General Information

• Position: Regional Advisor
• Tentative starting date: ASAP
• Duration: 1-year contract renewable
• Type of contract: Fixed contract with the possibility of renewal
• Salary: Based on work experience
• Location: Any country in Africa

Who we are

About the organisation

UPR Info was created in 2008, following the inception of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism in 2006. It is the only organisation focusing specifically on equipping UPR actors to fully utilise all stages of the process to improve the national human rights situation. As the leading organisation working on the mechanism, UPR Info specialises in promoting human rights through building the capacity of all stakeholders to engage in the UPR process through reporting, monitoring and advocacy. Four programmes support the realisation of the organisation's strategic plan. The organisation’s extensive experience in the UPR area is unique as it addresses all human rights issues and all countries without bias or politicisation.

About the Programme

The In-country Programme (ICP) is UPR Info’s operational programme.  Its main objective is to support the implementation of human rights obligations and commitments in each of the ICP’s target countries throughout the UPR mechanism. To achieve this, we strengthen the capacity of national actors to engage in the UPR process, we facilitate dialogue between national stakeholders to monitor the implementation of UPR recommendations.

UPR Info supports a number of countries across Asia and Africa during the UPR cycle. The beneficiaries of these efforts range from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), parliamentarians, government officials, the judiciary, students, and media representatives. The ICP supports local ownership and a human rights-based approach. It has been designed to adapt to the needs of national stakeholders and to the context of the target country.

We have identified five entry points throughout the UPR timeline to effectively engage in the mechanism.

General description of the position

The Regional Advisor will be part of the ICP team. The Regional Advisor will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme manager.

This position involves management and operational tasks.

Responsibilities and duties

The Africa Regional Advisor

• Works in close collaboration with the regional coordinator and the Senior programme manager;
• Assists with financial oversight, including the development of provisional budgets and expense monitoring;
• Provide guidance to the ICP team regarding UPR/human rights opportunities and related processes to enhance their regional/national impact;
• Is a focal point for UPR stakeholders within the region:
• Is in charge of the coordination between local implementing partners and UPR Info;
• Initiates, keeps up-to-date and maintains contacts and communication with UPR stakeholders within the African target countries;
• Supports local partners in the implementation of activities and their follow-up;
• Holds trainings for human rights defenders, parliamentarians, government officials, media and other UPR stakeholders;
• Reports and monitors on results-based indicators throughout the programme/various projects;
• Represents the organisation in various events;
• Travels regularly to target countries within Africa.

What we offer

• International environment;
• Contact with a great variety of actors;
• First-hand experience in the work and functioning of an NGO;
• Deep involvement in the United Nations human rights system and its application at national levels;
• 25 days of holidays annually (pro rata) and days during the end of the year break;

Qualifications and criteria

Education

• Masters’ degree in international law, human rights, international relations, development, social sciences or other relevant academic field.

Experience

• 5-10 years work experience in the field of human rights;
• Excellent knowledge of the UPR and the UN Human Rights Council;
• Previous experience in field work is mandatory.
• Previous experience with project management;
• Previous experience in an NGO will be considered an asset;
• Previous experience with the UN mechanisms will be considered as a strong asset.

Languages

• Fluent in English and French;
• Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese will be considered an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• High level representation, public-speaking and negotiation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of the political, socio-economic and human rights situation in West and Southern Africa as well as the NGO sector in the region;
• Capable and experienced networker, able to coordinate, strengthen and boost coalitions;
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders (government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, NGOs, NHRIs, media, etc.);
• Knowledge of regional human rights mechanisms is an asset;
• Pro-active person, self-motivated, positive attitude, strategic thinking and multi-tasking ability;
• Ability to work flexibly, under tight timelines and on multiple agendas simultaneously;
• Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision;
• Excellent analytical and , writing skills, and communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to facilitate and build consensus.
• Excellent organisational and strong interpersonal skills;
• Dedication to advancing the human rights cause;
• Team player with great diplomatic and problem-solving skills.

Application procedure

Please send your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page maximum) by Tuesday 28th February 2023, midnight CET to n.arupova@upr-info.org. Only full applications will be considered.

Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please no emails or phone calls.

UPR Info is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.