Human Rights/ Good Governance Junior Officers (5 positions)

Human Rights/ Good Governance Junior Officers (5 positions)

Location: Office of the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice, Dili, Timor Leste

Reports to: Directors Human Rights/ Good Governance Directorates

Focal Point: Monitoring Department Chiefs, PDHJ technical mentor

Period of the position: October 2014 – December 2014 (total of 3 months with possibility of extension)

Languages (essential) : English

Languages (advantage): Tetum, Portuguese

Total budget for position: Salary of $1,500 - $2,000 per month plus travel costs

Organisational Background

The Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) is Timor-Leste's NHRI and Good Governance Ombudsman. Within these areas the PDHJ undertakes three main activities:

• Education and Promotion
• Monitoring, Prevention of Violations and Advocacy
• Investigation of complaints and Investigation of complaints on its own initiative

For further information on the PDHJ please see www.pdhj.info or www.pdhj.tl

Key Functions

The PDHJ is looking to recruit 5 junior officers to assist the Human Rights Department of Monitoring and Advocacy DMA) and the Good Governance Department of Monitoring and Prevention (DMP). Each of these officers will be working directly with either one or two national counterparts to produce work in one of the following areas:

1. Analysis and report on actions taken by the State of Timor-Leste with regards the Convention against Torture and Timor-Leste's response to recommendations coming from the CAT Committee
2. Analysis and report on actions taken by the State of Timor-Leste with regards the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and Timor-Leste's response to recommendations coming from the CEDAW Committee
3. Analysis and report on actions taken by the State of Timor-Leste with regards the Convention on the Rights of the Child and response to recommendations coming from the Committee on the Rights of the Child
4. Analysis and creation of a draft report and action plan on Timor-Leste's human rights obligations as part of the Universal Periodic Review Process
5. Analysis and report on one good governance issue in Timor-Leste to be decided (must speak Portuguese for this position).

The Junior officer will be based in Dili, and requiring some travels to the districts. He/she must observe total confidentiality regarding information obtained in the performance of his/her duties.

Job Ouputs

Each of the tasks outlined above will require work in the following areas:

· Desk review of documents related to monitoring issue

· Legal analysis of the State's efforts to meet their treaty/legal obligations

· Analysis of the programmes, policies and procedures implemented by the state in the area of concern

· Creation of structural, process and results based indicators to measure Timor-Leste's progress (these indicators are based on the OHCHR's Handbook Human Rights Indicators a guide to measurement and Implementation)

· Possible some Field work to undertake perception surveys

· Drafting and editing of a report on the issue

· Presentation of the report to key Ministries in Timor-Leste

· Possible travel to Geneva to participate in reviews held there

Training can be given to the Junior Monitors in the fields of Indicators, undertaking surveys and undertaking desk research if required.

Competencies required

· Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills

· Excellent interpersonal, intercultural and networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;

· Cross-cultural experience and sensitivity;

· Commitment to the principle of independence and confidentiality of the PDHJ;

· Ability to work effectively under pressure;

Ability of meet strict deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

· Bachelors degree in Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Public Administration and 2 years work experience in a work area related to legal or policy research and analysis, the international human rights system, NHRI's or Ombudsmen

or

· Masters Degree in Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Public Administration or a related field

· In depth knowledge of human rights or administrative law

The following would be an advantage to those applying for the post:

· Previous experience in an NHRI/ Ombudsman's office

· Direct Experience in providing capacity development support

· Capacity to explain complex topics in a simple and systematic manner

· Experience in writing legal analysis or research documents

· Ability to work on their own initiative with limited supervision

Language requirements

· Excellent English is essential

Knowledge of Tetun and Portuguese is a clear advantage.

Conditions and benefits

This selected person appointed to this position will be entitled to payment of monthly salary and a return ticket (most direct and economic) to-from his/her home country to Dili at the start and conclusion of the contract (if residing outside of Timor-Leste at the time of recruitment). No other financial benefits will be provided, the selected candidate is responsible for his/her own medical insurance cover as well as all living expenses in Dili, Timor-Leste. A Per Diem for travels to the districts will be provided, the value being at the same rate as the value paid to staff of PDHJ.

The selected candidates will participate in a one week Tetum language course upon arrival

The selected candidates will be given assistance in finding suitable accommodation upon arrival

The selected candidates are entitled to the following leave benefits as provided in the Public Servant Law: 1 day of annual leave for every month worked, certified medical leave and official Timorese holidays.

The PDHJ will provide necessary office space and computer with Internet connection for the duration of the assignment, at a similar standard as those of the PDHJ staff.

There is a possibility of contract extensions with better benefits if both the PDHJ and the Monitoring Officer agree to such after the initial 3 month period has passed

Both Timorese and international professionals are welcomed to apply. The PDHJ values diversity in its workforce.

How to apply:

*Those interested in this position can send an updated curriculum vitae (with list of references), an application letter and a writing sample torecruitmentpdhj@yahoo.comwith a cc toprovedoriatl@gmail.com. Only completed applications will be considered.

For further information on the positions please contact the PDHJ on provedoriatl@gmail.com

The PDHJ will only contact those shortlisted for an interview.

Applications can be submitted until the 3rd October 2014 – applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.