International Relations and Program Development Officer

ICHR Vacancy : International Relations and Program Development Officer
Duty Station: Ramallah/West Bank

Background
The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) is the Palestinian national institution for Human Rights.

It has been established by Presidential Decree No. 59 in 1993 and has international full accreditation as a national institution in accordance with 1993 Paris Principles of National Institutions. ICHR has been accredited an “A” Status by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (ICC). ICHR is a Palestinian state institution, but it is politically, administratively and economically independent from Palestinian National Authority. The primary role of ICHR is to work as an independent body monitoring how Palestinian state institutions comply with their human rights obligations, and incessantly work to improve how authorities safeguard and promote the human rights of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

ICHR’s mission is the following: in its capacity as a national human rights institution that aims at safeguarding and promoting human rights in accordance with the Palestinian Basic Law and the international principles of human rights, ICHR observes the extent to which the Palestinian National Authority adheres to these principles through monitoring and documenting violations; handling complaints and following up on them; litigation; reviewing legislations to ensure compliance with international standards; propagating a culture of human rights through awareness raising and training so as it becomes inseparable of the value system of the Palestinian culture, all through effective, efficient and sustainable programs.

Job Purpose:
ICHR is seeking a candidate for the vacant post of International Relations and Program Development Officer, starting 1 August 2011, to communicate at the international level with organizations relevant to the work of ICHR, and to carry out reporting and proposal writing and communications with ICHR’s Donors Consortium.


Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the International Relations and Program Development Officer is responsible for the following tasks:

-Networking and communications with regional and international human rights institutions, including the follow up of training and capacity building opportunities for ICHR staff.
-Develop relations with international/English speaking media agencies .
-Develop ICHR's English website, and help organize media campaigns on specific topics in cooperation with the Media and Public Relations Officer.
-Regularly update and maintain ICHR mailing list and Social Network pages with ICHR news and reports on human rights issues.
-Ensure and -where applicable- participate in international meetings and conventions, such as annual meetings of National Human Rights Institutions on the regional or international levels (including taking minutes of the meetings).
-Brief visiting delegations on the human rights situation in Palestine and attend lectures and meetings and undertake communications with foreign organizations in Palestine.
-Facilitate communications with ICHR’s Donors’ Consortium, attend meetings with the Donors’ Consortium and take minutes of the meetings.
-Produce general progress reports (semi-annual narrative reports, annual narrative reports) and annual work plans related to the work of ICHR.
-Actively participate in strategic planning and evaluation of ICHR’s programs in the field of human rights and contribute to the process of preparation of relevant documents.
-Review and edit press releases, memorandums, monthly human rights reports, special reports, legal reports and other reports disseminated in English that have been translated from Arabic
-Other tasks relevant to the position as asked by the Executive Director

Qualifications
-At least a BA degree in international relations, law/human rights, communication, social sciences or other relevant field.
-Proficiency in English and Arabic (Reading, speaking and writing).
-At least 3 years professional experience in international relations or similar field (previous experience with NGOs especially human rights organizations is an asset).
-Excellent communication skills.
-Good command of Microsoft Office
-Good knowledge of the Internet and social networking pages
-Ability to work under pressure and to work in team spirit.
-Strong Conviction in human rights principles and sensitivity to gender issues.

How to apply
Interested applicants are requested e-mail the following documents to ICHR’s office by using the following e-mail address:

-Curriculum Vitae
-Cover letter stating the reasons why you think you are qualified for this post and why you would like to work for ICHR.

Closing date for applications: 26 July 2012
Applications from Men and Women will be considered equally