The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dynamic HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER to coordinate OMCTs new network-based initiative to protect and defend human rights defenders in and from detention (SOS Defenders).

The position will be based in OMCT Geneva office and should be filled as soon as possible.

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works for, with and through an international coalition of over 200 non-governmental organisations - the SOS-Torture Network - fighting against torture, summary executions, forced disappearance, arbitrary detentions and all other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. The OMCT also provides a comprehensive and holistic system of support and protection for human rights defenders including in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and of ProtectDefenders.EU. It operates offices in Geneva, Brussels (OMCT Europe) and Tunis.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of OMCT Human Rights Defenders Programme and in close coordination with OMCT’s Human Rights Defenders, Communications, Network and Anti-Torture Teams.

The primary responsibility of the position is to lead OMCT’s collective efforts to advocate, campaign and mobilize for the protection of human rights defenders from and in detention. This responsibility will include:

• To lead the conceptualizaion and set up of a comprehensive online platform on human rights defenders in detention worldwide, with support and advice from thematic as well as technical experts, OMCT members and regional and international partners.
• To convene a network-based steering group on the protection of human rights defenders in and from detention that will be providing guidance to the OMCT and its network on policy, best practices, data collection and verification on detained defenders and joint protection actions.
• To coordinate OMCT’s efforts in monitoring and verifying authoritative information on the detention of human rights defenders and their treatment in detention, as well as to carry out advocacy actions with relevant EU, UN, regional and national protection mechanisms or with countries of influence.
• To support campaigns on human rights defenders in detention, including social media campaigns and materials calling for the protection and release of human rights defenders in detention, in collaboration with other members of the OMCT Human Rights Defenders and Communications Teams.
• To support protective legal actions for defenders in detention and support trial observations, prison visits, advocacy or solidarity missions on behalf of defenders in detention depending on the specific needs of their case and situation.
• To help referring cases for OMCT direct assistance and emergency support to human rights defenders in detention as well as small institutional support grants to local human rights organisations to collect and document cases of human rights defenders in detention.

Other responsibilities include:

• To provide support on the project monitoring, evaluation and reporting and any other tasks related to the OMCT’s work relevant to the OMCT’s strategy and mandate as may be required.
• To liaise with OMCT local partners, network organisations and human rights defenders at risk and to represent the Human Rights Defenders Programme in relevant meetings, missions and conferences.
• To assist with other activities of the OMCT Human Rights Defenders Programme / Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in support to OMCT Geneva and Brussels offices.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• University degree in human rights, international relations, law, political science, or related field, a post graduate degree being an asset.
• At least six years of relevant work experience in the human rights sector, with direct work on human rights defenders protection or work as human rights defender in the field being an added value.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in two of the following languages (English, French or Spanish); knowledge in the remaining or other relevant languages (such as Arabic, Russian) would be an important asset.

COMPETENCIES EXPECTED

• Strong internal and external communications skills, experience on human rights campaigning and/or on data and information management is an important asset.
• High ethical standards and proven commitment to core human rights principles, the rule of law and social justice causes.
• Excellent research skills with a proven ability to synthesize and condense large amounts of information into succinct formats.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills managing conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities.
• Ability to adapt to multidisciplinary work in the environment of a multicultural team and to engage with partners in different countries and working in difficult security environments.
• Ability to take initiatives and prioritise with minimum supervision.
• Desirable skills also include previous experience managing website uploads and updates; and previous experience creating graphic design content for social media using Canva (or equivalent).

APPLICATIONS

OMCT is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications comprising a cover letter and a CV with at least two references should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “HRDs Human Rights Adviser”, by email to applications@omct.org. No phone calls please. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Deadline for the applications: October 30, 2022.