Programme Officer (China)

Application deadline closed.

Job Description

International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

Description
  • Work percentage: 100%
  • Length: Open-ended contract
  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Start date: As soon as possible
  • Reports to: Programme Manager
  • Applications close: 14 April 2023 (Midnight, Geneva time)

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The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an independent, non-profit organisation with offices in Geneva and New York. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our work supporting human rights defenders, strengthening human rights systems, building and leading human rights coalitions, and responding to significant and systemic human rights concerns. For more information, consult our website www.ishr.ch.

We are seeking an outstanding candidate to join our dynamic team in a permanent staff position of China Programme Officer. 

The position

The Programme Officer (China) will contribute significantly to the successful implementation of ISHR’s work to support human rights defenders in and from China, strengthen international human rights mechanisms, and engage in innovative advocacy for national level change, through the lens of international accountability.

Working under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Programme Officer will play a critical enabling role in the delivery of ISHR’s commitments within existing and upcoming programme grants, engaging with partner organisations and human rights activists and communities working to advance human rights and accountability in China. This work is part of a broad cluster of activities ISHR carries out, across countries and UN mechanisms, to support HRDs to seek international accountability for widespread repression and grave violations.

In light of the cross-cutting nature of ISHR’s working methods, the Programme Officer will also work very closely with other programmatic and operational teams within ISHR, including as needed with the Fundraising and Grants, Operations, and Communications and Campaigns Teams.

Key responsibilities

The Programme Officer (China) will:

  • Support implementation of the China Advocacy Programme activities (including training, capacity building, research, advocacy, campaigns, communications, networking, and coalition building and coordination), as well as contribute to activities related to other work under ISHR’s Accountability cluster;
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with HRDs and relevant human rights organisations from, or working in relation to, China;
  • Contribute to strategic development of the programme;
  • Prepare internal and donor-facing documents, including leading on monitoring and evaluation processes within the programme;
  • Represent ISHR in public and/or private meetings which are relevant to achieving our objectives on international accountability for China, including at UN fora;
  • Prepare, organise, update and deliver training materials and sessions for human rights defenders working in authoritarian or highly restrictive environments, in relevant languages, format and platforms;
  • Coordinate closely with consultants/contractors, interns and other ISHR staff to implement programme activities;
  • All such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the Programme Manager (China) or Executive Director.

Qualifications

Essential

  • University degree or diploma in international law, human rights, international relations, or related fields or equivalent experience;
  • At least 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience;
  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights and progressive social change;
  • Familiarity with the Chinese political and human rights environment, through either personal or professional background;
  • Track-record of working to support at-risk grassroots activists and organisations, including through capacity-building or campaigning;
  • Proven project management, time management and organisational skills;
  • Ability to multi-task and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines;
  • Comfort and demonstrated success in working autonomously and flexibly, both in-person and remotely;
  • Excellent communication and people skills, and ability to work as a member of a diverse NGO and international ecosystem;
  • Fluency in oral and written English - Proficient user (C2) , including excellent drafting and editing skills; and
  • Professional proficiency in Chinese (simplified and/or traditional).

Desirable

  • Demonstrated familiarity with the UN mechanisms and how they can be leveraged by civil society;
  • Experience working for an independent NGO and/or on thematic human rights issues in a practical setting (not solely academic); and

Salary 

The monthly gross salary range is CHF6000 to CHF6500 (depending on qualifications and experience), with the possibility of adapting the salary and responsibilities of the job to highly qualified candidates.

Equal opportunity 

ISHR is firmly committed to having a diverse team and to the principle of equal employment opportunity. ISHR’s policy is to practice fair and non-discriminatory recruitment and selection procedures and strive for diverse, international and multicultural personnel.

We welcome all kinds of diversity. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction including on grounds of race, colour, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, socio-economic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We particularly welcome applications from systematically, historically and/or traditionally discriminated against groups, including women, persons of colour, LGBTIQ+ persons, persons with disabilities and other groups.

Applications 

Please submit your application by filling out this form and attaching a cover letter, a CV (no profile picture please) and one writing sample (max 3 pages) in English. ISHR will review these products only for the purpose of this recruitment and will not use them for any other purpose.

Applications will close on 14 April 2023 (Midnight, Geneva time).

Interviews will take place on 15 May 2023. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be handled in accordance with ISHR’s Privacy Policy.