Senior UN Advocate

• Application Deadline, 23.59 pm UK time on:29 May 2026
• Programme:Research and Advocacy
• LocationNew York City
• Type:Fixed Term Contract
• How many months is contract?:1 year
• No of weekly working hours:35
• Salary:USD 109,493 per annum

JOB PURPOSE

As the Senior Advocate, you will be responsible for development and implementation of Amnesty International's (AI) advocacy strategies with the United Nations (UN) and implementation of the organization's recommendations.

The purpose of Amnesty International's work with the UN and other intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) is to ensure that the organisation's human rights positions, concerns and recommendations are effectively communicated to member states and relevant actors within IGOs and are reflected in their actions and decisions. This work is led by the International Advocacy Team and falls into three main categories:
• To hold states accountable for the full and effective implementation of their human rights obligations and commitments at the national, regional, and international levels so that all persons can enjoy the full range of their human rights;
• To promote the development, adoption and implementation of international human rights norms and standards that will contribute to ending, redressing and preventing human rights violations; and
• To help build the most effective international bodies, structures,

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors and analyzes developments at the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council and reports key developments to relevant staff at the International Secretariat and in national entities of Amnesty to enable effective and well-informed advocacy.
• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of Amnesty's international advocacy on both thematic and country-specific issues, with a view to promoting and protecting human rights.
• Leads and delivers strategies and campaigns to improve the effectiveness of UN bodies in promoting and protecting human rights.
• Proactively assesses UN advocacy opportunities and generates advocacy materials, including through leading and participating in advocacy strategy design, writing high quality advocacy briefs, letters, submissions etc., all aimed at ensuring effective action by UN institutions to protect and promote human rights on targeted strategic issues.
• Ensures the latest research and recommendations from Amnesty are effectively communicated and acted upon by key policy-makers and officials in New York.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years experience working with the UN in New York for example as part of civil society or as a UN staff member
• Relevant university level education. A post-graduate degree or equivalent in law, communications, political science, international relations or other relevant fields.
• A sound intellectual and professional grasp of the role of multilaterally sourced norms and standards, advocacy action, diplomatic pressure, and UN accountability mechanisms, in protecting and promoting human rights.
• Knowledge of UN institutional processes and mandates as they relate to the protection and promotion of human rights, and a strong and demonstrable appreciation of the working relationship between the Human Rights Council and the rest of the UN human rights machinery.

ABOUT US

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they're denied. And whether we're applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we're all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

For further information on our benefits, please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role' below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let's get to work.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy BEFORE the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities, therefore we recommend you apply now if you are interested.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Amnesty International believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable. Together, we're committed to being an anti-racist organisation with a diverse workforce that can better tackle the global human rights challenges that face our world today. We know that different voices, ideas, perspectives, experiences and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of people around the world.
We are committed to building and sustaining an anti-racist, culturally diverse and inclusive organisation, where all employees feel valued, have a sense of belonging and an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. We therefore strongly welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of their background; including underrepresented groups, LGBTQI+ individuals and those who may have or are living with a disability.

To see our full statement please visit this link:  Racial equality, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policy - Amnesty International

Amnesty International is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with the team by emailing recruitment@amnesty.org 

Please note - Amnesty International do not provide interview or job related training prior to interview, and do not engage with any external suppliers to do so. If you receive communication from anyone claiming to work on Amnesty's behalf this is likely to be a scam and should be reported or ignored.

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