When: Tuesday, 25. October 2016
To: Thursday, 17. November 2016
Where: Geneva

Position: International Advocacy Officer
Duration: Unlimited (with a 3 months probation period)
Occupation: 100% (can be discussed)
Start: As soon as possible
Location: Geneva (Switzerland)
Remuneration: HRHF offers competitive salary and benefits according to the location, and compensation for travelling abroad (availability for regular travels is required)

Core duties

 The International Advocacy Officer’s work includes:

  • Planning, organisation and coordination of United Nations related advocacy activities with Human Rights Houses and partner NGOs;
  • Support of Human Rights Houses and partner NGOs in their international advocacy, especially towards the United Nations;
  • Implement national advocacy projects, as well as follow-up and preparation of United Nations reviews, with a key focus on the Human Rights Council, their special procedures, treaty bodies, as well as other relevant UN bodies and international organisations;
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of national advocacy strategies;
  • Initiate, coordinate and disseminate HRHF action to protect partner and member NGOs of Human Rights Houses and their human rights defenders at risk;
  • Participate in raising awareness and spreading actions and calls of Human Rights Houses within the diplomatic community, including with Internet media and social media;
  • Organise and participate in capacity building and knowledge sharing activities and plan such in cooperation with Human Rights Houses;
  • Support fundraising for international advocacy projects and initiate small grants for specific activities;
  • Contribute to administration tasks of HRHF’s Geneva Office as required.

As International Advocacy Officer you answer to HRHF’s Head of Advocacy. You are part of HRHF’s team and we expect interest and engagement in all HRHF activities and participation in relevant staff meetings and seminars, and conferences and meetings of Human Rights Houses, as relevant.

About you

The successful candidate is expected to be an active NGO person, have a mature and flexible attitude, to display good time management skills, to be able to undertake work independently. She/he is furthermore expected to have an expertise of the United Nations Human Rights Council and treaty bodies, and an understanding of other international human rights bodies. The person is also expected to have a strategic mind, be highly interested in human rights policies, international affairs, and in advocating for change towards different targets.

Skills and experience

In addition to genuine interest in and basic knowledge of human rights and of international human rights mechanisms, candidates should have a proven experience in working in civil society organisations (at least 3 to 5 years of experience), in addition to:

  • Relevant academic background (international law, international relations, political sciences);
  • Proven experience to multitask, work under limited supervision, and take initiative under tight deadlines;
  • Proven experience to run NGO projects and to report on the implementation of projects;
  • Sound understanding of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the treaty body system (and associated UN mechanisms and tools), and the work of NGOs at the United Nations;
  • Excellent command of oral and written English (knowledge of Russian is an asset), and strong writing skills;
  • Expertise on the human rights situation in the Balkans or other non-European regions is an asset;
  • Capacity to see the big picture, have a keen attention to detail and be hands-on, willingness to work in a team and to communicate with colleagues, and strong interpersonal skills, as well as an eagerness to learn and network

Strong integrity and a commitment to the highest degree of professional excellence are also required.

Application procedure

All applicants are required to email the following documentation to Florian Irminger, Head of Advocacy, at cv@humanrightshouse.org (specific subject line: “Application: International Advocacy Officer – your name”):

  • Cover letter (about 1 page);
  • Curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum);
  • Names and contact details for 2 references.

Please apply latest on Thursday 17 November 2016.

Shortlisted candidates can be requested to submit further documentation.

Documents: