The head of the International Justice Desk fixed-term contract

ABOUT FIDH

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) composed of 188 national human rights organisations from 116 countries. FIDH is a non partisan, non sectarian, apolitical and not for profit organisation. Since 1922, FIDH has been defending all human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural – as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FIDH’s International Secretariat is composed of around 70 employees, with a multi-disciplinary background, based either in FIDH’s headquarters in Paris, France, or in one of its offices or representations across 5 continents.

One of FIDH strategic priorities is to fight against the impunity of perpetrators of serious human rights violations, in particular crimes of international law, and restore victims’ rights and support their access to truth, justice and reparations. In close collaboration with its member and partner organisations, FIDH documents and reports these serious human rights violations, advocates for change before relevant decision makers, litigates in support of victims and survivors of these crimes, at national, regional and international levels, facilitates the exchange of experiences and strengthening of expertise and capacity of its members and partners, and pushes for strong, effective and meaningful accountability mechanisms.
Within the framework of this priority, FIDH is leading a new 4-year consortium programme, funded by the European Union, called the “Global Initiative Against Impunity For International Crimes and Serious Human Rights Violations : Making Justice Work” (‘Global Initiative Against Impunity’).

JOB DESCRIPTION

FIDH is recruiting the head of the International Justice Desk (IJD), based in Paris, for a minimum of 5 months maternity cover. Under the direct hierarchical responsibility and supervision of the Deputy Director of Operations and Programmes, you will be responsible for the following tasks :

A. Contribute to FIDH’s international justice strategy, monitoring and reporting (approx. 25%)

1. Strategy : In coordination with FIDH’s Representative to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and the Coordinator of FIDH’s Litigation Action Group (LAG), and in consultation with the Direction of Operations and Programmes (DOP) and FIDH’s International Board :

• Monitor, adapt and supervise the implementation of FIDH’s multi-year 2023-2030 strategy ; 2024-2027 strategic plan on international justice ; and 2024 annual programming on international justice.
• Contribute to FIDH’s strategic oversight of the Global Initiative Against Impunity programme, and in particular to the development and adoption of strategies, processes and guidelines in the framework of the 6-month inception-phase (December 2023 – May 2024) ;
• Develop the Desk’s communication strategy, also in consultation with the Communication Desk.

2. Monitoring and Reporting :

• Ensure the smooth transmission of information to the Department of Operations and Programmes and the Chief Executive Direction on the activities carried out by the IJD and their follow-up ;
• Supervise and contribute to the regular monitoring and reporting of the activities and related budgets of the IJD ;
• Elaborate the part of FIDH’s 2023 annual report concerning the priority on international justice ;
• Contribute to the narrative report of the 6-month inception-phase of the ‘Global Initiative Against Impunity’ (December 2023 – May 2024).

B. Supervise and implement the activities of the IJD (approx. 40%)

• Supervise the validation of the Desk’s activities and public documents in accordance with FIDH procedure ;

• Supervise and participate in coordination activities of the Global Initiative Against Impunity, including :

  ◦ coordination meetings of governance bodies of this consortium programme ;

  ◦ the kick-off meeting and launch of the Global Initiative Against Impunity, planned after the programme’s inception-phase in June 2024.

• Supervise, coordinate, implement and participate in :

◦ advocacy activities on international justice challenges (incl. the draft Convention on the crimes against humanity, universal jurisdiction, ICC policies and strategies) and/or particular international crimes situations (incl. Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Ukraine, Sudan) ;

◦ remote/hybrid strategy workshops, consultations and training sessions, in particular with member and partner organisations, legal practitioners, victims and affected communities ;

◦ research and documentation work ;

◦ external communication products and activities ;

◦ the review, elaboration, translation, and dissemination of legal and/or fact-finding reports, position papers, legal submissions (incl. on Mexico, Myanmar, Ukraine).

C. Facilitate and strengthen the link with internal and external actors (approx. 10%)

• Facilitate relations with FIDH’s member and partner organisations (national and international) and develop links with them ;

• Facilitate relations (regular information and validation) with the members of the governance bodies of FIDH ;

• Facilitate the coordination with the other teams of the same department as well as with the other departments of FIDH ;

• Ensure the representation of FIDH as best fits.

  D. Manage the IJD team (approx. 20%)

• Manage a team of 6 other people in Paris and The Hague, and supervise, support and evaluate their work ;

• Supervise the work of consultants.

E. Ensure the logistical and administrative management related to the activities (approx. 5%)

IDEAL PROFILE

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar position ;

• Postgraduate diploma or advanced training in law, with a specialisation in international human rights, humanitarian or international criminal law.

• Very good knowledge of the challenges linked to the fight against impunity for serious human rights violations and international crimes, and of formal and informal justice processes, in particular the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the universal jurisdiction mechanism.

• Genuine interest in and excellent expertise in the rights of victims of international crimes and serious human rights violations, and trauma-informed, victim-centred and gender-responsive approaches.

• Experience working on and managing the implementation of complex programmes and projects involving direct collaboration and implementation with partner organisations from different contexts around the world, and working in non-governmental organisations and with NGO coalitions.

• Demonstrable ability to interact with NGOs, government officials and intergovernmental organisations from around the world with tact, diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.

• Proven ability to manage a team, including remotely.

• Ability to work efficiently under time pressure, skilled at prioritizing and completing multiple tasks with autonomy and team spirit.

• Energetic, resourceful and strategic thinker, and also willing and ready to take a hands-on role.

• Very good drafting skills, and proven experience in writing and editing of written materials for a variety of audiences, including for external communication purposes.

• Very good written and spoken skills in English and French (level C1/C2). Good knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

• Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude for cross-cultural communication.

• A proactive and adaptable approach, and familiarity with the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), with the ability to promote constructive interactions and harmonious teamwork within a diverse team.

Values : You agree with the FIDH International Secretariat working values (professionalism, respect, commitment, equality, integrity, participation, boldness), as well as FIDH’s global efforts defending human rights, as outlined in FIDH statutes and publications accessible on its website : www.fidh.org

FIDH is committed to diversity and equality in its hiring practices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, health status, or any other protected category under French and international human rights law.

If you have a disability, please mention in your cover letter any accommodations that would facilitate your full participation in the recruitment process.

Starting date, compensation and benefits :

• Envisaged starting date : 1 April 2024

• Location and remote at-home work : you will work from FIDH’s office in Paris, France. FIDH recognizes that flexible working arrangements are important for work-life balance, and offers the possibility of at-home work in France, with a minimum of 4 face-to-face days per month. Please note that a laptop and basic accessories are provided to all employees at the time of hire.

• Contract : maternity cover, fixed-term contract of 5 months minimum (April-August), governed by French law. Full time position (39 hours worked per week).

• Gross salary : monthly gross salary on the basis of an annual gross salary of 47000 EUR over 13 months, depending on the profile.

• Supplementary health insurance possible

• Restaurant vouchers with a face value of €9, paid 60% by FIDH.

• Sustainable mobility package or 50% of the cost of public transport passes.

• Paid leave benefits :
◦ 25 days of paid vacation per full year worked.
◦ 24 compensation days per full year worked (given the basis of 39 hours worked per week).

• Work / Life Balance : FIDH is committed to fostering a healthy work environment that supports flexible scheduling, with occasional adjustments to employees’ hours if agreed upon in advance with supervisors.

• While most of the work will be undertaken from Paris / at-home work in France, you will have to be ready to occasionally travel internationally.