Peace Brigades International (PBI) is the leading organization in the provision of unarmed protective accompaniment in regions of conflict since 1981. Its teams of international volunteers accompany individuals and organizations who promote and defend Human Rights, Justice and Peace around the world. Currently, PBI has projects in Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua/Costa Rica, Kenya, Nepal and Indonesia. PBI has Consultative Status with the UN Eoconmic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

PBI Switzerland supports the field projects by conducting advocacy work, recruiting field volunteers, fundraising, and by carrying out awareness-raising activities with the Swiss public.

Our current Advocacy Coordinator is leaving her post at the end of October and we are looking for a qualified person to fill the vacancy.

Vacancy

• Advocacy Coordinator
• Hours: 80% (32 hours/week)
• Gross monthly salary: between CHF 4,400 – 5200, depending on age and experience (CHF 5,500 – 6,500 pro rata, calculated at 80%)
• Location: Geneva
• Start Date: beginning of November 2022 or by mutual agreement

Responsibilities

• Conduct advocacy with international organizations and other international community representatives in Geneva
• Maintain PBI advocacy and support networks in Geneva (principally with INGOs, diplomatic missions and the UN)
• Monitor PBI projects and advocacy at international level
• Organise speaking tours to Geneva by Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)

Mission and nature of the position

The coordinator will:

• Ensure relationships are maintained between PBI’s field projects and international organisations in Geneva
• Participate actively in discussions on protection mechanisms for HRDs and human rights, in particular with regard to the countries where PBI intervenes
• Communicate written and oral recommendations to international institutions and organize side events with partner NGOs
• Be responsible for strengthening PBI’s support network in Geneva, in particular in relation to diplomatic missions, international organizations, partner NGOs and politicians
• In close collaboration with the PBI office in Berne, organize and plan schedules for PBI-accompanied HRDs visiting Switzerland
• Participate actively in meetings with government representatives and officials
• Contribute to funding proposals and annual reports for the advocacy work of PBI Switzerland

Person Specification

Essential

• Bachelor’s /Master’s degree (in social sciences, international law or a related field)
• Experience in the area of Human Rights, Protection and international organizations
• Good knowledge of UN human rights mechanisms (Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review, Special Procedures, etc.)
• Excellent command of the Spanish and English languages, fluent in French
• Able to communicate with a wide range of people, and a good public speaker
• Proven responsibility and commitment
• Availability and capacity to work independently and in networks
• Demonstrable ability to synthesise
• Perseverance and attention to detail
• Experience in facilitation

Desirable

• Field experience with a focus on Human Rights Protection is an advantage, especially with PBI
• Good command of the German language

Please send your complete application, consisting of a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and certificates in English, to Katia Aeby, Director of PBI Switzerland, by 31th August 2022:

e-mail: advocacy@peacebrigades.ch  The interviews will take place on 5^th September 2022 in Geneva.

Due to work permit regulation in Switzerland, Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application are a pre-requisite.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Katia Aeby, Director of PBI Switzerland, (031 372 44 44).