TITLE AND GRADE:            Human Rights Specialist – P-2

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:     Long term (one year)

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:     Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

DUTY STATION:                 Washington, D.C.

Vacancy Announcement:    VA/107/06

DATE OF PUBLICATION:     09/26/06

CLOSING DATE:                 10/24/06

BASIC SALARY:
Starting:

US$ 43,655.00 (net of taxes) with dependents
US$ 40,947.00 (net of taxes) without dependents

POST ADJUSTMENT:
Starting:

US$ 19,950.00 (net of taxes) with dependents
US$ 18,713.00 (net of taxes) without dependents

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Implements the individual petition system governed by the Inter-American human rights instruments, initially assessing the admissibility of complaints received against member states assigned and applying the relevant procedures. Requests information from the parties to fully develop the claims, manages case correspondence, conducts legal research, analyzes claims according to the systemic norms, coordinates case hearings, drafts case reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations for Commission review. Reports approved are either prepared for publication or for presentation as cases before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

2.  Participates 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.

3.  Organizes, coordinates, and participates in on-site visits conducted by the Commission: develops a draft program of activities; manages logistical arrangements; facilitates meetings between Commission members and Government officials, representatives of local non-governmental organizations, and other groups, such as alleged victims and their relatives; drafts reports and recommendations for publication pending Commission approval.

4.  Monitors the overall situation of human rights in the member states assigned. This includes contacting and maintaining sources, collecting and reviewing information, coordinating general hearings before the Commission, and consulting with the Commission Rapporteur. Prepares special reports on the situation of human rights in member states assigned and on selected human rights issues. This requires the gathering and evaluation of data from a wide range of sources, legal research and analysis, and the drafting of reports for publication, pursuant to Commission approval.

5.   Advises 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. Provides 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.

6.  Engages in promotional activities such as seminars and conferences on human rights issues.

7.   Perform other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:
 

1.  Law degree from a recognized university, and membership in a licensing bar association. If the candidate’s law degree is the first degree and was earned in a program requiring less than five years of full-time study and not requiring a thesis, the number of years of experience in the full-time practice of law is four.

2.  Two years of experience in the field of international public law, preferably in the area of human rights is required. A specialized higher-level degree, such as a master’s degree in international public law or human rights, may be substituted for two years of experience.

3.  Ability to speak, read, and write English and Spanish. Familiarity with French and Portuguese is desirable

4.  Knowledge of the principles and theories of international public law and human rights law is required.

5.  Sound knowledge of one, and considerable knowledge of the other two of the following legal systems is necessary: Latin American, the Caribbean and North America. Familiarity with regional human rights systems, particularly the inter-American system and its processes.

6.  Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly with respect to the ability to draft legal documents and reports, as well as excellent analytic and interpretative abilities.

7.  Must be able to work in a team environment, under pressure, and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

8.  Knowledge of and practical experience in the use of contemporary office word processing technology to perform own work.

Please read carefully the  Guidelines for Applying for Employment with the Organization of American States and Application Form.