Freedom of Expression
Call for Résumés (IACHR/ RELE)
Call for Résumés (IACHR/ RELE)
COMMUNICATOR/PRESS COORDINATOR (P1)
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is issuing a call to highly dedicated journalists and social communicators who are interested in working in human rights and freedom of expression to work for the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression ("the Office of the Special Rapporteur"). They would be assisting in carrying out the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, which includes preparing thematic studies, carrying out visits, giving courses and workshops in different parts of the region to disseminate the standards of the inter-American system on the subject, and coming in direct contact with freedom of expression issues in the different countries of the region. The mandate also includes daily monitoring of the situation of freedom of expression in the region and drafting the corresponding reports.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression was created in October of 1997 as a permanent, functionally independent office, with its own operating structure. Its purpose is to foster the defense, guarantee, and promotion of freedom of expression and information in the hemisphere. In March of 1998, the office’s general characteristics and functions were established and a voluntary economic assistance fund was established on its behalf. Its operations and mandate depend exclusively on the external funding processed through the Office of the Special Rapporteur.
Basic information on the job posting
Date of publication: April 14, 2010
Expiration date: May 10, 2010
Selection date: May 14, 2010
Start date: Between June 1 and June 15, 2010
Position duration: Six months
The contract could be renewed subject to satisfactory job performance and funding availability.
Salary: Competitive salary according to required experience and responsibilities to be assigned, and according to the salaries in force at the OAS for P-1 professionals.
Location: Offices of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, IACHR headquarters, Executive Secretariat of the OAS,
Duties and expected results
1) Advise the Special Rapporteur on what would be the office’s most effective media strategy and participate in carrying out that strategy.
2) Maintain a current, updated contact list for distributing press releases and information produced by the Office of the Special Rapporteur and build a distribution list for speeding up the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s communications.
3) On a weekly basis, collect, organize and verify all alerts on situations that affect freedom of expression in the countries of the region and record the duly documented facts so they can be included in the annual report.
4) Verify the sources of alerts using objective and trustworthy sources to determine the veracity of the facts. Establish the seriousness and urgency of the situation. Verify it in each country with primary sources and collect information relevant to the situation. Inform the Special Rapporteur on the facts and the information collected in order to determine the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s position.
5) Prepare and disseminate communication with the states and the public according to the instructions of the Special Rapporteur.
6) Accompany the Special Rapporteur on official visits and record the facts presented to the Special Rapporteur, collaborate in the preparation of press releases, and support the Special Rapporteur in carrying out the visit’s activities.
7) Participate in the design and carrying out of physical or virtual seminars for training NGOs, journalists and media outlets, attorneys, public servants, and the system’s other important players.
8) Participate in the preparation of thematic reports, regional reports, and the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s annual report.
9) Work together with the other members of the team in the punctual completion and effective execution of the Office of the Special Rapporteur’s plan.
10) Assist the Special Rapporteur in all her activities.
Minimum requirements:
Be a citizen of an OAS member state.
1. Education
Professional studies, a specialization, or a Master’s degree in journalism or social communication will receive special consideration.
Specialized or Master’s-level studies in law, human rights, international law, political science, or similar will receive special consideration.
2. Experience
At least two years of journalism experience
Special consideration will be given to direct experience in monitoring the freedom of the press or freedom of expression, preparation of research or analysis, or research directly related to freedom of expression.
3. Languages
Fluent English and Spanish are required. Knowledge of French and Portuguese will receive special consideration.
4. Other special abilities and skills
Excellent oral and written communication in Spanish and English. Capacity to appreciate the implications and impact of your work on individual cases, reports, and statements. Capacity for development in situations that require teamwork. Cordial and respectful interpersonal relationships.
Documents necessary to apply
1. Cover letter
2. Up to day curriculum vitae
3. Photocopy of diploma(s)
4. Documentation allowing for the verification of work experience
5. Copies of press releases drafted on the topic of freedom of expression.
6. A document or report authored by the applicant (10 to 20 pages), in English, that has not been edited by a third party.
7. A document or report authored by the applicant in Spanish that has not been edited by a third party.
8. Contact information (name, position, address, telephone, and e-mail) for the last three individuals who acted as professional or academic supervisors.
The documents can be sent by e-mail to the following address: fcastro@oas.org