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Advocacy Officer IRCT

The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) is currently recruiting a young professional to support the development of the organisation in relation with the European Institutions. The Advocacy officer will support the implementation of the IRCT strategy in Brussels.
The EU Liaison office of the IRCT is based in Brussels. It is part of the Secretariat of the IRCT located in Copenhagen, and the main areas of responsibility are:
  • Advocating towards EU institutions for an increased consideration of torture-related issues in EU internal and external policy;
  • Mobilising EU support for IRCT projects and initiatives;
  • Assisting rehabilitation centres for victims of torture in their relations with EU institutions and Commission delegations;
  • Relaying information to the IRCT General Secretariat and to centres for victims of torture regarding relevant EU policy or funding opportunities;
  • Capacity building of European rehabilitation centres for victims of torture members of IRCT;
  • Involvement in Council of Europe NGO activities.
The position
The Advocacy officer will be part of the IRCT Legal and Advocacy team under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Brussels office.
Key responsibilities
  • Develop and implement advocacy strategies in coordination with the Legal and Advocacy Team, member centres and other IRCT teams, in order to enhance a victim centred approach in the fight against torture, notably by EU institutions, EU Member States and international institutions such as the Council of Europe;
  • Monitor EU institutions’ policies regarding torture issues, in the frame of the External Aid;
  • Elaborate documents for advocacy and/or fundraising purpose;
  • Represent IRCT before EU institutions, Member States, non EU States, Council of Europe and other institutions, and participate in international events and conferences;
  • Network with other organizations working in areas of interest;
  • Support the Head of Brussels Office on any other issues when requested.
Knowledge and experience
  • At least 2 years of experience in the field of human rights and/or good knowledge of specific instruments related to human rights defenders’ protection, specific knowledge of fight against torture and rehabilitation of victims an asset;
  • Proven experience in advocacy work and in preparing material for advocacy purposes (briefings, reports, position papers, notes etc.);
  • Proven experience in working on Human Rights Issues;
  • Good knowledge of EU institutions and policy-making process;
  • Knowledge of human rights’ contexts in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Personal skills
  • Commitment to IRCT’s values;
  • Strategic and analytical skills;
  • Ability to meet deadlines under pressure;
  • Innovative, flexible and independent worker while still being able to work in a small team;
  • Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment;
  • Some willingness to travel.
Communication Skills
  • Ability to communicate with relevant stakeholders and diplomatic skills;
  • Very good redaction skills;
  • Written and oral proficiency in English and French (other languages an asset);
  • Excellent communication, networking, and inter-personal skills;
  • Good computer skills.
Other prerequisites
  • University degree, (likely within human rights, law, international development, health or torture rehabilitation and prevention).
Remuneration
  • 1 year contract under Belgian legislation, full-time (38 hours/week) with a 3 months trial period. This may be extended into an unlimited duration contract;
  • Salary to be negotiated according to previous experience;
  • Applicants need to hold a valid work permit for Belgium or citizenship of an EU Member State that requires no work permit in Belgium;
Closing Date
30th April 2012
Contact
Send a letter of application and CV (use attached form) by e-mail to recruitment@irct.eu.
Please name the documents “BXL Advocacy officer your name cover letter” and “BXL Advocacy officer your name CV”.
Interviews are due to take place during the week of May 21st 2012.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Further information: Please consult our website www.irct.org or call Hélène de Rengervé, Head of IRCT brussels office, at +32 2 230 15 04.