Legal Policy Officer

ENNHRI - European Network of National Human Rights Institutions

Brussels, Belgium

1. Background

The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) comprises National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across wider Europe. NHRIs are state funded institutions, independent of government, with a broad legislative or constitutional mandate to promote and protect human rights. They are accredited by reference to the UN Paris Principles to ensure their independence, plurality, impartiality and effectiveness. ENNHRI is one of four regional groups of NHRIs, which together make up a global association of NHRIs.

In 2013, ENNHRI established a Permanent Secretariat, based in Brussels. The Secretariat supports and facilitates ENNHRI’s work, including: assisting in the establishment and accreditation of NHRIs; facilitating capacity building and training; coordinating exchange of information and best practice between members; engaging with regional mechanisms; and intervening on legal and policy developments at a European level. ENNHRI’s Secretariat is still in the process of institution building.

In the context of a Framework Partnership with the European Commission (DG JUST), ENNHRI seeks a Legal Policy Officer to develop the work of the Secretariat office. 

2. Job Description

• Research and analyse European law and policy developments relevant to ENNHRI and its Working Groups;
• Coordinate ENNHRI’s Working Groups, including support for planning meetings, trainings and seminars;
• Support ENNHRI’s and NHRIs’ engagement in European level processes;
• Support planning and preparation of annual NHRI Academy;
• Support preparation for ENNHRI’s governance meetings;
• Support planning for annual General Assembly seminars;
• Any other reasonable duties as required by the ENNHRI Secretariat, in line with the general responsibility of the role.

3. Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A relevant undergraduate degree;
• At least four years’ relevant professional experience in relation to human rights;
• Experience and understanding of European human rights mechanisms;
• Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise work and manage conflicting deadlines;
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, on own initiative;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including in English;
• Competent computer skills;
• Experience of working in an international environment.

Desirable Criteria

• A relevant post-graduate degree;
• Experience of working with NHRIs;
• Excellent knowledge of EU law and policy processes;
• Experience of working on at least one of the thematic areas covered by ENNHRI’s Working Groups;
• Experience of organising or delivering training on human rights;
• Experience of working for an international membership organisation;
• Additional language skills.

4. Terms and conditions

This is a full time post to be performed at the ENNHRI Secretariat office in Brussels, in close collaboration and supervised by ENNHRI’s Secretary General. The post holder would be expected to travel occasionally within Europe. The starting date will be as soon as possible following interview, preferably in September 2015.

ENNHRI offers a fixed-term Belgian employment contract to 31 December 2017, with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. The salary range is €3,200 to €3,500 gross per month, according to level of experience and expertise. The contract includes the statutory holiday payment, and a 13th month (pro rata), as well as secondary employment benefits (such as travel to and from work and lunch vouchers). The holiday entitlement is 26 days (pro rata), plus public holidays.

5. Application Procedure

Applications are welcomed through the application form, which can be found at this link. Completed application forms should be sent to ENNHRI’s Secretariat at Jobs@ENNHRI.org with a subject heading ‘Legal Policy Officer’. Please note that we do not accept, and will not read, CVs and covering letters.

The deadline for applications is 6 September 2015. Interviews will be held in mid-September 2015 in Brussels (in person) or by Skype. For further information, please contact: www.ENNHRI.org/vacancies or Jobs@ENNHRI.org.