Location: Remote
Hours: Part-Time (3 days a week)
Duration: 18 months
Remuneration: 3,000 Euros monthly
How to apply: Send an email to [email protected] with a CV and cover letter. Please add “CASE Coordinator Application” in the subject line.
Deadline: 31 January 2022
Job Description:
The Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) is a coalition of non-governmental organisations from across Europe united in recognition of the threat posed to public watchdogs by SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). Formally launched in March 2021, the coalition aims to defuse the threat of SLAPPs and build solidarity across civil society. The coalition has three central objectives:
- Expose SLAPPs and those who use them. By exposing SLAPP offenders to public scrutiny and criticism, we aim to deter the use of these abusive practices and fight back against a culture of legal harassment. This work is advanced through the CASE Campaigns Working Group.
- Building resilience to SLAPPs. We work to provide resources to those public watchdogs targeted by SLAPPs, including through a network of lawyers and legal services who can provide pro bono or low cost legal support. This work is advanced through the CASE Legal Working Group.
- Advocating for law reform. We lobby policy makers to protect public watchdogs from SLAPPs and advocate for stronger safeguards in the law. At present the main target of this work is the EU and the Council of Europe. This work is advanced through the CASE Advocacy Working Group.
Matters of overarching concern to the coalition are decided by a six member Steering Committee (SC), made up of representatives from the three working groups and chaired by a Coordinator. Strategy as to communications, campaigns, advocacy and legal resilience are made by the respective working groups (WGs). The structure of CASE is, therefore, highly decentralised with the bulk of work undertaken by staff at participating organisations.
The Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to coordinate a well run, participatory, inclusive, high energy, high visibility and high impact coalition to fight the threat of SLAPPs. The main objective of the Coordinator will be to build up the role, strengthen the operations of the coalition, and formalise its governance structure. Ultimately, however, the role shall be responsible for the following work:
- Coordination: ensure the cohesive delivery of coalition priorities as defined in the consolidated work plan. Monitor progress of work plans, identify obstacles, and help WGs solve problems that emerge. Ensure WGs are aligned on strategy and that coalition is operating cohesively.
- Work Plan Development: coordinate an annual planning process in which the WGs identify goals and develop work plans, and then work with the SC to draft a single consolidated work plan for the entire coalition - identifying in the process resource needs, timeline, and prioritisation.
- Governance and Evaluation: ensure a transparent and inclusive process for decision-making via the SC in line with the CASE governance document. Chair/convene the monthly SC calls. Act as a point of contact for coalition members interested in getting more involved and new groups who would like to join CASE. Review applications, vet, and admit new members in consultation with the SC.
- Budgeting: work with subgrantees and financial host (currently ECNL) to facilitate transfers of money, review contracts and grantee reports, and monitor progress of funded projects. Ensure efficient and timely cash flow. Prepare an annual budget for the coalition based on the work plan, and ensure strategic prioritisation and sequencing of work as funds are raised.
- Fundraising: identify gaps in funding via consolidated work plan and work with WGs and SC to secure funding to plug these gaps. Identify opportunities for broader financial growth, working with fundraisers in participating organisations throughout the year to identify opportunities for funding and to develop and pitch proposals. Coordinate with ECNL to prepare grant reports, and liaise directly with funders to update on progress where needed.
- Evaluation: perform ongoing evaluation of CASE progress, functioning, and growth; extract lessons learned to ensure we’re learning and developing as we go.
- Public communications: monitor and respond to enquiries sent to the [email protected] mailing address (referring media enquiries to coalition members as and when appropriate). Work with relevant WGs to set up rotas and ensure CASE is responding in a timely manner to external developments and outreach: this should include a comms rota for social media updates and capacity to respond to individual cases via the CASE website Google forms (both developed in conjunction with campaigns WG). Work with web developer to update website where needed to include new members, campaign endorsements, and developments.
- Build a more inclusive, participatory and diverse coalition: work with the SC and relevant members to expand, engage, and strengthen CASE membership - ensuring clear communication within the network so all participants are kept up-to-date of developments and encouraged to engage. Identify where levels of participation are falling and help solve problems in consultation with SC. Identify stakeholders who would be strategic to include and reach out to them, including those representing different public watchdogs and unrepresented European countries.
Additional responsibilities will include:
- Oversee in conjunction with financial host and relevant WGs direct contractor and vendor relationships, including web designer and any contracted comms firms, to ensure delivery of high quality work.
- Monitor developments in news and political discourse, particularly in relation to high-profile SLAPP cases, where we can amplify our messaging and raise awareness of our network.
- Identify and maintain dialogue with aligned efforts across Europe to fight SLAPPs or, more broadly, counter threats to democracy and civil society.
- The coordinator will be supervised by ECNL but will answer to the SC (in line with the CASE governance document), with priorities primarily informed by the work plan and the conclusions of the SC.
In your cover letter please specify your prior experience and skills that link to the tasks described and will help you perform the job successfully.