Deadline for submission of applications: 15 June 2015
Start date: Ideally from September 2015
The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is seeking an experienced and motivated Programme Officer to further develop and implement the APT’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Program, in coordination with APT’s thematic advisors and in close cooperation with APT’s international and national partners.
In line with APT’s strategic plan, priorities for the MENA program are the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in the four MENA State Parties to the OPCAT (Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon); enlarging support for OPCAT ratification across the region and improving the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) in selected countries through legal and policy advice and targeted capacity building projects. APT’s main partners are civil society organizations, National Human Rights Institutions, government officials, members of parliament and inter-governmental organizations.
The Programme Officer provides the APT with sound analysis about challenges and opportunities in torture prevention in the region. He / she cultivates trust-based relationships with APT’s partners in the region, co-creates and co-implements projects together with these partners and facilitates synergies between them.
The Programme Officer will be based in Geneva. This is a full time permanent position (part time will also be considered). It requires regular travel to the MENA region.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Further develop the MENA programme in line with APT’s strategic plan and contribute to further develop APT’s strategic approach based on the realities and needs of the MENA region;
- Provide the APT with sound and impartial judgement of the human rights situation at country levels, and identify challenges and opportunities for preventing torture;
- Cultivate trust-based relationships with key national, regional and international partners and stakeholders;
- In cooperation with APT’s partners and APT’s in-house experts contribute to national processes, as well as design, coordinate, facilitate and implement projects in the region aiming at preventing torture.
- Engage with UN Geneva-based mechanisms such as the Human Rights Council and Treaty Bodies (including the Committee Against Torture, the Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture and the Human Rights Committee) to meet the program’s objectives;
- Represent the APT in relevant national, regional and international activities; and
- Contribute to fundraising applications, preparing narrative reports and managing budgets.
Minimum qualifications:
Education & Experience
- A minimum of five years work experience in the implementation of international human rights standards, preferably in the MENA region;
- University degree in a related discipline such as international development, human rights law, criminal law, Middle Eastern/North African studies (or an equivalent combination of education and experience);
- Proven experience in designing, managing, implementing and/or coordinating projects;
- Proven experience in building and maintaining quality relationship with government officials and human rights activists.
Other skills
- Proven ability to evaluate the human rights situation at country level and provide sound political judgement;
- The ability to think creatively and strategically, particularly in relation to country-level and regional advocacy and project strategies;
- Effective written and oral communication skills in at least two of the following three languages: French, Arabic and English. Passive knowledge of the third language.
- Well-developed inter-personal skills, public speaking and facilitation skills; proven ability to approach sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy;
- Strong organization and coordination skills, including an ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, work independently, and coordinate stakeholders;
- The ability to work effectively as part of a culturally diverse team;
- Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to quickly and appropriately respond to changing circumstances;
- An ability to travel regularly to the MENA region, on average 6 – 8 times per year.
Additional skills and qualifications (desired but not essential):
- Knowledge / work experience related to the application of criminal procedures in a national legal system of French influence or in another civil law system;
- Work experience at a national level related to torture prevention (National Human Rights Institution, ombudsman, monitoring of places of detention, migration law, providing services to victims of torture, etc);
- Experience in providing advice on institutional and organisational development, for example in the context of development cooperation projects;
- Experience in advocacy at the national level, including with parliamentary bodies;
- Experience in organizing and facilitating inter-active capacity building projects.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should contain:
- A letter of motivation;
- CV (2 page maximum);
- A short writing sample (1-2 pages in French or English);
- The contact details of two professional referees.
Applications should be sent by 15 June 2015 by email to jobs@apt.ch
