Reference: HRU/RCWG/0482
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Two years
Closing Date: 12 Aug 2011
Note: This invitation is open to independent consultants who are nationals of Commonwealth member countries.
Background
The small states office in Geneva aims to increase effective engagement of the small states in human rights mechanisms and in the human rights discourse and decisions that are Geneva based. The small states office in Geneva seeks to increase the voice of and the outcomes for the Commonwealth in human rights mechanisms and various foras in Geneva. This post, located in the Geneva office, is expected to engage with human rights work in Geneva including the UN Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, Treaty Bodies and other relevant UN and Inter-Governmental agencies.
Key areas of focus
1. Small states and human rights
A small states office presence in Geneva would benefit small states in a number of ways. For example such an office would:
- provide an opportunity to increase the presence and the participation of small states in the activities of the United Nations Human Rights Council;
- collate and disseminate information on human rights developments relevant to small states; and
- on a regular basis advise and make recommendations to small states on engagement with Geneva-based human rights mechanisms.
2. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing engagement and cooperation with the OHCHR in Geneva has demonstrated some positive results, established good working relationships and advanced human rights on the ground. A human rights presence in Geneva would significantly boost Commonwealth Secretariat’s ability to work increasingly closely and effectively with this agency.
3. Other UN agencies
In the long run, the presence of small states office in Geneva could expand its focus to other UN agencies on a number of pertinent areas of human rights work not limiting to humanitarian, health, environment, disaster risk reduction and general development work around the Millennium Development Goals.
Job summary
The Human Rights Officer will work under the supervision of the Head of Human Rights and will assist in functioning of the Human Rights Unit’s (HRU) presence in Geneva through advocacy and research support, organisation of events and activities, observe and provide feedback on human rights news/events to the team, and liaise and work in collaboration with stakeholders on human rights related activities in Geneva. The Officer will also be required to travel to London on a periodic basis.
Task description
- Prepare opinions, advice and recommendations on specific activities relevant to HRU’s mandate in promoting human rights related work in Geneva
- Assist with the drafting of correspondence
- Arrange meetings and prepare notes or records of the meetings
- Research and compile information and data and liaise with relevant partners as required
- Assist in organising events and activities, such as human rights awareness-raising events and workshops to strengthen human rights
- Research and collate background information on human rights issues and Commonwealth countries, relevant to the small island states in Commonwealth countries
- Represent the Human Rights Unit at meetings and attends conferences and report back to the Unit on the discussions and issues raised
- Design and maintain human rights related news on the Human Rights Unit’s website
- Prepare budgets and expenditure sheets for specific events/activities
- Organise and deliver human rights related capacity-building initiatives associated with the small states office
- Any other duties as may be requested by the Head of Human Rights
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