Programme Officer for the Policy and Advocacy Programme

  • Contractor
  • Geneva Switzerland
  • TBD USD / Year
  • UPR-info profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


UPR-info

Tentative starting date: ideally mid-June or early July 2022

Type of contract: Short-term contract, 4 months, renewable depending on performance and funding availability Salary: Based on work experience

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, 25 May 2022

UPR Info’s Policy and Advocacy Programme

The Policy and Advocacy Programme, formerly the Pre-sessions Programme, began in 2012 at the beginning of the second cycle of the UPR. UPR Info saw that the formal UPR structure limited the extent to which civil society could engage dynamically with the process, and therefore decided to introduce the Pre-sessions with a dual aim. Firstly, the Pre-sessions offered civil society an international platform to directly advocate to State delegations ahead of the UPR session; and secondly to facilitate diplomatic delegations to ascertain information on countries’ human rights landscapes. Throughout the third cycle of the UPR, the Pre-sessions have brought together over 838 civil society organizations (CSOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). During the third cycle of the UPR, UPR Info organised a Pre-session on 172 States. The Pre-sessions is the largest human rights advocacy platform giving voice to national actors in the world.

Responsibilities and duties

The Programme Officer will be under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Policy and Advocacy Programme Manager.

The Programme Officer will have four main responsibilities:

1) Planning and implementation of the Pre-sessions;

2) Production of advocacy and public information materials;

3) Organize and facilitate training; and

4) Monitor the Programme results;

He/She will also:

  • Support the drafting of operational and activities reports;
  • Assist the Executive Director when necessary.

What we offer

  • An international environment, with constant interaction with human rights defenders from all corners of the world;
  • Lead of a unique and successful project putting civil society at the centre of the human rights international system;
  • First-hand experience in the work and functioning of a human rights NGO;
  • Deep involvement in the United Nations human rights system;
  • Inspiring work in a growing NGO.

Qualifications and criteria

Education

  • Masters’ degree in international law, human rights, international relations, development, social sciences or other relevant academic field.

Experience

  • 3 years’ work experience in human rights advocacy for an NGO or UN Agency;
  • 2 years’ work experience in the field of human rights;
  • Experience in working with human rights defenders, CSOs or NHRIs;
  • Experience in facilitating training and developing advocacy materials;
  • Excellent knowledge of the UPR and the UN Human Rights Council will be considered an asset;
  • Previous experience with the UPR will be considered an asset;
  • Experience in project management will be an asset.

Languages

  • Fluent in French and English;
  • Knowledge of Spanish will be considered an asset.

Skills

  • Pro-active person, self-motivated, positive attitude, strategic thinking and multi-tasking ability;
  • Curiosity and capacity to contribute to the development of the NGO; it is expected that the candidate will be able to go beyond the scope of her/his assignment;
  • Ability to work flexibly, under tight timelines and on multiple agendas simultaneously;
  • Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision;
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;
  • Service-oriented and strong interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, good networking and advocacy skills with various stakeholders (government officials, diplomats, NGOs, NHRIs, media, etc.);
  • Good computer skills, especially Excel.

Permit

  • A valid Swiss work permit will be an asset.

UPR Info

UPR Info is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) created in 2008 with the mission to strengthens the capacities of all stakeholders to improve the human rights situation of all segments of society, empowering them to achieve their full potential. The organisation is based in Geneva.

UPR Info has four programmes:

1. The Policy and Advocacy Programme: facilitates the dialogue on the strengthening of the UPR mechanisms and empowers other stakeholders (CSOs, NHRIs) to engage in and inform the UPR process through advocacy with State actors, including through participation in UPR Info’s Pre-sessions.

2. The Stakeholders Engagement Programme: aims at increasing the engagement of other key stakeholders in the UPR, namely States under Review, Parliamentarians, National Human Rights Institutions and academia;

3. The In-Country Programme: offers technical assistance to States, NHRIs and CSOs to inform the UPR process and implement UPR recommendations;

4. The Digital Innovation and Knowledge management Programme: facilitates access to information about the UPR (as a human rights monitoring mechanism) and foster knowledge exchange to improve the effective realisation of human rights.

UPR Info is a small NGO, with the related advantages and constraints attached. Every staff member plays an important role and dedication is key as it greatly impacts the work of the organization. It is therefore necessary to embrace the vision and goals of the organization in order to ensure its success.

How to apply

Application procedure

Please send your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1-page maximum) by May 25th, 2022, at 17h00 (Geneva time), to [email protected]. Only full applications in compliance with this procedure and with the qualifications and criteria will be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

UPR Info is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.


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