Reference: 120700414
Location: London, UK
Duration: 6 Months
Closing Date: 13 Aug 2012
Job Summary
Under supervision of the Head of Human Rights, the Human Rights Adviser will assist in promotng and protecting human rights in the Commonwealth. The person appointed will develop and implement programmes to increase awareness of internationally recognised human rights standards and assist member countries in implementing these. The Human Rights Adviser will also provide advice within the Secretariat on human rights issues, liaise with the UN human rights teams and those of other international and regional organisations as appropriate. The Adviser will work with senior government officials and international and national human rights agencies, often handling sensitive issues.
This post will take a lead on the thematic areas of: Universal Periodic Review (UPR), National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI’s), coordination/support to the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.
Qualifications and Work Experience
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- A qualification at post-graduate level in a discipline relevant to human rights protection and promotion is essential. Preferred subjects include human rights, development, law, politics or social policy
- Over five years’ experience, at national and international levels, in implementing and promoting best practice in human rights
- Experience in the promotion of human rights in more than 3 countries in at least one region of the Commonwealth
- Proven experience in human rights capacity development
- Over three years’ experience in human rights advocacy with governments
- Proven experience working in the areas of the UPR, NHRIs and human rights issues relevant to law enforcement agencies
- Experience of working effectively and collegially in a small team
- Experience of addressing different audiences – such as government officials, politicians, civil society, inter-governmental agencies - in writing and in person
- At least three years’ experience in human rights advocacy with governments
About the Human Rights Unit
The Human Rights Unit promotes understanding of, respect for and the promotion and protection of human rights across the Commonwealth, in accordance with principles enshrined in Commonwealth Declarations, international treaties and frameworks. It encourages member countries to adopt and implement international human rights standards, improve and strengthen national human rights infrastructures and build capacity for improved engagement and best practices.
The Human Rights Unit derives its mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Declarations. The Commonwealth Secretariat has strategic goals that include strengthening democracy, promoting rights-based development and respect for human rights within the Commonwealth. The Unit also takes a lead in facilitating the shaping of rights-based approaches to development within the Secretariat.
Further information
Full Job Description for Temporary Human Rights Adviser - Human Rights Unit
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