organizations;
• Drafts policy papers and a variety of other advocacy and marketing documents related to MDAC’s programming, and edits other people’s writing;
• Takes responsibility for MDAC’s external communications (including its website) to a range of stakeholders at the international level, ensuring consistency, relevance and quality of communications;
• Maintains and improves MDAC visibility in a variety of fora;
• Coordinates the submission of policy and advocacy statements to intergovernmental human rights bodies;
• Oversees the capacity building of civil society to monitor the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international legal instruments;
• Seeks out fresh issues and creative ways of carrying out activities.

Financial management and fundraising
• Assists the Executive Director in conceiving of new projects, identifying donor prospects and drafting proposals;
• Oversees narrative reporting for and compliance with grants;
• In conjunction with Finance Officer, prepares project budgets;
• Monitors financial allocations and programme expenditures.

Other
• Plays a key role in suggesting new areas for institutional development, informed by developments in the disability and /human rights landscape globally;
• Deputies for the Executive Director in his or her absence;
• Carries out other tasks as requested by Executive Director.



PERSON SPECIFICATION


Qualifications
• Masters degree (or equivalent) in public policy, sociology, law, human rights, management or relevant field;
• Management qualification an advantage.

Work Experience

Minimum five years work experience in issues related to human rights, public policy and advocacy.

Applicants must demonstrate their experience with all of the following:
• Advocacy in any human rights field;
• Working at the international level;
• Drafting English-language documents;
• People management;
• Project management.

Applicants must demonstrate their experience with some of the following:
• Working on equality, non-discrimination, and other issues affecting ‘vulnerable’ people;
• Interaction with national politicians or civil servants;
• Building capacity of civil society organisations;
• Analyzing State compliance with laws or policies;
• Supervising monitoring and research;
• Writing fundraising proposals;
• Budget development and tracking.

Personal attributes and skills
The ideal Programmes Director will have the following attributes and skills:
• Commitment to MDAC’s mission, vision and organisational values;
• Ability to transform policy analysis and discussions into measurable advocacy outputs;
• Excellent spoken and written English;
• Willingness to be based in Budapest and travel internationally;
• A commitment to engage in dialogue with a variety of stakeholders;
• Demonstrated political acumen and analytical skills;
• Strategic thinking and someone who seeks linkages between people and themes;
• Quick learner who thrives on multi-tasking;
• Outstanding writing skills who can make sense of complex information and condense it into punchy outputs;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Self-starter able to lead and be a member of teams;
• Ability to deal with ambiguous external environments and a high paced working environment.

To apply please email your CV and a cover letter (explaining how you meet the person specification for this post) to JoinTheTeam@mdac.info by 21 July 2009.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

POSITION DESCRIPTION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

POSITION LOCATION – Washington, DC

Position Effective May, 2010

BACKGROUND: AAIDD is one of the oldest professional membership organizations in the United States and the oldest focusing on the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Association is seeking to recruit a new executive director upon the retirement of our current, and highly successful director of 20+ years. AAIDD's influence and reach around the globe is astonishing given its small staff and budget. The research and publications of the Association continue to maintain the highest standards and quality. AAIDD is leading the way in the diagnosis, classification, and systems of supports and planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD is the premier organization in the area of dissemination of best practice, evidence-based information and training in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD is a multidisciplinary organization of professionals working to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY: The Executive Director of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) functions as the Chief Executive Officer of the association and is the association’s primary representative to the professional community, the media and policymakers. The Executive Director represents AAIDD to other national disability organizations on a regular basis and is the voice of AAIDD to the news media, Congress and the Executive Branch and other national entities. The Executive Director works regularly with volunteer leadership and association members and must be capable of communicating effectively with professionals at all levels of sophistication and the general public. The incumbent is responsible for implementation of policies set by the Board of Directors as well as annual goals and objectives, and financial, program, and administrative management of the corporation. Guidance and direction is provided by the President and by the Board. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

