Head of Research Policy and Advocacy
About PEN International
PEN International is the world’s foremost association of writers and a leading expert on Freedom of Expression. PEN International defends and often provides essential support to those who are persecuted for their writing. Through policy research and advocacy, we enable writers and artists to be heard, we recommend changes needed for a positive way forward to ensure that free expression and artistic expression are an integral part of the international discourse.
About the Job (Job Summary)
The Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy leads PEN International’s work to develop and oversee research, shape policy and advance PEN’s key advocacy goals. This is an exciting remote role at a pivotal time as freedom of expression and civic space are under growing threat around the world. The challenging political environment and challenges to public support for human rights mean that we need to act collectively with our PEN Centres and other stakeholders to protect, progress and shape the future for expression. We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead our research, policy and advocacy work with and on behalf of writers to secure a policy environment that supports freedom of expression and creative expression worldwide. This requires someone with extensive human rights policy and advocacy experience to coordinate and lead PEN’s work. This role involves considerable international travel.
The successful candidate will need in depth knowledge of the right to freedom of expression and cultural rights and their application, the international and regional human rights mechanisms and have excellent communication skills and good political judgement. PEN International is looking for a strategic thinker who can build on good practice and explore new ways of doing things, how to ensure the participation of minority voices. The ability to bring members together to develop approaches collectively is critical.
Main Responsibilities
- Leadership of Research, Policy and Advocacy for PEN International: Contribute to the development and implementation of PEN International’s organisational strategy to ensure alignment in all areas specifically our research, policy and advocacy work.
- Policy and advocacy strategies: Lead a propositional policy agenda in line with PEN International’s strategic objectives and deliver clear advocacy strategies to influence decision-makers, the media and wider civil society.
- Capacity Building of the PEN Network: Build the effectiveness and impact of member advocacy and engagement through working collaboratively, information sharing and providing a strong evidence and values-based approach.
- Communications and representation: Oversee timely, high quality, strategic public policy and communication pieces that shape, and respond to, the latest events / trends. Oversee the advocacy related media strategy working closely with ED and HoR and communications colleagues.
- Wider influencing and stakeholder engagement: Develop and expand PEN International’s network of senior level and strategic contacts in government, policy making influencers and other stakeholders.
- Maintain political neutrality.
- Finance and funding: Work with the Head of Development and Executive Director to ensure that all of PEN International’s policy work is appropriately resourced either through securing grants or through unrestricted sources and that finds are used effectively and in line with commitments and agreements with our funders.
Person specification
- Minimun 5 years’ experience of working in international human rights with strong working knowledge of international policy-making and decision-making processes on human rights and how to gain access to and influence at senior levels.
- Strong understanding of international and regional human rights mechanisms as well as advocacy and policy issues, with in depth knowledge of the right to free expression and cultural rights.
- Experience of design and execution of reasearch and advocacy strategies and projects, responding to the expectations of donors and members.
- Understanding of international human rights NGOs and understanding of how change is achieved in an international context.
- Experience of organisational leadership and operating as part of a senior team.
- Outstanding external communicator, speaker, writer, and user of social media.
- Fundraising experience - creating new opportunities, experience of bid/tender/proposal writing.
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work in a small team, and on own initiative, to set and achieve goals.
HOW TO APPLY
Posted On: May 29, 2025
Application Deadline: June 28, 2025 (Assumed end of day London time).
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to: hr@pen-international.org.
Please mention Bond when you apply for this position.
