Human Rights Programme Officer Inter-Parliamentary Union

JOB PROFILE Programme Officer, Human Rights Grade P3 Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: Reporting to the Programme Manager, Human Rights and working in the context of the Division of Programmes, the Programme Officer, Human Rights, assists in the work of the Human Rights Unit promoting and defending human rights. Accountabilities: Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer's primary responsibilities lie with servicing the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians which is entrusted with the examination of cases of alleged violations of the human rights of parliamentarians. In this respect, he/she will: Undertake substantive background research on human rights cases; Prepare case reports and draft case decisions; Draft IPU case correspondence; Organise on-site missions and maintain contact with members of the Committee; Assist in the preparation, holding and follow-up of sessions of the Committee;: Draft speeches regarding the work of the Committee for UN and other meetings; Contribute to discussions on strengthening the work of the Committee. In addition to the work for the Committee, the Programme Officer will perform any other tasks as may be assigned to him/her by the Programme Manager, including the following: Participate, in cooperation with other IPU Units, in the design, implementation, and evaluation of IPU activities in the area of human rights. Represent the Inter-Parliamentary Union at working level meetings on human rights and related issues. Integrate human rights issues, including gender considerations, into the other political and development activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Complainants and their representatives National authorities and their principal officers Representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations Committees of the IPU Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff Staff of the Secretariat Competencies: Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the field of human rights in general and specifically on the role of parliaments in protecting and promoting human rights; proven ability to produce reports and papers on human rights issues. Ability to work under extreme pressure and tight deadlines. Planning and organising: proven ability to plan and organise work, ensuring that it is consistent with the overall strategic direction of the Human Rights Unit and the Secretariat in general. Communication: Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. ? Technological awareness: Proficiency in computer applications relevant to human rights; familiarity with Internet applications; proficiency in the use of MS Office programmes. ? Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Ability to consult and gain assistance of others in a team endeavour. ? Gender and human rights mainstreaming: Ability to incorporate gender and human rights perspectives into substantive work. ? Client orientation: Ability to identify clients' needs and propose appropriate solutions as well as establish and maintain effective relations with outside collaborators and other contacts, including representatives of organisations and Members of Parliament as well as the public. ? Commitment to continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant field and to develop own skills. ? Judgment/Decision-making - good political judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact. ? Managing performance: Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate own work with that of others. ? Building trust: Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff; recognised and highly respected by peers, clients and staff. Qualifications: Education: University degree preferably in Law/international relations, social or political sciences. Further specialised training in the area of human rights. Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in addressing human rights issues. Experience in handling human rights complaints procedures and in working with parliaments and/or parliamentarians is an asset. Good knowledge of the working of international and regional human rights bodies and procedures. Language: Excellent oral and written command of English or French, including the ability to draft in at least one of these languages; knowledge of a third official UN language is an advantage. Compensation The Inter Parliamentary Union offers an attractive salary and benefits package comparable to that of other international organizations headquartered in New York or Geneva. The net salary for this position starts at USD 56,018 (plus a cost of living adjustment) commensurate with education and experience. Employment policy This position will be filled through an international recruitment process that will be open to internal and external applicants. From among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to women and persons from developing countries not represented in the Secretariat. Deadline for applications Applications should be addressed to: Director, Support Services Inter-Parliamentary Union 5, chemin du Pommier Case postale 330 CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Switzerland Tel: +41 22 919 4150 Fax: +41 22 919 4160 E-mail: postbox@mail.ipu.org Applications should be received on or before 25 November 2011. In order to ensure prompt and efficient processing of your application, you are required to provide, along with your resume, a detailed covering letter explaining how you meet each of the requirements of the position with concrete examples.