Duties and responsibilities:

Within limits of authority delegated by the Assistant Executive Secretary and under the direct supervision of the Section Coordinator:

 

• Provide support for thematic Rapporteurships, including contributing to the design and follow-up of projects; organization and participation in working visits and promotional activities; specialized advice and inputs for the preparation of thematic reports.

• Research and collect information on the political, legal, and human rights situation in the OAS Member States, from a variety of data sources to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up to date information.

• Assist in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area.

• Provide input for various reports, communications, briefings, memos, statements, including to policymaking bodies. Among them, the IACHR Annual Report, the Executive Secretary's reports, inputs to General Secretariat reports, Summits of the Americas, and reports to donor agencies.

• Provide support in IACHR’s sessions in which section reports are discussed and in public hearings.

• Upon planning carried out by the Section Coordinator, research and compile information for country and thematic reports on selected issues.

• Develop content for project formulation for presentation to potential donors and provide reports on current project's performance and outputs completion.

• Upon request by the Section Coordinator, participate in meetings, conferences, and other academic or promotional activities.

• Draft a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, including serving as a substitute or providing operational backstopping for team members, as required.

WITHIN A MONITORING SECTION:

 

• Organize, coordinate and participate in on-site visits conducted by the Commission; develop a draft program of activities; manage logistical arrangements; facilitate meetings between Commission members and Government officials, representatives of local non-governmental organizations and other groups, such as alleged victims and their relatives, and draft reports and recommendations for publication after Commission approval.

• Keep abreast of current human rights issues, including relevant political and legal developments in the Member States. This includes contacting and maintaining sources, collecting and reviewing information, coordinating public hearings before the Commission, and consulting with the Commission’s Rapporteur. Prepare special reports on human rights in the Member States assigned and on selected human rights issues. It requires the gathering and evaluation of data from a wide range of sources, legal research and analysis, and the drafting of reports for publication, according to Commission approval.

• Draft, within the target timeframes established by the Section Coordinator, press releases and other statements on human rights issues.

• Support the organization of on-site visits and provide input for country and thematic reports concerning the Member States assigned to the section.

• Provide support on the legal drafting for monitoring products.

• Participate in the preparation of activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, in particular on monitoring, supporting the documentation of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in assigned region or country.

• Provide support for research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.

• Compile human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.

qualifications:

 

Education & Experience:  
 

Essential: Juris Doctor or First University Degree (Bachelor’s) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related field issued by a duly accredited institution and 4 years of relevant experience in similar positions at the national and/or international level OR Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in one of the fields listed above OR in international law or human rights and 2 years of relevant experience.  

Desirable:  Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandates and priorities as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system.

Languages:

 

Essential – Proficient in at least two of the official languages of the OAS (read, write and communicate).

Desirable – Working knowledge of other two OAS official languages.

Personal Competencies: Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills.  Ability to clearly communicate in the languages required for the post.

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.

Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65.