* Provide overall leadership, support, and direction for staff in the development and implementation of short and long range plans and policies and other activities.
* Represent the association in the disability network and to the public-at-large in a highly professional, ethical manner.
* Assure liaison with other disability, advocacy and professional organizations, such as organization members of the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, CCD Financial management of the association, including the development and implementation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, of the annual budget
* Develop, implement, and accomplish the annual work plan of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.
* Creatively take concepts/ideas and develop products and services, working with teams and not only responding to RFP’s.
* Provide accurate and complete information, advice, and counsel to the President of the Board, Board Committees, and the Board of Directors in the creation of policies, programs, and strategic direction of the association.
* Support all activities associated with the Board of Directors, including staffing for all Board and Committee meetings, meeting schedules, locations, development of agenda, and meeting materials.
* Administer overall operation of the association, including: reviewing and evaluating the results of program activities, ensuring that continuing contractual obligations are being fulfilled; allocating resources for greater program effectiveness and efficiency; developing organizational and administrative policies and program objectives for Board consideration.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP and SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead, support, and supervise all national office staff. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommendation for hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing of work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent will have demonstrated experience and capability in communicating a vision for people with IDD and the Association’s mission to achieve that vision; marketing analysis, design, development, and sales of products and publications; successful submission of private and public sector grants and contracts; and commitment to development of collaborative partnerships with other public and private organizations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Attainment of an advanced degree in a field relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and at least ten years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, at least five of which shall have been in a leadership capacity in a not-for-profit organization, academia, or a government agency.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and techniques of grants management, contract administration and negotiation, fiscal and organizational management, principles and practices of marketing and public relations.

Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities; negotiate and administer contracts; work with researchers, advocates, providers, legislators, the media, commercial vendors, government agencies, community groups and other organizations as necessary; communicate effectively in both written and oral forms; exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies.

Job Announcement for Executive Director, World Institute on Disability

ABOUT WID

The World Institute on Disability (WID) is a nonprofit public policy center, whose mission in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security, and health care for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training, and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance. WID’s mission is realized when there is full employment at the same rate as the general population; the barriers to asset building are removed, and people with disabilities have the tools, information, and resources to achieve economic security and build wealth; and people with disabilities have seamless, continuous access to affordable, quality health care and support services.

Currently WID operates with a staff of 17 employees and regular volunteers, a budget of 2.2 million dollars, and is located in downtown Oakland, California. Since its founding in 1983, WID has earned a reputation for high-quality research and public education on a wide range of issues. The Board of Directors and staff, over half of whom are people with disabilities, are respected national leaders in the disability rights field as well as in industry, government, and social services. This enables WID to bring a cross-disability perspective to the policy arena. Information on WID’s programs can be found at http://www.wid.org/

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the organization and provides vision and leadership for WID to achieve its mission. He/she advances this mission with public, private, and governmental agencies; national and international organizations; and political leaders. The individual is responsible for the overall management and development of the organization. He/she is a strong manager who is capable of translating Board policy and WID’s mission into operational objectives while mentoring and guiding staff. The Executive Director assists the Board of Directors in maintaining and evaluating operational programs at WID and serves as WID’s spokesperson and liaison to other organizations. He/she reports directly to the WID Board of Directors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred
• Experience as the number one or two person running a medium orlarge size non-profit organization; good management/supervisory skills
• Experience in teambuilding and developing staff cohesion
• Demonstrable expertise in program development and strategic planning
• Proven success in fundraising
• Considerable expertise with disability policy analysis
• Significant experience within the disability movement
• Experience with financial oversight (basic accounting concepts,program budgeting, communicating financial information, and federal grants management) for at least a 1-2 million dollar agency budget
• Excellent writing and communication skills
  

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Develop, plan, and implement goals, objectives, and new programs
2. Evaluate WID’s effectiveness in accomplishing its goals
3. Serve as spokesperson and advocate at events, meetings and development activities representing WID before various constituencies:
   a. Local and state governments
   b. Federal government
   c. Legislative bodies
   d. State, National and International associations
   e. Disability organizations
   f. Funding agencies
   g. Foundations, corporations, etc.
   h. Media
4. Relationship with the Board of Directors:
   a. Staff the Board of Directors
   b. Develop policy proposals for Board review and action
   c. Organize committee and Board agendas and supervise preparation for meetings
   d. Attend committee and Board meetings
   e. Prepare Board minutes
   f. Implement Board policies
   g. Keep Board informed on general program activities and trends in disability policy
   h. Orient new Board members
   i. Provide for Board development
5. Fiscal Responsibilities:
   a. Fundraising
   b. Plan and develop an annual budget
   c. Review and analyze monthly financial statements
   d. Manage income and expenses within budgets limits
   e. Respond to annual audit
6. Personnel Responsibilities:
   a. Develop personnel policies for Board consideration, and implement policies
   b. Supervise staff by meeting with staff to obtain feedback, provide information, assign responsibilities and priorities, delegate authority,monitor goals and objectives, perform biannual performance appraisals and give overall direction
   c. Interpret all policies to staff
   d. Establish and oversee affirmative action objectives and ensure WID personnel reflects the full diversity of programs and disabled populations
7. General Business Management:
   a. Provide for adequate offices space and maintenance
   b. Maintain and review WID’s insurance portfolio
   c. Maintain policy and procedures and manuals
8. Confer with legal counsel on all matters dealing with legal aspects of WID
9. Other duties as assigned
   

Special Job Demand:

1. Travel required

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Board of Directors

COMPENSATION
based on experience, plus benefits

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Send your complete application package (cover letter, résumé, list of references, and a writing sample that best exemplifies your written communication ability) to:

Executive Director Search Committee
World Institute on Disability
510-16th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612-1500
FAX: (510) 763-4109 *NO CALLS PLEASE*
EMAIL: jobs@wid.org
(WID acknowledges receipt of applications by email.)

