Switzerland Child Rights Advocacy & Communication Officer

Location: This position is based in Geneva Reports To: UN Representative and Head of Office Closing Date: 16th January 2012 Salary competitive with comprehensive benefits.
Applicants from EU and EFTA can apply as well as persons with a valid Swiss work permit.

Working in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalised with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively.

Plan’s Advocacy and Liaison office in Geneva is aligned with Plan International’s strategy One Plan One Goal pursuing contact with key decision-makers who can support the realization of lasting change for children. The UN Liaison and Advocacy office contribute to a lasting environment in which the rights of children and youth are respected, protected, and fulfilled. The office will realise its interventions within relevant UN human rights treaty bodies and mechanisms in Geneva. It will follow actions and activities within the broader UN system in the rest of the world. Through its work the offices enhance child protection, strive for non-discrimination and inclusion as well as increase child participation. The office is actively involved in:

1.Improving implementations of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). 2.Enhancing international law and policy development on child rights. 3.Mainstreaming child rights into other human rights processes. The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer supports the Head of Office in strengthening the collaboration with other Plan offices in order to facilitate and support involvement with relevant United Nations mechanisms. She/he will increase Plan’s influence regarding child rights and contributes to Plan’s global advocacy and communication work worldwide. By bringing up national and international child rights issues at the global level duty bearers are reminded of their responsibilities and obligations to act.

Dimensions of Role: •Deputises for Plan UN Representative and Head of Office Geneva •In collaboration with Plan’s Programme team uses key messages developed in the field in wide ranging work with key external stakeholders •Supports Plan with the development of effective tactics to use in successful advocacy campaigns •Identifies and pursues advocacy opportunities independently •Advises Plan staff on UN related activities and collaborates with them on advocacy and communication work

Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position: The post holder will be responsible for:

Child Rights Advocacy: The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will have an active role in supporting Plan’s advocacy and lobbying activities, including the development of current advocacy work as well as supporting in identifying additional advocacy opportunities relevant to Plan’s work. The Officer will be monitoring and reporting on the progress of the advocacy work carried out regarding the rights of the child in the below mentioned areas.

1.Periodic Reporting: The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will assist in increasing the strategic involvement of Plan’s country offices in UN periodic alternative reporting regarding i) the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC)- all countries up for review will be contacted and assisted, ii) the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) involving two countries per region and iii) the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) involving one country per region.

This will include: -Providing guidance and information - Providing technical assistance on UN know how -Revising and commenting upon written submissions - Developing tailor made advocacy briefs and lobby strategies -Providing on-line training on UN mechanisms

2.Human Rights Council: The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will carry out advocacy activities within the Human Rights Council

This will include: -Participating actively in the annual day of the rights of the child -Developing written and oral statements to be delivered at the UN -Drafting thematic advocacy briefs -Providing input to child rights resolutions and thematic reports -Monitoring and reporting on the progress of the advocacy work carried out

3.Campaigns: The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will also contribute to Plan’s Global advocacy campaigns: including Because I am a Girl, Count Every Child and Learn Without Fear.

This will include: -Engaging in the NGO working groups -Lobbying relevant stakeholders in regard to defined advocacy asks -Identifying advocacy opportunities relevant to Plan’s work -Advocating for policy change which Plan supports

Internal and External Communication and Information: The Officer will develop a communication strategy in order to strengthen and find new ways of enhancing the office’s current internal and external communication and information channels.

This will include: •Producing the development of monthly newsletters •Ensuring regular updating and uploading of information and material to internal and external website •Developing use of social media •Strengthening the communication and collaboration with other Plan offices in order to facilitate and support their presence and involvement in connection to the United Nations •Communicating decisions taken at the UN relevant to Plan offices and assisting in increasing Plan’s visibility at the UN.

Internship Support and Recruitment: Plan’s liaison and advocacy department will, on a regular basis, recruit interns who will follow and support the work carried out by the office. The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will be responsible for the administration related to interns, including recruitment, supervision and providing input and support in order to facilitate their work. Occasionally, she/he will be responsible for hiring consultants and ensuring that all contractual obligations are fulfilled.

Other Responsibilities: Being a small office with few staff members, the Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will take part in carrying out various tasks to facilitate the well-running of the office, including some administrative tasks.

The Officer needs to keep abreast of the current development issues as well as communications and advocacy trends, and ensure that all activities undertaken on behalf of Plan, externally or internally, are executed in accordance with the overall aims of the organisation and in line with Plan’s policies and procedures.

Success indicators: •Increased and more strategically aligned engagement of Plan’s County Offices in periodic reporting including CRC, UPR and CEDAW, follow-up activities and other relevant UN processes •Positive relations developed with external stakeholders as indicated by invitations for cooperation •Better understanding and awareness of UN related work within Plan as indicated by more interaction, subscription to the newsletter and/or use of communications coming out of the Office •Interns are recruited and managed in a professional manner

Dealing with Problems: •Intercultural communication needed as well as a high level of diplomatic skills. •Ability to analyse UN documents, interpret situations and find appropriate responses is required. Ability to manage conflicting priorities.

Communications and Working Relationships: Internal: •Child Rights Officers in Country Offices and National Offices •Thematic Experts •Campaign Managers

The Child Rights Advocacy and Communication Officer will have an important role in strengthening the communication and collaboration with other Plan offices in order to facilitate and support their presence and involvement in connection to the United Nations. The incumbent shall be able to communicate decisions taken at the UN to relevant Plan offices.

External: •The Officer will be representing Plan in its advocacy work. The Officer will interact with stakeholders including INGOs, UN agencies and bodies, and Permanent Missions in Geneva.

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge •Demonstrable knowledge as a result of study, training or practical experience on the key debates in development and emergency response methods and effectiveness •Documented experience in advocacy and lobby work with international actors •Understanding of, or experience in, implementing and monitoring child rights in a national/international context, including excellent knowledge and experience of work related to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights treaties. •Knowledge to argument around sustainable development and child rights.

Skills •Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work to a high standard, manage stress while prioritising multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. •Excellent communication, networking, and inter-personal skills.
•Proven excellent writing skills. •Experience in conducting workshops and training an asset. •Fully computer literate - skilled and confident user of office applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail and calendar applications. •Experience using social media including uploading and developing materials for websites and intranet. •Experience and knowledge of layout design and media are additional assets.

Behaviours •Demonstrated commitment to child rights. •Versatile, personable and flexible, including taking up various tasks done in a small office. •Self-driven and persistent. •Independent professional able to contribute to the overall goal of the organisation. •Creative and with initiative to seek workable solutions. •Works collaboratively and listens actively to the views of those involved. •Decisive and results focused following debate. •Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment. •Diplomatic attitude.

Physical Environment: Typical office environment. Some travel will be necessary to attend meetings and workshops.

Languages: Excellent written and spoken English and French required. Fluency in Spanish would be advantageous.

References and background checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy.

Plan operates an equal opportunity policy which recognises the value of a diverse workforce.

How to apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your salary requirements and quoting reference IH092 to recadmin@plan-international.org