Background 

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 at the Palais des Nations. 

Accreditation 

To be effective in their work to promote and protect human rights, NHRIs must be credible and independent. 

The Paris Principles (‘Principles relating to the status of NHRIs’) set out internationally agreed minimum standards that NHRIs must meet to be considered independent.  

GANHRI, through its Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), is responsible for reviewing and accrediting NHRIs by reference to the Paris Principles.  

The accreditation process is a peer-review mechanism undertaken by GANHRI member NHRIs from each of the four regions: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe. This process is supported by the UN Human Rights Office, which serves as the SCA Secretariat and by the observers, which are representatives of the regional networks’ secretariats and the GANHRI Head Office.  

GANHRI, together with the SCA Secretariat and regional networks has been continuously working on strengthening the accreditation process. Through this ongoing improvement journey, the accreditation process is maximising its legitimacy, effectiveness, rigour, and transparency.  

About the position 

This assignment in undertaken to support implementation of the newly adopted GANHRI Strategic Plan 2023-2027 which identifies in its Strategic Objective 1 for GANHRI to support “the establishment, strengthening, accreditation, and capacity development of NHRIs, and their protection when exercising their mandate.” 

Furthermore, implementation of Strategic Objective 4 of the Strategic Plan should ensure that GANHRI operates as “a professional, effective, well-governed and efficient organization”. This requires strengthening GANHRI´s governance and organisational and institutional structure to achieve its strategic goals. 

Additionally, the assignment is supported by the EU funded project Capacity Building of National Human Rights Institutions – Phase 3 (NHRI.EU.3). The project’s overall objective 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. 

The project is being implemented between 2022 and 2027. In particular, the consultancy work will support activities under Strategic Objective 2 of the project, which aims to:  

• 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. 

Against this backdrop, the GANHRI Head Office is undertaking this consultancy to support implementation of GANHRI’s Strategic Objectives and activities as they relate to accreditation and support to NHRIs.   

Under the direct supervision of the GANHRI Geneva Representative and in close collaboration with the GANHRI Legal Officer the incumbent will accomplish the following: 

• Providing information and expert technical advice on the Paris Principles, and on NHRI institutional design and legislation 
• Leading the development of relevant (generic and adapted) accreditation related materials including in relation to SCA jurisprudence, repository and educational materials, manuals and guidance tools for members, NHRIs and stakeholders 
• Advising on and assisting the process of strengthening the accreditation process, including as recommended by the GANHRI Bureau and through SCA retreats  
• Support the further development of GANHRI’s legal framework and processes, including review and amendments to its statute and rules of procedure as they relate to accreditation, based on identified needs 
• Offer advice on situations where NHRIs require protection  
• Draft and review, and advise on, legal documents, instruments, or other material as requested 
• Other accreditation related tasks as per need   

Qualifications, competencies and skills 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law 
• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing 
• Experience working in the area of human rights at national, regional and/or international levels, and national human rights institutions is desirable. Experience working with national human rights institutions, the Paris Principles and GANHRI accreditation is an asset 
• Ability to conduct research and analyse information on a wide range of legal issues 
• Knowledge of international human rights law, and the Paris Principles and their application by the SCA 
• Ability to interpret and apply legal and quasi-legal instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely 
• Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure 
• Excellent command of English required, and of other GANHRI languages (Arabic, French, Spanish) an asset.  

Duration of work 

The preferred starting date is during September 2023.   

The work rate is expected to be 2 to 3 days per week on average.  

Application process 

To complete your application by 27 August 2023: 

• Fill in all questions of this form: https://forms.office.com/e/azpmR3vTdW  
• Send a Cover letter and CV to: recruitment@ganhri.org 

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.