Application Deadline: July 15, 2009

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Address reasonable accommodation requests in the application/interview process to the Human Resources Manager.
• As a safety precaution to WID’s staff with severe allergies, WID requests applicants who use service dogs to advise the Human Resources Manager before arrival.
• WID promotes a scent/chemical free environment. To support this effort, WID asks that all applicants refrain from wearing scented products while in its office.
  

TRAVEL/RELOCATION:

WID typically does not cover travel or relocation costs, but encourages all interested applicants to apply.

All persons, including disabled persons, elders, women, and racial and ethnic minorities, are encouraged to apply.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Visiting Scholar or Post - Doctoral Fellow

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

The University at Buffalo (SUNY) announces the creation of a Center for Disability Studies. The Center is the product of a partnership between the University at Buffalo and People Inc., a leading regional human services provider, specializing in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. The Director of the Center is Professor David Gerber of the Department of History at the University at Buffalo.

For the next three years, the principal activity of the Center will be to recruit a visiting scholar or post-doctoral fellow for each of three spring semesters (2010, 2011, and 2012). Preference will be shown for a scholar in any discipline whose work on disability has an historical approach or any analytical framework that seeks to understand change and continuity over time. The visitor's responsibilities will consist of work for both the university and for People, Inc. The visitor will teach a class in his or her discipline at either the graduate or undergraduate levels, consult with students, and give a public lecture at the university. The visitor will also advise People, Inc. on the ongoing development of its Museum of disAbility, which exists in both traditional and virtual forms (www.museumofdisabilityhistory.com). Each visitor is asked to develop an exhibit for the virtual museum based on his or her work on disability. The visitor will also be asked to help with the planning of People, Inc.'s annual fall film festival, which is dedicated to films dealing with disability. The visitor will have a salary for the semester negotiable up to $50,000 and medical benefits, and an office at the university.

Applicants should send a letter of application, three letters of reference, and a current CV to: Professor David Gerber, Department of History, Park Hall, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Amherst, New York, 14260.

Inquiries may be addressed to Professor Gerber at dagerber@buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer.

RESEARCHER/ADVOCATE ON DISABILITY RIGHTS

RESEARCHER/ADVOCATE ON DISABILITY RIGHTS

Full-Time Position Available:
Researcher/Advocate on Disability Rights
Health and Human Rights Program
Deadline for applications: July 31, 2009

Human Rights Watch ("HRW") is seeking highly-qualified applicants for the position of Researcher/Advocate on Disability Rights.

Description: The Researcher/Advocate on Disability Rights will be the primary spokesperson, and will spearhead the organization's efforts, on disability rights. This position will report to the Director of the Health and Human Rights Program at HRW and may be based in New York, Washington, DC, Brussels, Geneva, Paris or London. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• monitoring legal and policy developments applicable to persons with disabilities;
• carrying out field research to monitor, investigate and document human rights abuses against persons with disabilities, and collecting and analyzing information on relevant human rights developments from a wide variety of sources;
• acting as an advocate and spokesperson on disability rights issues, including on specific country situations: drafting press releases, op-eds, and short articles; speaking with the media;
  
• representing HRW before international institutions, relevant UN agencies, the European Union and the European Commission and other major regional intergovernmental fora, as well as influential governments;
  
