1. Background Information

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is the worldwide membership-based network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs).

GANHRI promotes and strengthens NHRIs to be in compliance with the Paris Principles and provides leadership for the promotion and protection of human rights.

GANHRI provides a framework for NHRIs to work together and cooperate at the international level. We coordinate a wide range of activities, including annual meetings, international conferences, networks, training and capacity building.

GANHRI works in close partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Office – specifically with the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS) – and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We also work closely with the four Regional Networks of NHRIs in Africa (NANHRI), the Americas (RINDHCA), the Asia Pacific (APF) and Europe (ENNHRI).

GANHRI is registered in Switzerland as a not-for-profit association. Our Head Office is located in Geneva within the United Nations Office in Geneva Palais des Nations.

To learn more about GANHRI visit our website: www.ganhri.org

2. General Purpose

GANHRI is seeking an Operations Manager / Deputy Director, Geneva Head Office. The position will be full-time based in Geneva, Switzerland, with an expected start date March 2023.

The Operations Manager / Deputy Director, Head Office provides overall coordination, management and monitoring of GANHRI’s activities under the overall leadership of the GANHRI Chairperson and in close collaboration with the Geneva Representatives / Director of the Head Office. The incumbent will report directly to the GANHRI Chairperson/Secretary and GANHRI Bureau, in close coordination with the Geneva Representative / Director of the Head Office.

3. What we offer

A unique opportunity to participate in a global alliance, supporting national human rights institutions around the world in their important work to promote and protect human rights.

An opportunity to interact and further build relations with the United Nations, member states, NGOs and partners in Geneva and globally.  Our offices are located within the United Nations Palais des Nations.

An energetic, dedicated team, with strong team spirit and a passion for human rights

A multi-cultural working environment

Flexible working arrangements and a competitive renumeration

4. Areas of responsibility

General

Provides substantive and technical advice to the Geneva Representative / Director of the Head Office and to the Chairperson on all aspects of administration and management of the Head Office, including determining priorities, allocating resources for the completion of outputs, and finding innovative and collaborative ways to ensure their timely delivery.

• Manages the day-to-day administrative processes for the Head Office:

(a) Provides authoritative recommendations on human resources and budgetary matters and liaise closely with the Senior Finance Officer and the Project Manager;

(b) Periodically review the Head Office’s financial reports and make recommendations regarding spending patterns, as well as review expenditures with Senior Finance Officer and Project Manager;

(c) Advise the Finance Committee and the Chairperson on redeployment of funds, according to the Head Office’s priorities or priority changes;

(d) Undertakes workforce planning and periodically reviews the Head Office staffing situation and coordinates recommendations for necessary personnel actions;

(e) Make recommendations on the most efficient method for filling vacancies, in consultation with the Geneva Representative / Director of the Head Office.

• Provides advice on and monitors the implementation of all projects, with financial implications. Facilitates the modalities for partnerships in support of the Head Office’s activities, such as the establishment of contracts and drafting of MOUs.
• Leads and oversees the preparation of the GANHRI’s budget proposal, strategic framework, and other reporting requirements; defends proposals before the relevant Governance bodies of GANHRI and before donors.
• Maintains direct liaison with the Finance Committee and the Chairperson and Secretary to ensure compliance with and promote understanding of rules, policies, and processes relating to human resources, finance and procurement, including adapting to new systems and policies.
• Supports the Geneva Representative / Director of the Head Office in contributing to policy formulation on communications issues, and planning of activities and strategies.
• Serves as Deputy Director of the Head Office, as required.

Strategic

• Provides strategic advice to the GANHRI Chairperson in relation to GANHRI’s operations
• Contributes to the development of strategic partnerships and collaboration in particular with OHCHR, UNDP and European Union (in close cooperation with the Chairperson and under the supervision of the Geneva Representative / Director of the Head Office)
• Assists in the development of strategic plans and manage the implementation of GANHRI’s strategic plan and decisions

Communication

• Oversees implementation of GANHRI’s communications plan including to ensure quality of GANHRI’s outputs such as annual reports, position papers, statements
• Coordinates regular reporting to the GANHRI Bureau and General Assembly and regional networks in close cooperation with the GANHRI Chairperson and the Geneva Representative / Director of the Geneva Office.

Office

• Manages and supervises the Head Office including in relation to procurement and IT
• Manages human resources: plan the use of human resources including improving and implementing the HR policy
• Organizes recruitment and placement of required staff and interns
• Delegates tasks and accountabilities
• Oversees staff professional development
• Monitors and evaluates performance

Finances

• Prepares and controls GANHRI’s annual budget
• Oversee GANHRI’s auditing and accounting processes
• Develops resource mobilisation plans in close collaboration with the GANHRI Chairperson and Finance Committee
• Ensures that the GANHRI Finance Sub-Committee is involved in financial matters in accordance with their terms of reference

Knowledge management

• Coordinates the expert development of GANHRI’s knowledge management function including development and implementation of GANHRI’s Knowledge Management and Digital Implementation Framework.

Organisational Meetings

• Leads the overall preparation of GANHRI meetings and events including Bureau meetings, Annual Meetings and International Conferences, in collaboration with the GANHRI Chairperson, the Director of the Geneva Office and where necessary in close cooperation with the OHCHR, UNDP and other partners

5. Competencies

Professionalism

• Comprehensive knowledge of rules framework and processes relating to human resources management and budget
• Ability to discern priorities and develop clear organizational goals
• Ability to promote positive change and collaboration across organizational boundaries

Planning & Organizing

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary

Leadership

• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
• Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
• Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions
• Drives for change and improvement

Judgement/ Decision-making

• Gathers relevant information before making a decision
• Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them
• Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization
• Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information
• Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision
• Makes tough decisions when necessary

6. Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business, public administration, management, communications or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

7. Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, financial management, budget, or related field, including senior-level positions in a large multi-cultural institution at an international level. Experience in management, administration and budget preparation is required. Experience interpreting and administering human resource and financial rules and regulations in a multinational organization is required. Experience in the preparation of reports for presentation to governance bodies on budget/ programme performance is desirable.

8. Languages

Fluency in oral and written English and working knowledge of at least another GANHRI working language (FR/SP/AR) is required.

9. IT and other technical skills

Proficient in all major computer programmes and online tools. Inclined to encourage and apply office automation techniques.

10.How to Apply

Please note that GANHRI has retained recruitment agency Impactpool to manage this recruitment process. Therefore, all applications must be submitted through their dedicated platform, available here

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.