How To Apply
Send an email to matthew@theforbfoundation.org including your CV and a brief paragraph of why human rights and Freedom of Religion or Belief are important to you.
Closing date for applications is Monday the 26th May 2025.
Vacancy
| STARTING DATE: | 9th June 2025 |
| PROBATION PERIOD | 3 months |
| SALARY | £ 32,000 per annum |
| HOURS | 35 hours per week |
| CONTRACT LENGTH | 1 year contract with the possibility of extension |
| LOCATION | House of Commons |
| ANNUAL LEAVE | 28 days holiday per annum (Inclusive of UK Bank Holidays) |
Vacancy Details
About The APPG FoRB
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief works to promote Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. The APPG works cross-party and in partnership with civil society to raise awareness of global FoRB issues and advocate for policy change.
Role Overview
The Parliamentary Officer will support the work of the APPG FoRB by delivering high-quality research, drafting briefings and parliamentary materials, and organising events and meetings. This role involves liaising with parliamentarians, government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure the APPG is active and influential in advancing freedom of religion or belief and wider human rights.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Communications
- Conduct timely and high-quality research on international FoRB and human rights issues.
- Draft parliamentary questions, speeches, briefings, Early Day Motions (EDMs), advocacy letters, press releases, and reports.
- Monitor UK Parliament activity relevant to FoRB and human rights.
- Suggest human rights topics and advocacy strategies for APPG members to raise in Parliament.
Parliamentary & Public Engagement
- Organise and support meetings, roundtables, and inquiries involving parliamentarians, international delegations, civil society, and academics.
- Coordinate parliamentary engagement including recruitment of new members and liaising with MPs/Peers on campaigns and policy matters.
- Represent the APPG at events and in stakeholder meetings.
Event Planning
- Manage and deliver public and parliamentary events, including APPG inquiries and themed briefings.
- Liaise with partners across sectors (NGOs, faith communities, academics, international organisations) to promote APPG work.
Administration & Support
- Respond to parliamentary and public enquiries via email, phone, and social media.
- Ensure smooth coordination of APPG meetings, note-taking, follow-ups, and compliance with Parliamentary APPG rules.
- Assist in building the APPG’s public profile, including managing its digital communications.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in high-quality research and writing for different audiences.
- Prior experience working in or with Parliament, government, or human rights advocacy.
- Experience in organising events and meetings involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience representing an organisation in public or formal settings.
Skills
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
- Strong political awareness and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work sensitively across political and cultural boundaries.
Knowledge
- Understanding of international human rights law and instruments.
- Solid grasp of UK politics and parliamentary processes.
- Awareness of global FoRB issues and challenges.
- Familiarity with multilateral institutions like the UN and their human rights mechanisms.
Attributes
- Passionate about human rights and committed to freedom of religion or belief.
- Self-motivated and able to work autonomously and under pressure.
- Creative and strategic thinker.
- Diplomatic and respectful communicator.
Qualifications
While equivalent experience will be considered, applicants are encouraged to hold qualifications such as:
- A degree in one of the following:
- International Relations
- Human Rights
- Political Science
- Law (particularly International or Human Rights Law)
- Theology/Religious Studies (with a human rights focus)
- Other Desirable Training/Certifications:
- Policy advocacy or public affairs training
- Media communications or journalism (relevant to human rights work)
- APPG compliance or Parliamentary affairs workshops
How To Apply
Send an email to matthew@theforbfoundation.org including your CV and a brief paragraph of why human rights and Freedom of Religion or Belief are important to you.
Closing date for applications is Monday the 26th May 2025.