North Africa: Assistant Programme Officer - ICJ

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
March 2007
Assistant Programme Officer for the Middle East and North Africa

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. The ICJ's International Secretariat in Geneva is recruiting an Assistant Programme Officer to support its rule of law and human rights advocacy work in the Middle East and North Africa, especially relating to the independence of judges and lawyers, the administration of justice and the impact of counter-terrorism and national security measures. The ICJ places special focus on continuing to build its presence and network in the region and supporting judges and lawyers active on human rights issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Legal Officer for MENA (until such time as a Director for MENA is appointed), the Assistant Programme Officer for the Middle East and North Africa has the following responsibilities:

- Monitor the human rights and rule of law situation in selected countries in the region, with particular focus on the justice systems and other ICJ programme priorities. Monitor, research and compile background information on legal and political developments relevant to the Programme, at the national, international and regional levels;
-Assist in the development and implementation of innovative advocacy strategies and legal interventions on relevant countries in the region, including through public reports and events, trial observations, media work and field missions;
- Support the ICJ's advocacy work on issues related to the Middle East and North Africa at the United Nations and at other international and regional expert and intergovernmental fora;
- Strengthen, inform and mobilise the regional ICJ network composed of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organisations, in support of the organisation's advocacy strategies in the Middle East and North Africa;
- Identify, establish and maintain effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant international, regional and national human rights organisations with the aim of developing networks, alliances or coalitions where useful;
- Assist in the identification and maintenance of appropriate contacts with donors in the region. Assist in the drafting of project and programme proposals and budgets;
- Assist in the management and implementation of specific projects and programmes in the region, including: monitoring progress and assisting in the preparation of regular financial and narrative reports;
- Carry out other administrative and organisational tasks associated with the Programme.

QUALIFICATIONS The successful applicant will have:

At least one year of experience in the human rights or humanitarian/development field in the region.

A degree in international relations, political science, social sciences, law or a related field.

Demonstrated commitment to human rights.

Fluent written and spoken Arabic, English and Hebrew essential. Working knowledge of French an asset.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work to deadlines in a multi-cultural environment.

The ICJ encourages applicants from the Middle East and North Africa and from the ICJ network. Female applicants are also particularly encouraged.

APPLICATIONS close on 30 March 2007 and should be addressed with your resume and the names and contact details of at least two referees to: Ref: Assistant Programme Officer - MENA.

By email: [email][email protected] Or by post: International Commission of Jurists, P.O. Box 91, 33 rue des Bains, 1211 Geneva 8 Switzerland Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No calls please.