UN Adviser

Reports to: Executive Director

Duration: Approximately 8 days per month

Please note all applicants must have the right to live and work in Geneva. IDSN is unable to assist with any visa applications or relocation paths.

Main duties and responsibilities

Primary

1. Drafting, reviewing and editing material before submission (to special procedures and treaty bodies and UPR)
2. Identifying relevant advocacy opportunities in Geneva (with the offices of Special Rapporteurs, the HRC, treaty bodies, with Missions in the framework of the UPR, with other NGOs…)
3. Informing members of intervention opportunities to thematic reports, Convention reviews etc.
4. Arranging meetings and facilitating the interaction between members coming to Geneva and Missions and UN offices, be willing to guide South Asian delegations with little to no experience with the UN
5. Monitor caste references in the UN HRC documents, prepare extracts & recommendations and send out to states before each HRC session
6. Maintain an up to date UN list on contact points in the OHCHR and Permanent missions for IDSN reference
7. Disseminate IDSN information and materials to officials and politicians as appropriate
8. Practical logistics (visa letters & accreditation, preparing agendas)
9. Practical planning of UN side events

Other tasks include

1. Update the UN caste compilation document
2. Work with Head of Communications on relevant media articles and other publicity

General

• The post-holder will be expected to work unsupervised within the broad directives of the Executive Director.
• Maintain contacts with the Secretariat, and when called upon participate in relevant virtual meetings.
• Personally respect and work towards full implementation of IDSN’s Gender and Equal Opportunities Policies.
• The post-holder will be required to maintain the pace of work which may at peak times be high, will need to meet deadlines and manage several tasks at the same time.
• The post-holder may have access to confidential information pertaining to Dalit communities as well as other colleagues, which they must ensure they and others retain as confidential.

Person Specification

Education and Knowledge

Essential

• At least five years’ experience in the field of minority and/or indigenous peoples’ rights, preferably from the South Asia region.
• A university degree in a relevant field.
• Good knowledge of the current social and political contexts of the countries concerned
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.

Desirable

• An understanding of and prior work on caste-based discrimination.
• Understanding of and experience reporting on intersectional discrimination affecting marginalised groups within minority communities.
• Knowledge of international human rights law and minority rights law.

Experience

Essential

• A proven record of relationship building within UN institutions – at least 5 years.
• Wide range of contacts among civil society, OHCHR and Permanent Missions at the United Nations in Geneva.
• Proven record in documenting and reporting on violations and abuses of minority or indigenous rights – including submissions to relevant UN bodies.

Abilities and Skills

Essential

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
• Proven ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to reach out and gain the confidence of a wide range of stakeholders, including our members.
• Computer literacy with good knowledge of Microsoft Office package

Desirable

• Excellent oral presentation skills.
• Knowledge of another UN language.

Personal skills

Essential

• Ability to maintain on-going and productive contact with remote team members.
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of IDSN.
• Commitment to gender equality and willingness to implement IDSN’s gender policy.
• Enthusiastic about working in a multicultural environment.