The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is seeking to recruit a committed, energetic and diligent individual as Human Rights Adviser for its Latin America desk.

This is a fixed-term contract for a full-time position.

The post should be based in Brussels, Belgium (in exceptional situations a placement in Geneva or another suitable location could be discussed). The work is likely starting through telecommuting for the initial months due to Covid-19 restrictions currently in force. The position requires regular travel to Geneva (under the assumption of a Brussels-based placement) and frequent travel to Latin America. The Human Rights Adviser will work under the direct supervision of the Anti-torture Programme Director. **

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 90 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and in Tunisia.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Implement OMCT’s Anti-Torture Programme in relation to Latin America, including shadow reporting to the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT), advocacy and follow-up activities.

· Design, plan, organise and carry out fact-finding and advocacy missions, roundtables, capacity building activities, in coordination with OMCT’s network members and other local partners.

· Support the Director of OMCT’s Anti-torture Programme in organising, coordinating, and moderating NGO briefings before the UNCAT.

· Support civil society organisations (CSOs), in particular SOS-Torture Network members and anti-torture coalitions, in their engagement with the UNCAT, as well as in their engagement with other UN bodies such as the Human Rights Committee, the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review, and the special procedure mandate-holders, including through the drafting or editing of reports, statements, and submissions.

· Implement OMCT’s project on strengthening and sustaining civil society action improving the safety of people deprived of liberty in relation to Latin America.

· Maintain relations and respond to requests from SOS-Torture Network members and domestic anti-torture CSOs or coalitions from Latin America calling on OMCT’s intervention or assistance with regards to case and thematic advocacy and legal support in areas relevant to OMCT’s mandate (e.g., through press releases, letters to authorities, briefing papers).

· Assist members of the Latin America Anti-Torture Litigators’ Group (Grupo de Litigantes Contra la Tortura de América Latina) in developing domestic and international litigation strategies, as well as plan and coordinate online and in-person meetings in the framework of the mentioned group.

· Represent the OMCT at national and international forums.

· Draft donor and activity reports and be responsible for the execution of project activities and budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

· University degree in human rights, international relations, law, political science, or related field, and a related master’s or postgraduate degree an asset.

· A minimum of five years relevant work experience in human rights, project implementation and reporting at the national and/or at international level, preferably with civil society organisations.

· Previous relevant work experience in or on Latin America or advanced knowledge of the situation of human rights in the region.

· Solid knowledge and/or experience in the defence and promotion of international standards related to the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment is a strong asset.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

· Excellent knowledge of international human rights law, and demonstrated knowledge of the UN procedures and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights;

· Excellent drafting and editing skills, past experience working on civil society reports to international human rights mechanisms or human rights and advocacy reports an asset;

· Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to adapt to multidisciplinary work in a multicultural team;

· Good interpersonal and communication skills;

· Excellent oral and written Spanish and English;

· Good social media knowledge and skills are an asset, as are experience in project management and reporting.

This vacancy is archived.

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