Myanmar: National Human Rights Officer, Myanmar

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.

We are seeking to recruit a National Human Rights Officer who will work with Myanmar lawyers and civil society to use laws and legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights. This is a national position for persons from Myanmar.

The ideal candidate is a human rights lawyer, researcher or activist with knowledge of international human rights law and human rights advocacy, and an understanding of the history, politics and legal system in Myanmar.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the International Legal Adviser, the Human Rights Officer has the following responsibilities:

· Implement all aspects of the ICJ’s Myanmar programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including conducting field research into human rights issues related to law and justice;

· Writing, contributing to and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers,

· Helping to prepare training materials and participating in training and capacity building exercises; trial observations; and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions.

· Support the networking and human rights advocacy capacities of Myanmar lawyers and civil society and human rights defenders through organising and facilitating learning events, including workshops and mentoring visits, in Yangon as well as in the states and regions.

· Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments in Myanmar, including monitoring law reform initiatives.

· Work with the team in Myanmar to develop proposals and preparing reports for donors.

· Represent the ICJ externally, develop and maintain relations with governments, donors, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and the judicial, legal and human rights communities, prepare press releases, deliver public speeches and otherwise raise the public profile of the ICJ.

· Implement strategies to strengthen, inform and mobilize the ICJ Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ;

· Actively maintain supportive working relations and seek opportunities for joint work with the staff of other regional and international programmes.

· Work with the team in Myanmar to develop proposals and preparing reports for donors.

· Assist in any other task assigned by the Asia & Pacific Regional Director and the Senior International Programme Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate for this national staff position in Myanmar will have:

Education & Experience

· Degree in Human Rights, Public Policy, Development, law or other relevant field.

· An advanced degree in human rights, international human rights law or international business law is desirable.

· Three to five years progressive relevant experience working on human rights issues in Myanmar;

· Experience in managing human rights or development programmes is desirable;

· Demonstrated commitment to human rights and rule of law.

Skills required

· Fluency in English (written and spoken) is preferred, but not essential. A practical working knowledge of English is required. Fluency in Burmese is required. Knowledge of any other language used in Myanmar is desirable.

· Knowledge of human rights concepts and international human rights law;

· Strong analytical skills; communication, planning and organizational skills;

· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team;

· Openness and flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs;

· Teamwork and interpersonal skills;

· Openness and flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs.

The ICJ is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary package.

APPLICATIONS close on January 28, 2018. But early applications will be considered.

The application must include a cover letter, resume and names of at least 2 references, sent to:

By email: asia-recruitment@icj.org

Reference: National Human Rights Officer, Myanmar

For enquiries, please contact:

Sean Bain, International Legal Adviser, via sean.bain@icj.org