Human Rights Adviser

Vacancy number: VNODIS00322

Vacancy type: International seconded

Field of expertise: Human Rights

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Warsaw, Poland

Department: Human Rights Department

Date of entry on duty : As soon as possible

Date of issue: 31 October 2011

Deadline for applications: 12 December 2011

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at OSCE/ODIHR must be borne by their authorities.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

In accordance with the mandate of ODIHR, the Human Rights Department (HRD) is assisting participating States in fulfilling their obligations to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The programme of work includes monitoring and analysis of human rights developments in the OSCE area and the provision of expertise and technical assistance to enhance compliance with human dimension commitments, with a particular focus that includes but is not limited to: human rights monitoring, human rights education and capacity building; enhancing the protection of human rights while countering terrorism; promoting respect for human rights and gender mainstreaming in the security sector, and emphasizing the human rights aspects of combating trafficking in human beings.

This position is located within the Human Rights Education and Capacity Building Team. The Team designs, implements and monitors programmatic activities on human rights education and capacity building for government authorities, national human rights institutions, civil society in OSCE participating States, as well as OSCE staff.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Deputy Head, Human Rights Department and in consultation with the Capacity Building Coordinator, the incumbent participates in the design and implementation of projects aimed at the promotion and consolidation of human rights through the provision of quality human rights education and capacity building assistance including of national human rights institutions, and facilitates the exchange of information and co-operation between relevant institutions involved in human rights training and education. S/he moreover, monitors, analyzes and reports on human rights issues in key areas of concern and related national legislation and policies in the OSCE region, and assists OSCE participating States in meeting their human dimension commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, the incumbent will be tasked with:

• identifying, developing and implementing capacity
• society, national human rights institutions and OSCE structures and missions, including strengthening contacts with all relevant national and international partners;
• monitoring and analyzing the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; participating in human rights field assessment missions, as required;
• providing advice and recommendations and preparing general and issue-specific reports and/or other background materials on incidents, priority issues and situations related to human rights for ODIHR management;
• responding to requests to the ODIHR for information about the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments related to human rights and fundamental freedoms in key areas of concern;
• performing other related duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications

• University degree in law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, specialization in human rights. Master’s degree in international human rights law strongly preferred.
• At least six years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of human rights including experience at the international level in an advisory function.
• Significant experience in developing and implementing capacity building activities.
• Sound knowledge and/or experience of working with national human rights institutions strongly preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of UN, Council of Europe and OSCE human rights standards.
• Experience of designing and implementing projects.
• In-depth knowledge of human rights monitoring and reporting methodology and practice.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure;
• Ability to operate standard computer applications;
• Ability and willingness to deploy to the field, sometimes on short notice, for different types of monitoring missions.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills; knowledge of Russian and/or other OSCE working languages desirable.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
  

How to Apply

The post is open for secondment only. Candidates are requested to apply through the OSCE desk of the respective Ministry for Foreign Affairs several days prior to deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of the application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation.