We are seeking graduates in the areas of politics, law, media and communications, international affairs, history, and languages, who have a global outlook, excellent research and writing skills, and a passion to make a difference. People who are not recent graduates may also be considered for the positions, if they effectively fulfill these criteria.

Graduates with family ties or cultural links to the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Bloc countries are strongly encouraged to apply. Graduates who speak another language, in particular, Indonesian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Swahili, French or Arabic, will be highly regarded.

How the program works

Tears of the Oppressed’s graduate program presents an opportunity for you to learn about human rights, the Christian church throughout the world, and how to assist Christians living in repressed societies.

Based in Canberra, Australia, you will undertake an intensive four-to-six week training program in human rights monitoring and advocacy, after which time you will become an active advocate with Tears of the Oppressed. As well as developing skills in negotiation, reporting, team work, policy and analysis, you will also come in contact with a range of government and non-government organisations, including a number of church groups and ministries across several denominations.

In every way, this program will provide you with invaluable experience for your future career. In the meantime, Tears of the Oppressed will benefit from your education and skills as we build up our advocacy work. And most of all, you will be helping some of the most oppressed people in the world.

The work

After the training period is complete, you will begin monitoring a particular region of the world. This will involve following news stories and international events in the region, tracking human rights issues and the persecution of Christians, analysing root causes, and developing ways and means to alleviate their suffering.

At times, this work can be emotionally draining, as you will be finding out about some of the world’s great injustices and abuses. The upside is - you’ll be doing something about them.

Where appropriate, you will assist the Directors by attending meetings with government ministers, ambassadors, and officials to discuss your concerns and make representation on behalf of persecuted Christians. Every month you will also select and write about your region for the monthly Tears of the Oppressed newsletter. You will also have regular meetings with the National Directors, brief them on what’s going on in your region, and you’ll have opportunity to make recommendations to them on policy and other issues within your jurisdiction. Once you are trained, the work is very hands-on.

A highlight of your year with us will be to travel overseas to a country where Christians are persecuted, to conduct human rights research on behalf of Tears of the Oppressed. Together as a team we will decide on our destination, depending on international events, security issues and available funds.

You will need to raise funds of approximately $3,000 to undertake this trip, however, practical assistance and suggestions will be given in this regard.

The commitment

Personal qualities of the people we’re looking for

Mentors

You will be matched with a mentor with whom you can meet regularly for support, prayer and encouragement.

Supporting yourself through the year

International applicants please read this.

As you are required to work a minimum of three days with us, fro Australian citizens there is a maximum of four days a week in which to find other employment to support yourself, if need be. However, we do ask that you make the work of Tears of the Oppressed your first priority in terms of time commitment. Many associated with Tears of the Oppressed testify that if we "seek first God’s kingdom", then God will also meet all our other needs as well.

Do not overlook other ways to support yourself – your church may be willing to sponsor some of your needs through the year, and we are happy to speak to your church leader about this possibility.

There is also a possibility that we can arrange low-cost accommodation for you for the duration of the year, which will alleviate some of the financial burden - and may allow you to spend more time working for us!

We can also arrange financial advice here in Canberra if you need some planning help.

Evaluation and further opportunities

After your year with us comes to an end, you’ll have a debrief of your experiences and have opportunity to give feedback.

After the evaluation process, you may be invited to stay on in your role as a human rights monitor/advocate. Tears of the Oppressed is looking at funding a number of these positions into the future. However, at this stage, there is no guarantee that there will be a paid position for you at the end of 12 months. Nevertheless, if it is mutually desired that our relationship with one another continue, you may be able to stay on your role with us as a part- or full-time volunteer. In this instance, you may like to invite your home church tocontinue to support you in this unique ministry.

International applicants please read this.

How to apply

Fill out the graduate program application form and email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or post it to Graduate Program, Tears of the Oppressed, PO Box 4822, Kingston ACT 2604. Alternatively, fax to (02) 6239 5385. You will also need a character reference from your church minister or Christian leader, and a brief CV (2 pages max) to accompany the application form. Applications are due by April 31, 2008.

Interviews

Interviews for the positions will be conducted from May through June.