Legal Policy Officer – ENNHRI

Background

The European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) comprises National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across wider Europe. NHRIs are state funded institutions, independent of government, with a broad legislative or constitutional mandate to promote and protect human rights. They are accredited by reference to the UN Paris Principles to ensure their independence, plurality, impartiality and effectiveness. ENNHRI is one of four regional groups of NHRIs, which together make up a global association of NHRIs.

In 2013, ENNHRI established a Permanent Secretariat, based in Brussels. The Secretariat supports and facilitates ENNHRI’s work, including: assisting in the establishment and accreditation of NHRIs; facilitating capacity building and training; coordinating exchange of information and best practice between members; engaging with regional mechanisms; and intervening on legal and policy developments at a European level. ENNHRI’s Secretariat is still in the process of institution building.

In the context of a Framework Partnership with the European Commission (DG JUST), ENNHRI seeks a Legal Policy Officer to develop the work of the Secretariat office.

Job Description

• Research and analyse European law and policy developments relevant to ENNHRI and its Working Groups;
• Coordinate ENNHRI’s Working Groups, including support for planning meetings, trainings and seminars;
• Support ENNHRI’s and NHRIs’ engagement in European level processes;
• Support planning and preparation of annual NHRI Academy;
• Support preparation for ENNHRI’s governance meetings;
• Support planning for annual General Assembly seminars;
• Any other reasonable duties as required by the ENNHRI Secretariat, in line with the general responsibility of the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A relevant undergraduate degree
• At least four years’ relevant professional experience in relation to human rights
• Experience and understanding of European human rights mechanisms
• Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise work and manage conflicting deadlines
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, on own initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including in English
• Competent computer skills
• Experience of working in an international environment

Desirable Criteria

• A relevant post-graduate degree
• Experience of working with NHRIs
• Excellent knowledge of EU law and policy processes
• Experience of working on at least one of the thematic areas covered by ENNHRI’s Working Groups
• Experience of organising or delivering training on human rights
• Experience of working for an international membership organisation
• Additional language skills

Location: Brussels, Belgium

The deadline for applications is 10H CET on 4 September 2015.

Read more and apply here.