TITLE AND GRADE:            Human Rights Specialists – P-3

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:     Long term (one year)

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:     Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

DUTY STATION:                 Washington, D.C.

Vacancy Announcement:    VA/108/06

DATE OF PUBLICATION:     09/26/06

CLOSING DATE:                 10/24/06

BASIC SALARY:
Starting:

US$ 52,654.00 (net of taxes) with dependents
US$ 49,149.00 (net of taxes) without dependents

POST ADJUSTMENT:
Starting:

US$ 24,063.00 (net of taxes) with dependents
US$ 22,461.00 (net of taxes) without dependents

Duties and Responsibilities:

Processing before the Commission - Manages a human rights portfolio of assigned countries and is responsible for the preparation of case and country files and, in particular, of the individual petition procedure governed by the inter-American human rights instruments. Ascertains whether there has been a prima facie violation, whether legal remedies have been exhausted under domestic law, whether the application satisfies the requisites of admissibility under the governing instruments, and whether a friendly settlement of the matter is possible. Conducts legal research and prepares studies. Selects and coordinates human rights cases that are to be presented to the Commission for hearings, drafting case reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations for Commission review. Explains findings of fact or legal reasoning and incorporates changes made by the Commission. Presents precautionary measures in collaboration with the Rapporteur for approval by the Chairman of the Commission in those cases where the victim is in danger of suffering irreparable harm.

Processing before the Court - In cooperation with the Rapporteur, prepares requests for provisional measures before the Court. Prepares arguments, gathers evidence for hearings, and prepares periodic reports on the status of measures. Prepares and presents the full range of human rights violation cases to the Court. Works closely in contentious cases with the representatives of the victim and the Rapporteur in preparing litigation strategy, in drafting the complaint to the Court and the subsequent legal submissions, collecting evidence, preparing witnesses, and partaking in the presentation of arguments and testimony before the Court.

General Responsibilities - Monitors the political and overall human rights situation in the member states assigned and advises the members of the Commission and the Executive Secretary of developments in these countries. Plans, prepares, and, organizes special missions with Commission members or the Executive Secretary/Assistant Executive Secretary to the assigned States to investigate individual cases, advance friendly settlements, carry out promotional activities, and prepare for on-site visits. Plans, prepares and organizes on-site visits to States assigned, drafting the program of activities and organizing the logistical arrangements. Schedules meetings between the Commission and high level government officials, and visits to non-governmental and other organizations, prisons, detention centers, and courts. Briefs Commission members attending on the purpose and issues of each meeting; attends the meetings; gathers required information, receives petitions for persons wishing to denounce human rights violations; and in close collaboration with the Rapporteur, prepares press communiques and draft reports on the visit. Provides advisory services to OAS member state representatives and other government officials on the status of pending cases, the functioning of the human rights systems and the jurisdiction of the Commission and the Court; the interpretation of the rules governing the examination of individual cases; the international undertakings of the State in light of the inter-American and other instruments.

1.  Law degree issued by a dully accredited university. 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 seven.
 

2.  Four years of combined national/international experience in juridical work and social research; familiarity with human rights, judicial and socio-political issues in member countries.
 

3.  Excellent command of English and Spanish. Working knowledge of French and Portuguese desirable.
 

4.  Sound knowledge of international and national law and human rights policies, necessary to produce reports that include value judgments and recommendations to Governments and international bodies.
 

5.  Broad knowledge of International Law of Human Rights and domestic law of OAS member countries.
 

6.  Skill in researching juridical and social issues, and preparing in prompt fashion actions, opinions and recommendations.
 

7.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills in order to present highly delicate reports and legal arguments. Ability to communicate successfully with people of all social and educational levels.

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