• working within HRW on human rights standards relating to persons with disabilities, including reviewing documents to ensure that they conform to relevant international standards;
• building alliances and networks with other NGOs and advocacy groups working to further the rights of persons with disabilities; and
• other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have significant understanding of disability issues and at least five years of experience working on disability rights. An advanced degree in international relations, law or a related field is required. S/he will be a dynamic, creative, self-motivated, strategic and original thinker with senior-level advocacy experience and a demonstrated commitment to disability rights. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to advocate effectively at all levels with regard to a wide range of topics and regions; proven analytical and strategic planning skills of the highest quality; sound knowledge of all international law applicable to monitoring and defending the rights of disabled persons, including but not limited to international human rights law; and familiarity with the policies, operating procedures, and standards applicable to international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental agencies. S/he will possess sound judgment; excellent research, interviewing and advocacy skills; the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and to collaborate effectively with others; and a demonstrated commitment to international human rights. In keeping with HRW's standard practice, reasonable accommodations to known disabilities will be made to allow qualified candidates to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY by emailing in a single submission: a letter of interest describing your experience, your resume, names or letters of references, salary requirements, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) no later than July 31, 2009 to lamiam@hrw.org. Please use "Disability Rights Researcher/Advocate Ref HHR-09-1024-A" as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post and/or fax) to:

Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Disability Rights Researcher/Advocate Ref HHR-09-1024-A)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118
Fax: (212) 736-1300

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool. It is the policy of HRW to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, marital status, immigration or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies of influential governments and international institutions.

Disability Rights Fund Seeks Program Officer

Disability Rights Fund seeks Program Officer

About the position
The Program Officer position offers a unique opportunity to join a groundbreaking grantmaking initiative supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. As a member of a small team, the Program Officer will help shape the Fund as it matures and incorporates the best strategies in funding disability rights in the Global South and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union. The main objective of the position is to work with other Fund staff in the creation of grants strategy and process and the oversight of grantees. To do this work, the Program Officer will build field contacts and partnerships and work with grantees in the field. Other program and administrative responsibilities related to both grantmaking and the general operations of the Fund are also foreseen. The Fund is looking for a candidate who is able to work in a fast-paced environment, is flexible, takes initiative, and is independent, but team-oriented. This position is not necessarily Boston-based.

About the Disability Rights Fund
Launched in March of 2008 as a project of the Tides Center, the Disability Rights Fund is a grantmaking collaborative aimed at building community capacity to achieve the rights of all persons with disabilities. The Fund makes modest grants (USD $5000-70,000) to Disabled Persons' Organizations in the Global South and in Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union for advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at country-level.

Program Officer responsibilities
· Help design a grants proposal process that is accessible to people with disabilities

· Serve as liaison to grantees and prospective grantees

· Working closely with Tides, administer and manage grants(e.g., grant award and declination letters, disbursements, report tracking, grant files)

· Together with the DRF team, evaluate grant proposals, conduct financial and critical analysis of applicant organizations

· Provide technical aid to grantees during grants application and implementation

· Prepare concise written analyses of grant proposals and funding recommendations for Steering Committee comprised of field advisors and donors

· Arrange and conduct site visits and meetings with grantees

· Provide organizational effectiveness assistance to grantees or recommend helpful resources as appropriate

· Evaluate and monitor the impact of grants; review and analyze grantee reports

· Develop professional relationships within the field of disability rights to inform the grantmaking of the Fund; keep abreast of trends within the field of disability rights

· Collaborate with DRF team, Global Advisory Panel and Steering Committee to develop and refine grantmaking strategies

· Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Fund as needed

Skills and qualifications
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

· Passion and commitment to advancing the human rights of people with disabilities

· Familiarity with the community of DPOs and the CRPD (particularly in the Asia Pacific region)

· Grantmaking or grantseeking experience (or relevant nonprofit experience)

· Experience supporting capacity development within civil society

· Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse populations from around the world

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Other language proficiencies a plus

· Strong administrative and organizational skills; the ability to manage time efficiently

· Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary

· Bachelors degree, or equivalent with minimum 5 years of relevant experience; advanced degree desired

· Ability to travel independently in developing countries

· Ability to combine the roles of objective evaluator and empathetic observer

Compensation
Salary and benefits negotiable, based on experience.

How to apply
Disability Rights Fund, a Project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, and people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, and people of other (non-U.S.) nationalities. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email or mail a cover letter, resume, three references (with contact information and relationship), writing sample (five page maximum) to:

Disability Rights Fund

Diana Samarasan, Director

Third Sector New England's NonProfit Center

89 South Street, Suite 203

Boston, MA 02111-2670

dsamarasan@disabilityrightsfund.org<mailto:dsamarasan%40disabilityrightsfund.org> (please no phone calls)

Fax: (215) 261-4593

Deadline: Applications must be received by August 1, 2009.

Best Regards,

Diana Samarasan, Director

Disability Rights Fund

89 South Street, Suite 203

Boston, MA 02111

t. 1.617.261.4593, ext. 1

f. 1.617.261.1977

e. dsamarasan@disabilityrightsfund.org<mailto:dsamarasan%40disabilityrightsfund.org>

w: www.disabilityrightsfund.org

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