The Tiruchelvam Fellowship will provide opportunities for outstanding legal scholars and practitioners of Sri Lankan background to undertake research, writing, and scholarly engagement on themes related to human rights in Sri Lanka and South Asia for up to one academic semester at Harvard Law School. The Fellowship is named in honor of the late Neelan Tiruchelvam, a Sri Lankan peace and human rights activist, lawyer, scholar, and politician.
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by March 2, 2026. Please click here for more information and to access the online application.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (the Resource Centre) seeks a creative, strategic and inspiring leader ready to drive the next generation of progress in strengthening human rights in business. For more than two decades the Resource Centre has sought to amplify the voices of rightsholders and work collaboratively with allies and partners to strengthen corporate practices and support smart regulation to deliver a just economy, address the climate crisis and counter abuse. The ideal candidate will bring energy and insights to the Resource Centre’s vision of transformational change, which is built on community-led action and enhanced by global partnership. The Executive Director will have a strong understanding of international human rights, labour, environmental and climate frameworks as they relate to business–and how to make change happen through those frameworks. They will be able to work effectively with people and organisations at many levels, including grassroots leaders, government representatives, funders, corporate executives and investors.
The Executive Director will lead our global team of 80 across 30 locations, operating with a budget of US$6 million and working in diverse alliances and partnerships worldwide.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Management and Organisational Culture
Thought and Field Leadership
Resource Mobilization, Budget Oversight and Finance:
LOCATION AND COMPENSATION
The successful candidate can work in our offices in London, New York, Berlin, or Bogota, or remotely (home-based) anywhere there is strong and continuous internet access. Our team members are based all over the world, and most of our meetings take place during GMT hours to cover Asia and Latin America. The candidate must be committed to working across time zones, be flexible with respect to participating in early and late calls as needed, and able to work at least four hours that overlap with 09:00 – 17:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
The role requires frequent travel to all regions of the world (~35%) in order to connect in-person with Global Team members, partners, local communities, board members and funders, and to represent the Resource Centre at global events.
HOW TO APPLY
This search is being led by consultant Jenna Capeci, in partnership with the board and staff of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre.
Timeline
Applications are due by Friday, June 13th, 2025. Selected applicants will begin to be contacted for interviews by July 2025. Interviews will be conducted from July through early September. Tentative timing for rounds of interviews are: July 14 – 18, August 13 – 22 and September 3 – 16. Finalists will be asked to create and make a brief presentation. Anticipated start date is October/November 2025. Applications may be reviewed over time, so please be patient if you do not hear from us immediately. Applicants not invited for interviews will be notified by the end of August.
How to apply
Please apply through this portal. Only applications received in this portal will be considered.
Although the preferred job location is Bangkok, Thailand (Hybrid), remote work is possible for candidates with the legal right to work in their country, provided the location aligns with the organization’s operational and budgetary considerations.
Start date: March 2025 – Closing date 16 Feb 2025
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.
To lead the implementation of the ICJ’s work on human rights in the digital space at the global and regional levels, we are seeking a full-time Legal Adviser. Key requirements for this role include expertise and working experience related to human rights in the digital space, excellent legal skills and sound political judgment, and proven ability to develop and carry out legal advocacy strategies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Legal and Policy Office, the Legal Adviser is expected to:
• Provide leadership and contribute to the design and implementation of ICJ work related to human rights in the digital space, including the work at the country, regional and global levels;
• Lead and implement work on a global project aimed at developing policy and legal action on protecting human rights in the digital civic space;
• Implement the programme work on human rights in digital space in a way that advances the strategic directions of the ICJ.
REQUIREMENTS
University degree in law with advanced studies in international human rights law.
Proven experience working in the area of international human rights law.
Expertise and working experience related to human rights in the digital space, including in the areas of freedom of expression, right to privacy, non-discrimination and equality, sexual and gender-based violence, and human rights and businesses enterprises.
Excellent legal skills and sound political judgment and proven ability to develop and carry out legal advocacy strategies.
Advanced expertise in general international human rights law
Practical legal and advocacy experience on the implementation of international human rights standards; litigation experience desirable.
English native speaker level; knowledge of Spanish, French, and/or Arabic an asset.
