Full time vacancy: HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROJECTS OFFICER
The UK government supports human rights, democracy and good governance around the world to increase Britain’s security, to protect British citizens overseas, and to secure political and individual freedoms globally
British Foreign & Commonwealth Office
A principle objective of the British Embassy Guatemala City is to help achieve this, working with Guatemala and Honduras on improved implementation of human rights.
Functions of the position:
This full time position (40hrs per week) will lead the Embassy’s efforts to better understand the human rights challenges that face both Guatemala and Honduras, that are of importance to the UK. Emphasis will be on identifying opportunities for the UK to support progress in our local human rights priority areas: the implementation of international human rights standards with focus on freedom of expression; women’s and children’s rights; business and human rights; the protection of human rights defenders; and the abolition of the death penalty. There’ll also be a regional dimension to the position, working with other British Embassies in Central America, the European Commission’s offices and their Member State Embassies on cross cutting issues. There will be opportunities to travel to Honduras in order to further our business plan there. And there’ll be responsibility for administering both bilateral and regional UK funding of projects that support our human rights, security and justice, and trade objectives in Guatemala and Honduras.
Job description:
- Attend /organise human rights meetings with stakeholders to build up knowledge on ongoing/new cases; liaising with international organizations, civil society, UK and international NGOs and the Guatemalan Government - 20%
- Regular analytical analysis and reporting on key human rights developments in Guatemala and Honduras (in line with UK and EU priorities), through daily monitoring of Guatemala/Honduras media, attendance of working groups with like minded Embassies and multilateral institutions and contact with our national stakeholders - 20%
- Develop and implement creative action plans to promote UK priorities on human rights in Guatemala and Honduras (including on some specific human rights cases) - 20%
- Responding to enquiries from UK parliamentarians, members of the public and other departments within the UK Government - 20%
- Lead the project management of the Embassy’s Political Section (both local and regional funding); helping target UK donor support on human rights - 20%
Required qualifications:
- University graduate and work experience in the human rights sector
- Broad knowledge of Guatemala’s human rights, the issues, challenges, and the main actors. Some Honduras experience would be an advantage
- The candidate should have self-confidence, professional competence, maturity and ability to deal with a broad range of stakeholders including governmental officials, private sector representatives, NGOs and human rights workers.
- A capacity to work both individually and within a team with limited supervision, and an ability to work under pressure and to reach tight deadlines. Capable of travelling in Guatemala and abroad.
- Fluent Spanish and English are required for oral and written technical reports and presentations. Employment of the successful applicant will be conditional on satisfactory submission of a local criminal records check, and passing an FCO security assessment.
To apply:
Please complete and submit the Job Application form in English to eventos@fco.gov.uk by no later than 28 September 2014. We will only process applications that are submitted in English on the Application Form provided, via email referring to this position. Applications sent by any other means or email address will not be considered. Only those candidates who are successful in the initial sift of applications will be contacted and invited to an interview on 1 October. The interview will include a timed written test in English and Spanish. Selected candidate should be able to start working by the 6th of October. The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on each individual’s merits without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Some benefits of working for us:
- Annual salary of Q154,000
- Local benefits including Bono 14, Aguinaldo, leave period
- The opportunity to work in a diverse and stimulating environment, and contribute to wider Embassy activities
- Continuous training available, including abroad
- Private medical scheme for employee, spouse and dependants under the age of 18
- A mix of Guatemalan and British Public Holidays totalling 14 days per year