SOS-Torture Network

The World Organisation Against Torture office in Geneva is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and versatile individual, with strong commitment to human rights to become OMCT’s SOS Torture Network and UN Advocacy Coordinator.

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

The Coordinator SOS-Torture Network and UN Advocacy works under the supervision of the Director of the Anti-Torture Programme and is primarily responsible for the Network development and support and the strategizing and coordination of OMCT’s UN advocacy actions. Though integrated into the Anti-torture team, this position is transversal and works closely with all of OMCT’s programmes and teams including Human Rights Defenders team and the Grants Programme, as well as with the OMCT’s regional desks and the Communications team.

This role leads the dynamic development and mobilization of the SOS-Torture Network by enhancing engagement and communication with the Network, supporting specific Network actions, and integrating Network approaches into OMCT’s overall strategy and its regional and thematic work. The position focuses on engaging with both OMCT’s General Assembly and the SOS-Torture Network.

Key responsibilities of this function include:

• Set priorities for the Network and contribute to and lead on the Network dimension in the development of OMCT-wide 4-year strategic plans and annual plans, including by engaging consultations with the General Assembly and the SOS-Torture Network members.
• Develop a system of regular information sharing to and from the Network and cross regional learning opportunities in coordination with OMCT’s regional desks and thematic programs.
• Coordinate and support campaigns with and for members of the SOS-Torture Network in collaboration with OMCT Communication team and the thematic programmes and regional desks.
• Support institutional strengthening of Network members and participate in the design of a coherent approach to grant giving, including through possible network grants, in coordination with OMCT’s thematic programmes and regional desks.
• Assist the OMCT fundraising team with the drafting of concept notes, projects and reporting to donors.
• Maintain a professional system of Network membership information and documentation, receive and process membership requests, support the growth and renewal of membership including by identifying a younger generation of organizations or networks to be admitted by the OMCT Executive Council, and follow-up on membership fees payment process by Network members.
• Support the collection and migration of data on Network and GA members to new CRM (Salesforce).
• Coordinate the OMCT General Assembly meeting and its preceding symposium or similar event, online or offline, such as a Global Week on Torture, with the participation of all OMCT’s programs and desks.

This role coordinates OMCT’s advocacy with UN Human Rights Mechanisms in Geneva and develops and supports advocacy actions in Geneva for SOS-Torture Network members based.

Key responsibilities of this function include:

• Provide technical and strategic support to OMCT’s Network members and local partners on country and thematic advocacy with Geneva-based UN mechanisms, i.e. the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures, including organising advocacy tours, side-events, and briefings with UN officials and country delegations.
• Support OMCT’s strategic advocacy and coordinate its activities during Human Rights Council sessions in collaboration with all OMCT programmes and desks as well as Network members and partners.
• Represent OMCT at UN sessions, diplomatic briefings, meetings with civil society and government representatives.
• Prepare advocacy briefings and statements.
• Proactively liaise and collaborate with international CSOs on joint advocacy initiatives.
• Assist the Communications team in rolling out communications materials related to UN advocacy actions.
• Carry out advocacy missions and participate in workshops and trainings.

• Master’s degree in law, human rights, international relations, political science, or related field.
• At least 4 years of relevant work experience with national and/or international organisations and/or civil society organisations.
• Previous and proven experience in coordination.
• Previous experience with conducting advocacy; especially advocacy experience with Member States and UN human rights mechanisms.
• Excellent oral and written English, good working knowledge of Spanish and French. Russian is considered an asset.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of international human rights law, and demonstrated knowledge of the UN system and its human rights mechanisms, in particular the Human Rights Council and Special Procedures.
• Excellent drafting and editing skills.
• Ability to adapt to a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Initiate and motivation, able to use own initiative and work independently within agreed frameworks; motivated by achieving results and completing tasks.
• Oustanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good organisational skills managing multiple demands, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines in a high-paced environment.

OMCT is an equal opportunities employer. The range for the annual gross salary for this post is between 75’600 and 85’200 CHF, with a minimum of 25 days holidays, usual social benefits, and the possibility for part-time working from home, as well as 5 days of paid leave for professional development.

Applications comprising a motivation letter and a CV should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “Coordinator SOS-Torture Network & UN Advocacy”, by email to applications@omct.org .

Starting date: as soon as possible

Deadline for the applications: applications must be received by 25 August 2024.