Human Rights Specialist – P02 - 2 positions available

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/05/23
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: 1/20/23
Closing Date: 2/3/23
# of Openings: 2

  Annual Basic Salary (net of taxes):

Basic Salary: US$ 49,254

 Annual Post Adjustment (net of taxes):

Post Adjustment: US$ 26,646

Description

Duties and responsibilities:

Within limits of authority delegated by the Executive Secretary, and 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-government   al 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. 

WITHIN THE INITIAL STUDY SECTION: 

•         Apply the individual petition system governed by the inter-American human rights instruments, initially assessing the processing complaints per month received against Member States and applying relevant procedures.

•         Prepare draft consultations for the IACHR consideration and provide technical assistance to the IACHR their deliberations. Request information from the parties to fully develop the claims, manages case correspondence, conducts legal research, and analyze claims according to the pertinent systemic norms.

 

WITHIN THE ADMISSIBILITY SECTION:

 

•          Apply the individual petition system governed by the inter-American human rights instruments, initially assessing the admissibility of complaints received against member states.

 

•          Participate in the preparation of draft admissibility and inadmissibility reports for the IACHR consideration.

 

WITHIN THE CASES SECTION:

 

•          Coordinate case hearings, drafts case reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations for Commission review.

 

•          Report approved are either prepared for publication or for presentation as cases before the Inter-American Court of Human Right

           Perform fact finding on numerous situations and cases.

 

•         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 issued by a duly accredited institution and 4 years of relevant experience in similar positions at the national and/or international level OR Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in one of the fields listed above and 2 years of relevant experience. Knowledge of the principles and theories of international public law and human rights law.

Desirable:  Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandates and priorities as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system.

 

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.

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.