Human Rights Officer, European External Action Service, Brussels, NORDEM

Contract

This is a Professional contract, Grade 9 (NRC) contract. More about Professional contract, Grade 9 (NRC) contracts.

NORCAP is recruiting a Human Rights Officer for secondment to the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, as a Seconded National Expert. The duration of the secondment is two years. The successful candidate will be under the direct supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Division within EEAS.

NORDEM is NORCAP`s programme on human rights democracy and peace. As part of its mandate, NORDEM seconds experts to the EU to help support democratization processes and assisting in establishing solid democratic and effective national institutions. NORDEM provides civilian experts to the EU’s capacity building missions and operations as well as national experts to the core EU institutions. N.B. This vacancy is open for Norwegian passport holders only

Role and responsibilities Within the EEAS, the role of the Human Rights Division is to contribute to the realisation of the EU Treaty commitment and political objective of promoting human rights, the rule of law and democracy towards third countries and in the multilateral framework. The division comprises of a highly motivated team of 20 staff members.

The division is responsible for:

• Mainstreaming human rights policy in EU external policies, in political dialogues with third countries and in country and regional strategies.
• Carrying forward a policy of outreach and dedicated human rights dialogues and consultations with third countries, with a view to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral level to improve human rights situations.
• Developing and supporting EU thematic strategies, including the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020 – 2024 and EU human rights guidelines with a view to addressing specific human rights concerns.
• Working closely with Member States in the Council, particularly the Working Group on Human Rights, as well as with the European Parliament, notably the Subcommittee on Human Rights, towards forging coherent EU policy positions on human rights in both bilateral relations with third countries and in multilateral fora.
• Maintaining close relations with civil society organisations and human rights defenders from the EU and third countries working in the field of human rights, with a view to strengthening civil society engagement.
• Programming financial assistance and support under the Human Rights and Democracy component of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation (NDICI) – Global Europe, as well as contributing to and participating in its implementation.

The Human Rights Officer will oversee relations with selected countries and support EU Delegations in the implementation of human rights policies. The Human Rights Officer will also contribute to defining EU’s objectives and priorities in multilateral fora.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the definition of EU policies on freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, racism and human rights aspects of migration, in close co-operation with other EEAS divisions, Commission services and EU Member States.
• Contribute to the drafting and coordination of initiatives in the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the UNGA 3rd Committee.
• Monitor human rights developments in selected third countries. Prepare and participate in dedicated human rights dialogues and consultations, with a view to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation aiming at improving the human rights situation.
• Maintain close relations with civil society organizations from the EU and third countries working in the field of human rights.
• Contribute to the overall implementation of the mandate of the EEAS Human Rights Division.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, International Public Law or related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
• Proven thematic knowledge and experience in the field of human rights.
• Knowledge of multilateral organisations in particular the UN, and knowledge of EU institutions, would be an asset.
• Experience in formulating and drafting policies and in preparing notes, reports and briefings, often at short notice.
• Fluent in English, both orally and in writing.

Communication skills

• Ability to communicate clearly on complex issues in an international diplomatic and multilingual environment.

Interpersonal skills

• Capacity to work in a team, to co-ordinate with an extensive number of co-workers in different services and to work in a multicultural environment.

Intellectual skills

• Solid analytical capability as well as drafting and reporting skills.
• Rapid grasp of problems and capacity to identify issues and solutions.
• Strong technical, political and analytical skills combined with sound political judgment.
• Capacity to perform with accuracy and in a flexible manner a diversity of tasks in a complex institutional environment.
• Creative, problem-solving thinking, versatile.

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 23 April 2023,11.59PM CET