Human Rights Specialist - P02

Grade: P02
Type of Appointment: Series A - Short Term
Duration of Contract: 12 months
Secretary/Department/Off.: Ex. Sec. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights – AES Peti & Cases Syst
Announcement Number: EO/26/23
Duty Station: US - Washington D.C.
Job Family: Human Rights Commission
Job Category: Professionals and Higher Categories
Recruitment Type: External
Employment Schedule: Full time
Publication Date: 4/14/23
Closing Date: 4/28/23
# of Openings: 1

  Annual Basic Salary (net of taxes):

Basic Salary: $50,377

 Annual Post Adjustment (net of taxes):

Post Adjustment: $31,989

Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Within limits of authority delegated by the Assistant Executive Secretary for Petition an Cases , and/or under the direct supervision of the Section Coordinator: 

•    Apply the individual petition system governed by the Inter-American human rights instruments, jurisprudence and international normative standards;
•    Organize, coordinate and participates in on site visits conducted by the Commission: develops draft program of activities; manages logistical arrangements; facilitates meetings between Commission members and Government officials, representatives of local non-governmental organizations and other groups, such as alleged victims and their relatives, drafts reports and recommendations for publication pending Commission approval;
•    Advise petitioners and member state Mission or Foreign Ministry staff on the application of petition procedures and other aspects of the inter-American human rights system, and responds to all inquiries made by member states on matters related to human rights;
•    Provide technical advisory services for other organs or agencies of the Organization, in relation to drafting and implementation of juridical international instruments in the field of human rights;
•    Participate in the different stages of the processing of the petitions at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights;
•    Engage in promotional activities such as seminars and conferences on human rights issues;
•    Perform other job-related duties as required.
•    Participate in the transition stage of the procedure: preparation of technical memoranda on the compliance of the recommendations, management of a portfolio with strict deadlines, and preparation of materials for working meetings with States and representatives of the victims.
•    Coordinate case hearings, drafts case reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations for Commission review;
•    Perform fact finding on numerous situations and cases;
•    Report approved are either prepared for publication or for presentation as cases before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights;
•    Participate in the preparation and presentation of contentious cases and requests for advisory opinions before the Inter-American Court: conducts legal research and analysis, drafts briefs, manages case correspondence, identifies and collects evidence, coordinates the presentation of witnesses, and partakes in the presentation of arguments and witness testimony before the Court;


QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :  
 
Essential: Juris Doctor or First University Degree (Bachelor’s) in Law or a related field issued by a duly accredited institution and 4 years of relevant experience at national or international OR Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in one of the fields listed above and 2 years of relevant experience. 

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandate and priorities as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system. Knowledge in resolution of conflicts and compliance of recommendations.

Computer Skills: Ability to effectively work using Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, and Excel), and other software applicable to the area of work.

LANGUAGES:

Essential – Proficient in at least two of the official languages of the OAS (read, write and communicate). 

Desirable – Working knowledge of other two OAS official languages.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES: Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills.  Ability to clearly communicate in the languages required for the post.

Assessment:
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a panel interview.

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.

Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65 years.

Upon hiring, the GS/OAS expects all workforce members in Washington, DC to be   up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines   unless there is a medical reason not to do so. When you obtain a vaccination, you will greatly reduce the risk to yourself and those with whom you interact. Vaccines are highly effective and are widely available throughout the Washington, D.C., area.