What's Happening?
The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is actively seeking a US Advocacy Advisor to join its Washington, D.C. team. This role is central to CIVIC's US Program, which focuses on influencing US government policies to better track, prevent, mitigate,
and respond to harm experienced by civilians during armed conflicts. The advisor will primarily concentrate on civilian harm related to US military operations, security cooperation activities, and conventional arms transfers. Key responsibilities include conducting policy and legal research, advocating to the executive branch and Congress, leading civil society coalitions, and representing CIVIC in various forums. The position requires a strong background in US foreign and national security policy, human rights, and civilian protection, along with demonstrated experience in US government policy advocacy. The role is full-time, based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work schedule, and offers a salary range of $76,014–$93,116 annually.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for enhancing the accountability and transparency of US national security policies and practices, particularly concerning civilian protection. The US Advocacy Advisor will play a vital role in ensuring that the US government adopts and implements policies that minimize civilian casualties and provide appropriate responses when harm occurs. This directly impacts the lives of civilians in conflict zones where US military operations or security cooperation activities are present. By engaging with US government officials and leading civil society coalitions, CIVIC aims to strengthen oversight mechanisms and promote adherence to international humanitarian law. The work of this advisor will contribute to shaping US foreign policy to be more humane and responsible, potentially reducing the long-term negative consequences of armed conflict on civilian populations and improving the US's standing on human rights globally.
What's Next?
The application deadline for the US Advocacy Advisor position is September 29, 2026. Following the selection and onboarding of the new advisor, CIVIC's US Program will continue its efforts to advocate for stronger civilian protection policies within the US government. This will involve ongoing engagement with the executive branch and Congress, as well as collaboration with civil society organizations. The advisor will be instrumental in developing and disseminating policy briefs, reports, and op-eds to inform public discourse and influence policymakers. Future activities will likely include continued monitoring of US military operations and security cooperation, analysis of legal texts and policy documents, and participation in meetings with government officials to advance CIVIC's objectives. The organization will also focus on building the capacity of its staff and contributing to fundraising efforts to sustain its advocacy work.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of this role underscores a growing recognition within civil society of the critical need for dedicated advocacy on civilian protection in the context of US national security. Beyond the immediate policy changes, this position contributes to a broader cultural shift towards greater accountability and ethical considerations in military and foreign policy decision-making. It highlights the persistent tension between national security imperatives and humanitarian concerns, and the ongoing effort to reconcile these. The advisor's work will not only influence specific policies but also reinforce the norm that civilian protection is an integral component of responsible statecraft. This sustained advocacy can lead to more robust legal frameworks, improved operational practices, and a more transparent reporting of civilian harm, ultimately fostering greater trust between the US and international communities affected by conflict.
