Tactics and tools for the protection
of Human Rights Defenders

Position of Protection Desk Officer

Background

Protection Desk Uganda (PD-U) is calling for applications for the position of Protection Desk Officer. Protection Desks are a concept of Protection International (PI), an international organisation for human rights defenders based in Brussels. PD-U is run by PI in partnership with the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) based in Kampala, Uganda.

Human rights defenders (HRDs) work towards the protection of internationally recognized human rights, document violations and seek justice for victims. Their work greatly contributes towards the struggle against impunity and towards democracy and accountability. Despite international declarations and commitments by governments to respect their rights, human rights defenders continue to face intimidation, persecution, defamation as well as arbitrary arrest and physical mistreatment for their legitimate work.

The PD-U was established with the aim of providing ongoing and effective support to human rights defenders through building their capacity in security and protection management in order to ensure that those defenders can in turn offer greater protection to the victims and witnesses they work with. The Desk furthermore seeks to support the efforts by other stakeholders to mainstreaming defenders’ protection into the agenda of key stakeholders, notably relevant national authorities, national and international organisations and foreign governments. PD-U will furthermore complement EHAHRDP’s efforts in these areas on a sub-regional level.

The position requires candidates to fluently speak and write in French to be able to successfully carry out her/his assignments.

 

Key responsibilities:
 

• To work within the mandate of Protection Desk Uganda and follow the principles of impartiality and non- partisanship;
• To contribute to the development of the organisation security plan, update it and abide by it;
• To contribute to the development of a database relating to the risks faced by Human Rights Defenders (in particular to the security incidents);
• To develop security trainings sessions and to propose adaptations of PI’s Security Training Manual for Human Rights Defenders according to specific requirements of local, national and regional context;
• To report on training sessions (including on their evaluation and to propose any recommendation on possible adaptations);
• To analyse the situation of HRDs and HROs at risk in Uganda and other sub regional countries covered by the project and provide security advice;
• To assess training needs among target groups and identify areas of advocacy within the mandate of the Desk;
• To contribute to the development of advocacy activities and documents in coordination with the PI Representative;
• To liaise with EHAHRDP and other regional, national and/or local HRDs organisations with a view to establishing or reinforcing relationships and possibly developing partnerships;
• To liaise with NGOs, international organisations and bodies working in the region on the protection of human rights defenders;
• To collaborate and prepare reports for the PI Representative on programmatic and thematic topics;
• To keep abreast of the political situation in the country and contribute to the organizational political analysis.


 

The desired qualities are:

• Educational background BA Degree (International Human Rights / Humanitarian law, Political Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, etc…);
• Experience in human rights work of at least 3 years;
• Understanding of the UN Human Rights system, the European Union and African Union Human Rights systems;
• Experience with local human rights organisations and human rights issues;
• Field mission experience;
• Experience in the practical delivery of training preferably adult learning;
• Ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations on key issues by formulating positions, articulating options concisely, and making and defending recommendations;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, implement and review work processes and plans;
• Experience in a multi-cultural and/or international work environment;
• Ability to work under pressure and to multi task;
• Willingness and ability to travel for extended periods of time;
• Commitment to gender equality as well as to cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation and religious equality;
• Analytical skills as well as creative and interactive skills;
• Interactive/ Assertive/ Self-confident;
• Understanding of rules of participation and how to encourage inclusion;
• Diplomacy and extensive capacities to deal with challenges and situations of conflict constructively;
• Awareness of issues surrounding gender, ethnicity, etc.
• Proven ability to write and speak concisely and clearly and communicate effectively;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Proven team work skills.
• Valid driving license.

Location: The position is based in Kampala, Uganda with frequent travels in the sub-region of the East and Horn of Africa. The successful candidate must be able to travel and work in Rwanda and Burundi. 

Languages: Fluency in spoken and written French and English are a precondition. Kiswahili will be positively valued.

Monthly remuneration: UgSh 1,700,000 - 2,000,000 gross

As part of the recruitment process, short-listed candidates will be required to attend a three day training session. Details will be availed to the respective applicants in due course.

Applications including a letter of motivation, CV and contact of three references should be sent to: nrehmer protectioninternational.org by 12 June 2011.

 

Further information about the activities of Protection International can be obtained from www.protectioninternational.org and www.defenddefenders.org for the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project.