Call forapplications:
John Gibson Refugee Community Leadership Grant

The annual John Gibson Refugee Community Leadership Grant supports advocates from refugee backgrounds to take part in high-level international advocacy on refugee issues. One advocate is selected each year to join the Australian NGO team at the annual consultations between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and NGOs in Geneva, Switzerland.

The consultations bring together NGOs from around the world and provide a forum to network, gather and share information, hear about new policies and best practice, discuss protection gaps and identify joint solutions. Participation in these meetings also provides opportunities for high-level advocacy through side meetings with UNHCR personnel, government representatives and other key players.

In 2015, the consultations are expected to be heldduring the weekof Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July in Geneva, Switzerland (UNHCR to confirmexact dates). The recipient of the grant will have the opportunity to raise issues and concerns with senior UNHCR personnel, liaise with NGO representatives from around the world and learn about current and emerging issues in international refugee protection.

About John Gibson

John Gibson AM (1950-2012) was one of Australian refugee sector’s best-loved and most admired advocates, working tirelessly to promote the rights of refugees and asylum seekers for over 25 years. He was respected both in Australia and internationally for his knowledge of refugee law, his advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers and his leadership of Australia’s refugee sector.

John served as RCOA President between January 2006 and August 2012, was the founding chairperson of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (also known as Foundation House) and served as a Member (Part-Time) of the Refugee Review Tribunal for four years. A member of the Victorian Bar, he operated a specialist practice in refugee and migration law, served as junior counsel in a number of significant High Court cases on refugee issues and provided information, advice and training on a variety of refugee-related issues both in Australia and overseas.In 2013, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to international relations as an advocate for human rights”.

John had a strong commitment to promoting the empowerment of people from refugee backgrounds and ensuring that their voicesare heard in national and international policy debates. Following his passing in September 2012 after a long battle with cancer, RCOA established the John Gibson Refugee Community Leadership Grantto support the participation of advocates from refugee communities in key international discussions on refugee issues.

About the Leadership Grant

The recipient of theJohn Gibson Refugee Community Leadership Grantwill be provided with financial and in-kind support to participate in and undertake advocacy at the UNHCR-NGO Consultations and side meetings. This support will include the following:

  • Return airfare to Geneva;
  • Accommodation in Geneva for the duration of the consultations and relevant side meetings;
  • A daily allowance to cover food and other basic expenses;
  • Pre-departure briefing(s) and training;
  • On-the-ground support in Geneva for the duration of the meetings; and
  • Assistance to arrange side meetings with UNHCR and other key personnel.

The recipient will be expected to research and advocate on issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers across a particular geographic region (Africa, Asia-Pacific or the Middle East). The recipient may have specific expertise on issues affecting his or her own community, but should also have the capacity advocate on issues affecting other groups of refugees and asylum seekers across their region. The theme for the 2015 UNHCR-NGO Consultations has yet to be determined, although early indications are that it will be around the topic of Youth.

Candidates should also be aware that, while there may be opportunities to raise issues relating to Australia in some meetings, the main advocacy opportunity offered by the consultations is to highlight the needs and concerns of people living in refugee situations overseas.

The 2015recipient will need to commit to approximately 10 days in Geneva, with exact dates to be confirmed but at least including 28 June 2015 till 3 July 2015.

Selection criteria

  • Strong understanding of key issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers across a particular geographic region, with a particular focus on issues affecting young people.
  • Capacity to research and advocate on issues affecting all refugee and asylum seeker groups across your region.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience in advocacy and community liaison.
  • Understanding ofinternational human rights and refugee law and policy systems, in particular the role of UNHCR.
  • Clear but brief outline of the key issues on which you would like to advocate at the UNHCR meetings.

How to apply

Candidates should submit an application separately addressing each of the selection criteria and a copy of their CV to by5:00pm Thursday 25 September 2014.

For further information about this position, please call (02) 9211 9333 or e-mail