• Work percentage: 80% (with a possibility of increase to 100% subject to funding)
• Based in: Geneva, Switzerland
• Report to: HRC Programme Manager
• Length: Open-ended contract
• Start date: ASAP
• Applications deadline: 4 April 2022 (Midnight, Geneva time)

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an independent, non-profit organisation with offices in Geneva and New York. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our work supporting human rights defenders, strengthening human rights systems, building and leading human rights coalitions, and responding to significant and systemic human rights concerns through engagement with the Human Rights Council. For more information, consult our website www.ishr.ch. 

The position

The Human Rights Council (HRC) Advocacy Officer will support the HRC Programme Manager with ISHR’s engagement and advocacy with the Human Rights Council. The position holder will work closely with the HRCNet Coordinator and all ISHR Programme and Communications staff. 

Key responsibilities 

The HRC Advocacy Officer will be responsible for:

• Assisting to coordinate ISHR’s engagement at the HRC including:
  • supporting ISHR Programme Managers, and coordinating with relevant partners in preparations for HRC sessions;
  • preparing HRC alerts, HRC monitors and other relevant publications; 
  • analysing and mapping of the HRC’s agenda, including coordinating the monitoring of HRC debates; 
  • assisting with the preparation and submission of oral and written statements, as well as advocacy letters; 
  • preparing web pieces and following up with relevant Programme Managers as needed;
  • coordinating with the Communications Team;
  • supporting the organisation of HRC side events;
• Supporting ISHR’s strategic and effective engagement and advocacy with State delegations; 
• Supporting ISHR’s engagement with HRC elections, including score-cards and pledging events; 
• Supporting ISHR Programme Managers in providing training, advice, advocacy support and accompaniment to human rights defenders, particularly defenders from the Middle East and North Africa region, in their engagement with the HRC and other UN mechanisms;
• Supporting the HRC Programme Manager in developing and tracking indicators to monitor, evaluate, learn from, and enhance ISHR’s engagement with the HRC;
• Supporting the HRC Programme Manager in responding to requests from different stakeholders; and
• Other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• University degree or diploma or any equivalent work experience in human rights, international law, international relations, social/political science, communications or public relations, community development, or related fields;
• Has demonstrated 2 to 4 years of relevant experience working with or as part of human rights coalitions and movements at the national and/or regional level; 
• Excellent level of written and spoken English, including drafting and editing skills;
• Understanding of or experience with relevant UN human rights bodies or mechanisms, including the HRC;
• Strong advocacy experience; 
• Strong administrative and coordination experience;
• Drafting, editing, publishing online articles skills;
• Proven attention to detail, time management and organisational skills;
• Ability to multi-task and work independently under pressure to meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent communication and people skills;
• Able to work as a member of an international, agile and diverse organisation;
• Strong command of Word and Excel.

Desirable

• Fluent written and spoken Arabic is highly desirable;
• Proficiency in other UN official languages; 
• Training facilitation and/or capacity building experience;
• Experience in project management; and
• Swiss Work Permit or EU/EFTA national. 

Salary

The monthly gross salary is within the range of CHF 6,000 to CHF 6,500 (for a full-time role - will be pro-rated for 80% occupation rate) depending on qualifications and experience.

Equal opportunity 

ISHR is firmly committed to having a diverse team and to the principle of equal employment opportunity. ISHR’s policy is to practice fair and non-discriminatory recruitment and selection procedures and strive for diverse, international and multicultural personnel.

We welcome all kinds of diversity. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction including on grounds of race, colour, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, socio-economic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We particularly welcome applications from systematically, historically and/or traditionally discriminated against groups, including women, persons of colour, LGBTIQ+ persons, persons with disabilities and other groups.

Applications 

Please submit your application by filling out this form and attaching a cover letter, a CV (no profile picture please) and a writing sample in English, as well as Arabic where possible. ISHR will review these products only for the purpose of this recruitment and will not use them for any other purpose.  

In their cover letter, candidates should demonstrate their commitment to human rights and social change.  

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Privacy policy

All applications will be handled in accordance with ISHR’s Privacy Policy.