Switzerland: Programme manager

General Information

Position: Programme Manager for the Pre-sessions Programme

Tentative starting date: 1^st June 2017

Duration: Indefinite

Type of contract: Permanent contract

Salary: CHF 5’500 / month

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Deadline to apply: Sunday 9 April 2017

UPR Info and the UPR Info’s Pre-sessions

UPR Info is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) created in 2008 with the vision to make the UPR an effective mechanism to improve human rights on the ground. Our mission is to promote and strengthen the UPR by raising awareness, providing capacity-building tools, and bridging the different actors of the UPR process in order to ensure the universal advancement of human rights.

UPR Info’s is headquartered in Geneva with a regional Africa office in Nairobi.

UPR Info has five programmes: 1/ Support CSO engagement in the UPR process: We provide information, analyses, explanations, and learning tools to NGOs through our website. 2/ In-country: We offer assistance to States and CSOs to implement the UPR recommendations. 3/ Pre-sessions: We organise meetings in Geneva between Permanent Missions and CSOs to provide a platform to civil society to brief States on the human rights situation in countries. 4/ Enhancing States’ capacities: We provide tools and information to States to maximize their participation in the UPR. 5/ Strengthening the UPR process: We monitor the UPR modalities and engage with key actors to draw the attention of the international community to the evolution of practices and worrying patterns.

UPR Info is a small NGO, with the advantages and constraints attached. Every staff member plays an important role and carries responsibilities. Dedication is key as it greatly impacts the work of the organisation. It is therefore necessary to embrace the vision and goals of the organisation and fully commit to its success.

The Pre-sessions were introduced in 2012, at the beginning of the second cycle of the UPR. UPR Info saw that the formal UPR structure limited the extent to which civil society could engage dynamically with the process, and therefore decided to introduce the Pre-sessions with a dual aim. Firstly, the Pre-sessions offered civil society an international platform to directly advocate to State delegations ahead of the UPR session; and secondly to facilitate diplomatic delegations to ascertain information on countries’ human rights landscapes. Throughout the second cycle of the UPR covering sessions 13 to 26, the Pre-sessions have brought together over 700 civil society organisations (CSOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). UPR Info has hosted Pre-sessions on 149 countries to date. The Pre-sessions is the largest human rights advocacy platform giving voice to national actors in the world.

Responsibilities and duties

· Manage the "Pre-sessions" Programme, including the organisation of “pre-session meetings” and all activities directly and indirectly related thereto;

· Coordinate the Programme with all other interlinked UPR Info’s activities;

· Hold trainings for human rights defenders and make presentations about the UPR process;

· Draft operational and activities reports;

· Engage in fundraising activities;

· Hire and manage interns;

· Assist the Executive Director when necessary.

What we offer

· An international environment, with constant interaction with human rights defenders from all corners of the world;

· Lead of a unique and successful project putting civil society at the centre of the human rights international system;

· First-hand experience in the work and functioning of a small NGO;

· Deep involvement in the United Nations human rights system;

· Challenging work in a growing NGO.

Qualifications and criteria

Education

• Masters’ degree in international law, human rights, international relations, development, social sciences or other relevant academic field.

Experience

• 3 years work experience in the field of human rights;
• 2 years work experience in project management;
• Excellent knowledge of the UPR and the UN Human Rights Council;

• Previous experience in an NGO will be considered an asset;

• Previous experience with the UPR will be considered an asset.

Languages

· Native French speaker (Only candidates with French as their mother tongue will be considered);

· Fluent in written and spoken English;

· Knowledge of Spanish will be considered an asset.

Skills

· Excellent programme/ project management skills, including familiarity with budgeting ;

· Pro-active person, self-motivated, positive attitude, strategic thinking and multi-tasking ability;

· Curiosity and capacity to contribute to the development of the NGO; it is expected that the candidate will be able to go beyond the scope of her/his assignment;

· Ability to work flexibly, under tight timelines and on multiple agendas simultaneously;

· Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision;

· Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;

· Good communication and public presentation skills;

· Service-oriented and strong interpersonal skills;

· Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, good networking and advocacy skills with various stakeholders (government officials, diplomats, NGOs, NHRIs, media, etc.);

· Good computer skills, especially Excel;

· Sense of humour, as the office is small.

Permit

· Valid Swiss work permit, due to time constraints, will be an asset.

Please send your CV (2 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page maximum) by Sunday 9 April 2017 to jobs@upr-info.org. Only full applications in compliance with this procedure and with the qualifications and criteria will be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please no emails or phone calls.

UPR Info is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.