Background  

GANHRI is the global network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), which are independent state bodies with a constitutional and/or legislative mandate to protect and promote human rights. To date, more than 100 NHRIs exist worldwide, 78 of them being in full compliance with the United Nations Paris Principles.   

GANHRI is lead implementing agency for the EU funded project Capacity Building of National Human Rights Institutions - Phase 3 project (NHRI.EU.3). GANHRI’s co-implementing partners are:

• Africa-Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)  
• Americas-Network of the National Human Rights Institutions from the Americas  (RINDHCA) 
• Asia-Pacific- Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF)  
• Europe- European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI 

The project’s overall objectives is to: Enhance the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and their global and regional networks in promoting and protecting the human rights of all individuals, with further objectives being to: 

• Strengthen NHRI’s effectiveness to protect and promote human rights defenders and civic space; support and protect NHRIs when under threat in line with the 2018 Marrakech Declaration and follow-up frameworks.  
• Strengthen the accreditation process and support the work of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA).  Support the establishment, strengthening and accreditation of NHRIs to be in compliance with the Paris Principles.  
• Enhance NHRIs’ effectiveness in identified thematic areas to advance sustainable development through human rights.  
• Continue strengthening GANHRI and the four regional networks, including their secretariats, to be able to better serve and support their member NHRIs.    

The project is being implemented between 2022 and 2025.  

• RINDHCA 

Within the NHRI.EU.3 project’s framework, project co-implementing partner, RINDHCA, is foreseen to have an important role in strengthening NHRIs in the Americas and advocating for human rights protection at both regional and global level.   

For this purpose, GANHRI is recruiting a Human Rights Expert to support the range of activities for the advancement NHRI.EU.3 workplan (specific for RINDHCA). 

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the GANHRI Project Manager, supported by the GANHRI Geneva Representative, and day-to-day supervision of the RINDHCA Chief Technical Secretary.

• Provide technical support for the implementation of RINDHCA Action Plan: 2022 – 23 
• Provide technical support for the implementation of Americas Regional Action Plan (RAP) on Human Rights Defenders (HRD) and civic space  
• Organise webinars, meetings and capacity building activities on HRDs and civic space 
•  Prepare and share submissions and reports to relevant national, regional and global (UN) mechanisms on attacks against HRDs, including NHRIs 
• Provide technical inputs for various human rights related advocacy efforts in the region, and potentially global (UN) level 
• Support Americas NHRIs at risk / under threat – through statements, letters to national authorities, etc. Collaborate with GANHRI for shared position 
• Produce and promote positive narratives, reports, position papers, methodology, advocacy statements to influence regional agenda on HRDs 
• Support the implementation of regular workshops on accreditation for NHRIs in the Americas 
• Provide advisory services to NHRIs in the Americas scheduled for review, in collaboration with the SCA Secretariat (drafting of submissions, statement of compliance and other relevant documentation and reports) 
• Support NHRIs in following up on the SCA outcomes and recommendations, including technical support and advocacy with national authorities 
•  Provide activity reporting information as per GANRHI Head Office requirements  
•  Provide inputs to communicate effectively the activities completed  
• Support any other task as per need 

Expected outputs

• Support provided for timely implementation of project activities in line with duties and responsibilities, project workplan as discussed with the project team.  
• Regular project reporting providing updates on activities produced and validated by GANHRI/RINDHCA.  
• Technical inputs provided on material prepared/reviewed/finalised.  
• Management of events undertaken, and activity reports prepared upon completion of events. 
• End of assignment report on work carried out with associated documentation annexed at end of the report. 

Skills

• Proven expertise of various human rights issues, particularly in the Americas context. Including strong knowledge of human rights regional and mechanisms/conventions 
• Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues.  
• Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyse information and draft human rights reports.  
• Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment.  
• Ability to engage with stakeholders on human rights issues, including organising workshops and meetings. 

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, international relations or related field. Excellent knowledge of human rights and UN human rights mechanisms is also mandatory. 

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights. Experience as human rights officer/expert for a regional and/or international organisation (UN) or for non-profit organisations is desirable.  

Language

Spanish, English, Portuguese and French are most commonly spoken languages of the Americas. At a minimum it is essential the chosen candidate has excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish. Proficiency in additional language, particularly Portuguese, is desirable but not essential.   

Application process

To complete your application send a Cover letter, CV and references from relevant previous assignment to: recruitment@ganhri.org by 22 July 2022.  Additionally in your application, please indicate your anticipated daily rate in Euros.  

Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. GANHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment. 

GANHRI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.  

Tentative commencement dates   

Up to 110 days anticipated to be between 10 August 2022 and 31 March 2023.