Please note: Due to security considerations, it is a PBI policy that no Kenyan nationals are eligible to apply for field volunteer positions. We encourage all interested persons with Kenyan nationality to apply to PBI positions in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia and other countries.
Please refer to: www.peacebrigades.org
Background
Peace Brigades International (PBI) is an international non-governmental organization that has promoted non-violence and protected human rights defenders since 1981. In response to the needs of human rights defenders, we provide unarmed protective accompaniment and other support on the ground through trained field volunteers and a broad network of international support. Protective accompaniment deters attacks against human rights defenders by sending a powerful message that the world is watching and prepared to act. Integral to PBI’s protection strategy are political support networks set up and activated by 12 country groups in North America and South America, Europe, and Australia, who are also responsible for volunteer recruitment, outreach, publicity and fundraising. PBI is an independent, egalitarian, volunteer based organization not affiliated to any religious or political institution.
Upon request, PBI established a new project in Kenya in 2013 to provide protection and support to human rights defenders (HRDs). In 2016, a small PBI field team provides support to grassroots HRDs in the informal settlements of Nairobi with a special focus on police accountability. Travel outside Nairobi is needed when HRDs request support in other areas of the country. In 2017, five field volunteers supported by four staff positions will continue this work. Depending on future developments, the opening of a field office outside of Nairobi is possible and would consequently imply some of the field volunteers moving there.
Role of PBI field volunteers PBI’s field volunteers provide protective accompaniment to human rights defenders on the ground. This is carried out through physical presence, dialogue with state authorities, advocacy with the international community in country and information distribution. Besides this, volunteers participate in other activities to support local actors as well, including workshops, analysis and strategy development, publications, information-sharing, networking and contact-building. Main duties, tasks and responsibilities:
Working with civil society/human rights organisations
This involves providing international protective presence for accompanied human rights organizations as well as carrying out risk assessments and other activities to strengthen their capacities to cope with the security challenges of human rights work in Kenya.
Team work
Team work includes working and living as part of a multicultural team, providing new ideas and input to team decisions and political analysis, facilitation of team meetings as well as to collectively define and refine the project’s strategies and protocols based on PBI experience.
Advocacy and communications
In coordination with all Project members, represent PBI Kenya at networking/advocacy meetings with the diplomatic corps, EU mission and NGOs as well as with Kenyan authorities.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please visit our website http://www.pbi-kenya.org/callforvolunteers/ for more information on the application process and to download the application and reference forms.
Please make sure you apply using the application form and reference form provided on our website. You are required to submit three references. Cover letters and CVs will not be considered.
