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Programme Manager UPR Info Geneva, Switzerland

I General Information

Position: Programme Manager
Tentative start date: 1st April 2013
Duration: Initially a 9 month contract will be offered. Possibility to be extended.
Type of contract: Fixed-term contract
Salary: CHF 5’000 / month
Location: Geneva, Switzerland


II Background

UPR Info is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation’s aims are to both raise awareness and provide capacity-building tools to the different actors of the UPR process, such as United Nations (UN) Member States, NGOs, National Human Rights Institutions and civil society in general. UPR Info is the first and only NGO entirely dedicated to the UPR.

Created in February 2008, UPR Info is currently composed of two permanent staff members and headed by its President Bertrand G. Ramcharan, former acting High Commissioner for Human Rights. 
Since the inception of the mechanism in April 2008, the organisation has developed a unique expertise on the process itself. This knowledge is widely recognised by other actors and UPR Info is regularly invited to participate in numerous conferences and trainings on the UPR.

UPR has three programmes: 1/ Support NGOs’ engagement in the UPR process: We provide information, analyses, explanations, and learning tools to NGOs through our website. 2/ Follow-up: We publish reports assessing the implementation of recommendations by States in between two reviews by collecting information from the Government, the national institution, NGOs and UN agencies. 3/ Pre-sessions: We organise meetings in Geneva between Permanent Missions and NGOs to provide a platform to civil society to brief countries on the human rights situation in countries.

UPR Info is a small NGO, with the advantages and constraints attached. Every staff member plays an important role and carries responsibilities. Dedication is key as it greatly impacts the work of the organisation. It is therefore necessary to embrace the vision and goals of the organisation and fully commit to its success.


III Responsibilities and duties

• Organise and manage the international UPR "Pre-sessions" meetings, as well as all activities directly or indirectly related thereto;
• Train human rights defenders;
• Draft operational reports;
• Prepare public statements, commentaries and/or articles for UPR Info publications;
• Various fundraising activities;
• Assist the Executive and Programmes Directors when necessary.


IV What we offer

• International environment;
• Contact with great variety of actors;
• First-hand experience into the work and functioning of a small NGO;
• Deep involvement into the United Nations human rights system;
• Challenging work in a growing NGO;
• Possibility to expand your tasks depending on your commitment.


V Qualifications and criteria

Education

• Masters’ degree in international law, human rights, international relations, development, social sciences or other relevant academic field.

Experience

• 2 years work experience in the field of human rights;
• Excellent knowledge of the UPR and the UN Human Rights Council;
• Previous experience in an NGO will be considered an asset; 
• Previous experience with the UPR will be considered an asset.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English;
• Working knowledge of French;
• Knowledge of Spanish will be considered an asset.

Skills

• Excellent programme/ project management skills;
• Pro-active person, self-motivated, positive attitude, strategic thinking and multi-tasking ability; 
• Curiosity and capacity to contribute to the development of the NGO; it is expected that the candidate will be able to go beyond the scope of her/his assignment.
• Ability to work flexibly, under tight timelines and on multiple agendas simultaneously;
• Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• Good communication and public presentation skills;
• Service-oriented;
• Excellent organisational and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, good networking and advocacy skills with various stakeholders (government officials, diplomats, NGOs, NHRIs, media, etc.);
• Good computer and internet skills, especially Excel;
• Sense of humour, as the office is small.

Permit

• Valid Swiss work permit, due to time constraints, will be an asset. 


VI Application procedure

Please send your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page maximum) by 1st March 2013 to info@upr-info.org. Only full applications will be considered. 

Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please no emails or phone calls.

UPR Info is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.