Posted on October 6, 2012

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Protection Officer

Organization Summary and Mission
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) is the only full-time grassroots organization in North America devoted to the North Korean human rights and humanitarian crises. The organization is committed to what many consider to be the most urgent human rights and humanitarian crisis today. LiNK provides protection and aid to North Korean refugees hiding in China and, utilizing a modern-day underground railroad through Southeast Asia, rescues refugees and helps them to reach freedom. LiNK’s global grassroots movement works to redefine public perception on North Korea, shifting attention away from the politics and onto the people, and provides a way for concerned citizens to come alongside the North Korean people and help bring about positive change. LiNK also works to develop people-focused strategies that will have the potential to promote change inside North Korea in the long term.

Position Summary

LiNK Protection Officers (PO's) play an integral and often unseen role in the underground movement. PO's are challenged and required to undertake several roles concurrently. North Korean refugees hiding in China will depend on our partners and PO’s to guide them out of “the underground” and protect them in our transitional shelter as they await resettlement to safer countries. Government officials and their implementing partners work with our PO’s to ensure the well being and efficient processing of these refugees. LiNK HQ also depends on the field staff to provide accurate and timely insight to understand and better respond to challenges and issues that arise.

Essential Duties:

Education Coordinator

• On-call 24/7 – advocate for, assist, and protect North Korean refugees
• Work with LiNK HQ and affiliate satellite offices to better address and respond to the challenges faced by refugees in hiding and in transition
• Provide valuable input for long-term strategies in the field
• Design and coordinate holistic, multi-disciplinary, and culturally-competent shelter programs and activities, such as the teaching of conversational English, vocational training classes, and acculturation activities
• Organize daily classes and sessions
• Set targets for academic development and monitor progress
• Perform any other assignments as requested by HQ, including various administrative functions necessary for the efficient operation of projects
• Assist with rescue missions, as needed

Mission Coordinator

• On-call 24/7 – advocate for, assist, and protect North Korean refugees
• Work with LiNK HQ and affiliate satellite offices to better address and respond to the challenges faced by refugees in hiding and in transition
• Provide valuable input for long-term strategies in the field
• Conduct field research and lead fact-finding missions in the region
• Supervise coordination of logistics, manage relevant finances, and execute rescue missions
• Oversee debriefing process after each rescue mission
• Assist with intakes, interviews, and documentation as needed
• Perform any other assignments as requested by HQ, including various administrative functions necessary for the efficient operation of projects
• Assist with implementing shelter programs and activities

Shelter Manager

• On-call 24/7 – advocate for, assist, and protect North Korean refugees
• Work with LiNK HQ and affiliate satellite offices to better address and respond to the challenges faced by refugees in hiding and in transition
• Provide valuable input for long-term strategies in the field
• Manage day-to-day operations of LiNK’s transitional shelter, including (but not limited to) securing food and other provisions, overseeing and handling medical needs, and managing finances
• Supervise staff and oversee general needs for all individuals in the shelter
• Responsible for basic case management for each refugee, including (but not limited to) preliminary intakes, updating case files logs, assisting with processing as needed, etc.
• Serve as a liaison for LiNK at NGO or embassy meetings and collaborate with relevant entities/implementing partners to advocate for North Korean refugees in the region
• Assist with implementing shelter programs and activities
• Assist with rescue missions, as needed
• Perform any other assignments as requested by HQ, including various administrative functions necessary for the efficient operation of projects

Requirements:

A qualified individual will have undertaken activities that readily show his/her commitment to the issue and dedication to LiNK’s mission and principles. An ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of and interest in the North Korea crisis, and relevant issues regarding refugees and the resettlement process. Fluency in English is required as well as a strong command of the Korean language. Preference will be given to those with an intimate knowledge of and experience with Korean culture and people, as well as extensive experience with international work/travel. This individual should possess proven qualities of leadership and an ability to provide principled, effective, and sustainable responses to complex problems. Other desired qualities include adaptability; a demonstrated ability to maintain focus and vigilance in a complex environment, which could consist of political, emotional, and possible physical dangers; ability to effectively work in a team; strong demonstrated computer literacy skills; previous teaching experience (TESL certification for Education Coordinator position); a background in social work, case management, refugee issues, mental health, or development; experience in the field of North Korea or human rights issues; a trade or skill that could be taught.

Application Instructions

Please visit our website to download the application: http://libertyinnorthkorea.org/jobs/