Detention Monitoring Adviser

Detention Monitoring Adviser
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)

Seeks: Detention Monitoring Adviser

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Deadline for application: 31 August 2010
Start date: From October 2010
Duration: Full time permanent contract

Organisation

The APT is a human rights non-governmental organisation advocating worldwide for the prevention of torture over the last 30 years. The APT is the leading organisation behind the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) which creates a system of national and international preventive bodies, who visit all places where persons are deprived of their liberty. Hence the need for the APT to provide advice and training on detention monitoring that can prevent torture and other ill-treatment. See www.apt.ch for more information on the APT’s mission and work.

Summary of profile sought

The APT is seeking someone with national human rights field experience in particular regarding issues of deprivation of liberty and detention monitoring.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Detention Monitoring Programme Officer, the Detention Monitoring Adviser will:

1. Conduct research and in-house expertise development on detention monitoring and torture prevention, including drafting manuals (e.g. on monitoring police stations) and writing briefing papers on specific aspects of effective detention monitoring;
2. Provide advice and training internally and externally on detention monitoring methodology and other means for the prevention of torture and other forms of ill treatment;
3. Analyse the methodology and effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms, in particular National Preventive Mechanisms and National Human Rights Institutions, in the framework of the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT);
4. Undertake frequent international travel to conduct trainings, workshops and seminars etc.
5. Represent the APT as required (with government officials, staff, international agencies such as SPT and CPT, civil society);
6. Other tasks as decided by the Programme Officer and Chief of Operations.

Experience and Competencies

1. At least three years or more experience, preferably at a national level, of human rights work which has included monitoring or working in a variety of places where persons are deprived of their liberty;
2. In-depth knowledge of human rights standards relating to deprivation of liberty and the administration of justice;
3. Research-analysis skills;
4. Proven ability to plan and conduct interactive, effective training courses and give high-quality presentations;
5. Must be fluent in English and Spanish and have excellent drafting skills in either of the two;
6. Ability to work in a team;
7. Ability to establish and develop productive professional relationships in multicultural environments requiring sensitivity and good political judgement;
8. Ability to work under little supervision as well as on his/her own initiative;
9. Good knowledge of Word, Power-point, Excel and other software;

Desirable Competencies, Experience and Qualities

1. Knowledge of specialised issues and groups in detention (such as health, migrants, children and persons with disabilities)
2. Experience of strategic planning methodologies.
3. Critical and innovative thinking.

Qualifications

A graduate degree or higher in: human rights, law, medicine, political science, criminology or another relevant field. 

Remuneration

Salary: Average NGO Geneva rates, over 12 months.
Standard Swiss pension scheme.
Holidays total 25 days per year.
Work permit: The organisation is willing to apply for a work permit, if necessary.

To apply

Applications should be sent by e-mail to jobsapt.ch or by post to Sylvie Pittet, Administrator, APT, CP 2267, 1211 Genève 2, with a motivating letter, CV, short writing sample and the contact details of two referees.

Please refer to our website for further information about the organisation: www.apt.ch

19 July 2010