Human Rights Adviser - Small States Office

Job Summary

Under supervision of the London-based Head of Human Rights, the Human Rights Adviser serves as a key focal point for Commonwealth on human rights related issues in Geneva. This post supports Commonwealth small states specifically and member states generally; monitors and participates in developments at the UN Human Rights Council including its Universal Periodic Review and Treaty Body mechanisms. The adviser will initiate, develop and strengthen partnerships and assist small states to increase awareness and implementation of internationally recognised human rights standards. The person appointed will liaise at a senior level with government officials and international, regional and national human rights teams and UN agencies.

Initially the Human Rights Adviser will be based in London for a period of approximately 3 months' induction. The Human Rights Adviser will need to travel to London periodically and work with supervision of the Head of Human Rights. This post, located in the Small States Office (SSO), is expected to engage on human rights work in Geneva, including the UN Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, Treaty Bodies, UN and Inter-Governmental agencies and with international civil society actors.

Qualifications and Work Experience

To succeed in this role, you will need a post-graduate qualification in a discipline relevant to human rights. Preferred subjects include human rights, development, law, politics, international relations or social policy.

Additionally, you will need:

• At least 10 to 15 years’ experience, at national and international levels, in implementing and promoting  human rights;
• At least 8 to 10 years’ experience in delivering human rights training and capacity development interventions; development of training curricula and programmes; working with the Universal Periodic Review relative to governments, NHRI’s and civil society organizations;
• Demonstrable line management experience;
• Demonstrable knowledge of Geneva-based human rights mechanisms including treaty bodies, special procedures, Universal Periodic Review and the Human Rights Council;
• Experience in human rights research and training at national and international level;
• Experience in the promotion of human rights in more than three countries and in more than  one region of the Commonwealth;
• Experience of addressing different audiences such as government officials, diplomatic staff, Parliamentarians, civil society, inter-governmental agencies - in writing and in person;
• At least five years’ experience in human rights advocacy with governments, specifically within the Commonwealth;
• Experience of working effectively and collegially in a small team.

About the Small States Office

The Small States Office in Geneva aims to increase effective engagement of Commonwealth small states in human rights mechanisms, discourse and decisions that are Geneva-based, among other objectives.

Further Information

How to apply

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