Call for Applicants: Canadian Student Advocacy Days Event Organizer (Scholars at Risk Network)
Position Summary
On behalf of the global Scholar’s at Risk Network we are inviting applications for an Event Organizer to plan and run Canada’s first Student Advocacy Days, to be held virtually in Spring, 2022. In collaboration with the Scholar’s at Risk Network (based out of NYU), this position will be housed at UBC Scholars at Risk-Human Rights Collective which is run out the Office for Regional & International Community Engagement. The successful candidate will be embedded within the UBC SAR Human Rights Collective team and will be able to draw on their experience and connections in order to help plan a successful event for on behalf of the global SAR organization.
Background to Scholars at Risk, UBC’s Involvement and SAR Advocacy Days
Around the world, the space for free inquiry and expression is shrinking. Scholars at Risk (SAR) is bringing faculty, students and other higher education community members together to discuss global and regional academic freedom climates and to develop solutions that strengthen the university space. The Scholars at Risk initiative at UBC spans across the three arms of SAR’s work – protection, learning, and advocacy. Led by, Dr. Jenny Peterson and Tamara Baldwin, the experiential human rights research project was previously funded by the UBC PURE grant and is in an ongoing partnership with the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE).
Modelled after SARs Global Student Advocacy Days, this virtual event will aim to bring together Canadian students from various universities who have participated in SAR Student Advocacy Seminars and other SAR related student focused learning and advocacy activities. Many Advocacy Seminars are centered on SAR’s Scholars in Prison Project, though other student advocacy and research for SAR may also be taking place across Canada and should also be taken into consideration. Students participating in the event will present their work to other student advocacy teams and representatives from SAR, learn more about the specific human rights advocacy environment in Canada and operationalize strategies for engaging in advocacy on their selected cases. Support and guidance on the Canadian Event will be offered by the US event team who have run several successful events over the past several years.
Position Tasks and Deliverables
- Liaising with faculty members running SAR Student Seminars across Canada
- Consulting with SAR (Global) on desired outcomes and structure to ensure alignment with Global Advocacy Days
- Consulting with SAR-Canada Steering Committee on plans and suggestions for speakers and events
- Planning of SAR Canadian Advocacy Days event (including scheduling of speakers and avenues for student advocacy such as meetings with Canadian MPs or political bodies)
- Advertising and managing registration of advocacy days, including managing social media engagement
- Coordinate with ORICE team members to support communications, and logistics for the event.
- Running of Virtual Event
- Evaluation of Event and lessons learned for future Canadian Advocacy Days
- Liaising with UBC-SAR Human Rights Collective at needed
Candidate Qualifications
The position is open to current UBC graduate students (MA or PhD from any discipline) committed to the goals of the Scholars at Risk Network. Students must be based in Canada to take up this position—potential work arrangement (virtual or in person) will be discussed with candidates at the interview stage.
Experience in Event Planning is considered a major asset though applicants displaying strong relevant skills in the areas noted below are also encouraged to apply. These skills and include:
- Understanding of advocacy, protection and teaching/learning challenges in the realm of academic freedom and human rights.
- Critical engagement with innovative pedagogies and the integration of experiential learning activities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with emotionally challenging content, and care practices to mitigate related and potential harms
- Demonstrated experience in project management and working with multiple, diverse and demanding stakeholders
- Demonstrated initiative
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Good organizational skills
- Creativity, enthusiasm and commitment
- Ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders and project partners
Position Details
- Position dates: November 8 2021- April 30 2022
- Number of hours: 260 hours, approx. 10 hours/week with increased hours during the week preceding and of the event
- Students eligible to hold a work learn position will be prioritized, though all are encouraged to apply.
- Rate of pay $27.22/hour
How to Apply
In one document, please submit a CV and a 400 word statement of interest, outlining your motivation and suitability for the post, including relevant event planning experience. Please include details of one referee who can speak to the skills outlined in your personal statement (referees will be contacted for candidates advancing to the interview stage, there is no need to arrange a letter of reference at this time).
Application materials should be sent to jenny.peterson@ubc.ca by Thursday October 28th, 2021. Interviews will take place the week of November 1st with the position starting on November 8th.