The UN Advisor is responsible for representing CIVICUS at the UN Human Rights Council. In addition to attending key meetings in Geneva, the Advisor is required to interpret and synthesise information about global trends in relation to civic space and civil society participation in accordance with CIVICUS’ mission, vision, values, strategic directions and stakeholder needs. The role drives the implementation of CIVICUS’ advocacy priorities at the UN Human Rights Council and is responsible for the formulation of CIVICUS’ external messaging. It also contributes to network engagement activities with CIVICUS’ members and stakeholders in Geneva.

UN advocacy and Networking

• Follow the UN HRC agenda closely and analyse outcomes from relevant bodies as they relate to civil society.
• Develop strategies to enhance civil society engagement at the UN.
• Build relationships with the civil society stakeholders, diplomatic community and intergovernmental organizations based in Geneva to advance civil society participation in decision making.
• Represent CIVICUS at various meetings and events in Geneva and elsewhere.
• Develop oral and written statements, concept notes for side events, papers, speaking points etc.

Support function for CIVICUS staff and membership

• Interpret UN outcomes relevant to civil society and communicate these to CIVICUS teams.
• Advise various CIVICUS clusters and specialists on UN related engagements.
• Enable CIVICUS members and other civil society stakeholders to participate in UN activities and organise events in Geneva.
• Produce reports, papers, policy briefs and other written materials for CIVICUS.

Represent CIVICUS in Geneva

• Maintain close working relationship with CIVICUS headquarters and the New York office.
• Represent CIVICUS in Geneva
• Represent CIVICUS at relevant meetings both inside and outside the UN in Geneva and share information from meetings with the CIVICUS secretariat and membership
• Steward stakeholder engagement and relationship building in Geneva
• Participate in various meetings and workshops, and communicate information about various CIVICUS projects and research findings in Geneva.

Support Advocacy and Campaigns team

• Follow civil society trends globally
• Draft CIVICUS advocacy responses to key events
• Draft policy briefs/ opeds

Other

The role holder will from time to time be required to carry out any other duties that are within the scope of the job.
All staff will demonstrate CIVICUS values and principles in all their professional relationships and any interactions.

Education, Language & Qualifications

• A degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university. In cases of exceptional experience, this criterion can be waived.
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with diverse society actors and good networks within civil society.
• English with other languages beneficial.

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in an international policy making or advocacy environment.
• Sound understanding of international relations and policy making.
• Familiarity with the civil society landscape and global politics.
• Working knowledge of UN systems and processes, especially those pertaining to human rights, including committees and special procedures.
• Ability to synthesize and process information related to development and political issues.
• Ability to understand and implement organizational strategies.
• Ability to network at a high level with diplomats and officials from intergovernmental institutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Sound IT skills, including experience with MS Office and Human Resource Information Systems.
• Commitment to human rights values.

Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience

• Interpersonal skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Event organising skills