A PROGRAMME OFFICER IN THE EUROPE OFFICE – PERMANENT CONTRACT

BACKROUND

The FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights) is an international human rights NGO. Since 1922, it has been committed to defending all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As the transformation of societies is first and foremost the responsibility of local actors, its activities aim to strengthen their capacity for action and their influence.

The FIDH federates 188 national human rights associations active in 116 countries.

The International Secretariat, which carries out the FIDH’s missions on a daily basis, is made up of an international team of 70 employees based at the head office in Paris and in other offices (Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands), as well as consultants working on various programmes on an ad hoc basis. It is organised into an Operations and Programmes Department and an Advocacy Department, as well as Support Departments (Communications, Finance, Fundraising, Human Resources, etc.).

We are recruiting : A PROGRAMME OFFICER IN THE EUROPE OFFICE – PERMANENT CONTRACT

MISSIONS

As part of the Operations and Programmes Department and reporting to the Head of the Europe Office, the Programme officer’s main tasks will be to :

• Conduct desk and field research and draft reports, briefing notes, policy papers and other written materials, including advocacy letters, public statements, press releases, etc., in cooperation with other FIDH desks and departments, FIDH international board members, member and partner organisations.
• Keep abreast of relevant political, legal and institutional developments in the region and advise the Programme’s director ans team, other FIDH staff and member organisations, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of advocacy strategies targeting the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe (CoE), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations (UN) and their member states.
• Establish and maintain relationships with EU, CoE, UN and Member States representatives, as well as with other civil society actors at the national and international level.
• Represent the FIDH at public conferences, meetings and events, as well as with funders and the media.
• Liaise and coordinate with other FIDH desks and departments, including other geographic and thematic desks, communications, finances and delegations to to international organisations, and with FIDH international Board, member and and partner organisations.
• Contributes to the design and implementation of communication strategies and activities, including the drafting of press releases, articles, op-eds, contributing to media work and to communication and social media actions and acmpaigns, in cooperation with the FIDH’s Communication Department.
• Contribute to monitoring progress and results and evaluating the impact of activities, and assisting in complying with funding obligations, including project reporting and evaluation.
• Deliver timely and consistently with strategies and priorities and contribute to internal discussions on strategic planning and implentation at both the regional and at the global levels.

PROFILE

• A minimum of two years work experience in the field of human rights with an NGO, an international organisation, a government, an academic institution or research centre,
• A master degree in law, political sciences, international relations or EU affairs,
• In-depth understanding of human rights issues and the political context in Europe,
• Sound knowledge of international and European law, especially EU law, institutions and policies and of regional and international human rights protection mechanisms,
• Experience in conducting research and documentation on human rights issues (experience in human rights field research would be an asset),
• Advocacy and/or campaigning experience at the EU, CoE, UN or member state level,
• Previous experience working in NGOs, particularly with large NGO networks at the national or international level.

Skills (know-how, interpersonal skills)

• Proficiency in English (oral and written) and an at least an intermediary level of French,
• Ability to think strategically and implement successful strategies for policy change,
• Excellent writing skills and attention to details
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage competing demands, prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively in a multicultural team, showing tact and cultural sensitivity,
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice,
• Experience in communication for policy and/or social change,
• Knowledge of other European languages (especially Spanish, German and/or other central European languages).

You are in total agreement with the values at work in the FIDH International Secretariat (professionalism, respect, commitment, equality, integrity, participation, audacity), as well as with FIDH’s fight to defend the human rights of everyone, everywhere in the world, as set out in its Articles of Association and in its publications, which can be accessed on its website: www.fidh.org.

FIDH is committed to diversity and equality, and does not discriminate in its recruitment practices on the basis of race, religion, age, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, state of health or any other grounds protected by French and international human rights law.

For people with disabilities, we ask you to indicate in your covering letter any adaptations that would be useful to enable you to take part in the recruitment process in the best possible way.

Conditions

• Permanent contract, full-time (39h/semaine)

• Position preferably based in Brussels or at FIDH headquarters (Paris 11e) with the possibility of teleworking

• Gross annual remuneration :

  – For a position based in Paris from €37,000 (including 13th month bonus) depending on experience

  – For a position based in Brussels from €44,000 depending on experience

• Supplementary health insurance and luncheon vouchers

• Sustainable mobility package for commuting to and from work

• Holiday and RTT: 25 days paid holiday per year worked, 24 days RTT per year.

Position to be filled: 1 September 2024