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Human Rights Officer (CHEG25.210)

Key information

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The UK Mission to the United Nations (UN) & World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at the international organisations in Geneva. We are now looking for a Human Rights Officer to cover for a maternity leave.

The Human Rights Officer will provide cover for the human rights team on selected geographic and thematic issues at intergovernmental negotiations, especially the Human Rights Council and related working groups.

This includes leading on the following geographic files; Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan; and the following thematic files; Business and Human Rights, modern slavery, as well as the human rights implications of private military and security companies (PMSCs), and of anti-personnel landmines.

Please note that portfolio areas may change depending on team priorities and need.

The role requires a team player, with excellent oral and written communication and influencing skills, sound policy judgement and attention to detail who can deal confidently with senior staff and contacts. They should be able to multi-task and deliver to a high standard, often under time pressure

Roles and responsibilities

Human Rights Portfolio: Take the lead in the Political and Human Rights Team on a portfolio of geographic and thematic human rights issues, including Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan, Business and Human Rights, modern slavery, private military and security companies (PMSCs) and anti-personnel landmines.

UN Human Rights Council (HRC): Attend and report sessions of the HRC and its subsidiary bodies as a member of the UK delegation; take a lead on and negotiate resolutions in a multilateral setting; build and maintain network across diplomatic missions, UN and NGOs; and attend HRC plenary sessions and other human rights events at the UN. Provide support in planning HRC sessions, human rights side events and official visits.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Assist in drafting UK statements, attend and report sessions of the UPR Working Group.

UN working groups: Attend and report back to London on UN meetings on human rights held outside the HRC sessions including information from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Cross-mission support: Provide advice and support to colleagues across the Mission in issues related to human rights and gender language. Help with cross-Mission activities (e.g. VIP visits). Some administrative, logistical and policy support, including on organising side events, visits and delegations to meetings in Geneva may be required.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
  • Fluency in both oral and written English (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*) and excellent communication skills.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience of the UN/multilateral system and/or diplomatic missions, preferably on human rights including experience in multilateral negotiations.
  • Knowledge of, and a keen interest in, the UN human rights system.
  • Strong spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to produce written reports in a timely manner and in a clear and concise style.
  • Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity.
  • Ability to work flexibly to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to tight deadlines.
  • Good IT skills.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
  • Fluency in both oral and written French (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*) and excellent communication skills.
  • Good media/communication skills and familiarity with social media.
  • University degree in international law, political science, international relations or other discipline related to human rights.
Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full-time 7 months fixed term contract to cover for a maternity leave, that may be extended.

The salary gross amount is CHF 9.241.04 and depending on personal circumstances, the salary may be subject to taxation (abated) and will always be subject to Swiss social contributions.

Applicants that have the right to live and work in Geneva and don’t require a visa sponsorship are: Nationals from United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA, along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican – these applicants are eligible to live and work in Switzerland as long as holding a full passport valid for at least 12 months.

All other applicants need to have permission to live and work in Switzerland.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Switzerland and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

The final appointment and commencement of employment will be dependent upon successful security clearance.

Learning & Development:

The UK Mission Geneva attaches great importance to the learning and development of its staff, with both formal and informal training and development opportunities available for all employees, in line with a personalised development plan. This learning and development offer is facilitated by the Mission’s L&D Committee and supported by the L&D Champion.

In addition, the successful candidate will have an L&D allocation to be used toward training opportunities and to support their development needs in the role. The successful candidate will also be required to complete some mandatory online training. They will also have access to formal learning opportunities via the intranet, as well as other sources of training offered to the wider Mission.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the UK Mission will not be able to support any cost during the Recruitment and Selection process, Security Check nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR . Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

Note: We only accept applications through our software. We do not accept Cvs. To apply please go to Human Rights Officer (CHEG25.210) - FCDO

Contact

No recruitment agencies please

Categories:

Administration / Office management, Public Administration | Training / Education / Social, Social Work

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