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Human Rights Adviser

12:50:00 PM

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

Under the supervision of the Head of Human Rights, the Human Rights Adviser will serve as a key focal point for the Commonwealth on human rights related issues in Geneva. This post will support Commonwealth small states, offer of human rights developments, especially the UN Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review and Treaty Body mechanisms. He/she will be required to initiate, develop and strengthen partnerships and assist small states to increase awareness of internationally recognised human rights standards and in the implementation of these standards. The Human Rights Adviser will liaise at a senior level with government officials and various international, regional and national human rights teams and UN agencies.

Task description

The Human Rights Unit (HRU) consists of a small team in which flexibility, mutual support and communication are essential for success. The Human Rights Adviser will be required to travel to London on a periodic basis and will work under the supervision of the Head of Human Rights. The Advisor’s brief will include the following:

  • Take a senior role in advancing Commonwealth conversations on human rights issues/debates in Geneva;
  • Support and liaise with, the Head of the Unit in the setting of strategic priorities for the HRU’s engagement with counterparts and UN agencies in Geneva;
  • Under the direction of the Head, provide advice, briefings and other input as appropriate to the Secretary-General and Deputies Secretary General on the current and most relevant human rights related developments;
  • Attend meetings/forums/events and represent HRU as appropriate;
  • Establish, maintain and strengthen partnerships and other working relationships with key agencies;
  • Develop, design and propose initiatives to implement technical co-operation and capacity building programmes to promote all aspects of human rights in member countries;
  • Undertake project and budget management;
  • Monitor, demystify and publicise developments in human rights, including but not limiting to law, for member countries;
  • Co-ordinate activities with international and non-governmental organisations working in human rights;
  • Organise, and at times deliver, workshops, seminars, conferences and consultations in Geneva;
  • Undertake/oversee the necessary documentation and systems maintenance for the HRU;
  • Supervise interns/HR officers, as directed by the Head of the Unit;
  • Bring intellect and creativity to discussions and activities that promote the lived reality of human rights for the people of the Commonwealth; and
  • Other relevant duties as requested by the Head of Human Rights.

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