Demonstrated analytic and writing ability, including substantial report-writing experience;
Excellent written and oral communication skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team;
Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law;
Availability to start in March 2025 is required.
How to apply
Interested applicants should provide the materials outlined below to recruitment@icj.org by 16 February 2025, midnight Central European Time (CET). Early applications are encouraged as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the ICJ reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier if a sufficient number of quality applications has been received.
Right Livelihood is looking for a full-time Head of Research. The role will be based at one of our offices in Stockholm or Geneva and will lead the selection and research of new Laureates for the Right Livelihood Award.
About Right Livelihood
For over 40 years, Right Livelihood has honoured courageous people solving global problems, creating a community of change-makers committed to peace, justice, and sustainability. By recognising the actions of brave visionaries and building a continuous relationship with these change-makers, Right Livelihood boosts urgent and transformational societal change. With offices in Stockholm and Geneva, Right Livelihood has 20 staff and an annual budget of EUR 4 million. Every year, an international jury chooses the new Laureates: to date, 198 Laureates from 77 countries have been awarded for their impactful contributions. Read more about our approach.
Purpose of the role
You will oversee all aspects of the research and selection of new Laureates for the Right Livelihood Award, taking a leading role in implementing our strategic outlook, as well as developing and managing the research team. In this position, you will be collaborating with colleagues in the entire Right Livelihood team and communicating with nominees for the Award as well as external experts and other contacts. It is expected that you stay on top of global developments related to the work. It is your responsibility to ensure high quality in the research and present accurate, comprehensive, and timely research findings about the candidates.
The Head of Research will report to the Deputy Director and lead the work of the research team, which currently has two staff members.
Main responsibilities
Lead and develop the annual selection process of Laureates towards the goals defined in the organisational strategy and operational plan.
Provide leadership to the research team, manage and guide the research work, and be responsible for the research budget.
Coordinate and conduct investigative research about nominees for the Award, both remote and on-site, and lead the writing of the report presented to the jury, including all relevant research findings.
Ensure high-quality research to allow the jury to assess nominations from multiple perspectives.
In coordination with colleagues, make sure that our work is informed by current trends in global affairs and civil society movements.
Required experience and qualifications
Professional experience in leadership roles
Professional experience in conducting investigative research in fields such as activism and social transformation
Experience with conducting interviews with a wide range of people, e.g. victims of environmental or human rights violations, both on-site or online
Full professional proficiency in English, including experience with research report writing
Terms of employment
This position will be located preferably at our head office in Stockholm or at our Geneva office. Regular international travel is expected in this role. This is a permanent full-time position with a probationary period.
Right Livelihood is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We therefore strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities and abilities to help us create a diverse, balanced and inclusive working environment.
Starting date
By agreement, preferably April 2025.
How to apply
We use a competency-based process for this recruitment. Therefore, you will not be asked to attach a letter of motivation to your application. Instead, we will ask you to complete the online application form accessed through the link below, attach your CV and submit a work sample. Instructions for the work sample are outlined here and in the application form.
Posted on 6 January 2025 – Closing date 15 January 2025
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) composed of nearly 200 national human rights organisations from more than 115 countries. FIDH is a nonpartisan, non-sectarian, apolitical, and not for profit organisation. Since 1922, FIDH has been defending all human rights – civil, political, economic, social, and cultural – as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
FIDH are now recruiting : A Delegate to the United Nations (F∕M) – Indefinite-term contract based in FIDH Geneva office
The FIDH’s Delegation in Geneva
Represents FIDH before Geneva-based international organizations and institutions, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); in particular, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies;
Organizes the participation of FIDH’s member and partner organizations in the work of UN human rights bodies and mechanisms (support and assistance with regard to the submission of “parallel” or “alternative” reports, lobbying and advocacy, communication, etc.): mainly the UN Human Rights Council (including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism), treaty monitoring bodies, and special procedures;
Prepares and implements the interventions of lobbying and advocacy at the Human Rights Council, and defines advocacy strategies;Feeds UN human rights protection bodies and mechanisms, in particular UN special procedures and OHCHR’s sections and branches, based on information from FIDH member and partner organizations and develops the strategic analysis of institutional developments and advocacy opportunities;
Relays and reports on activities and events to FIDH’s International Secretariat based in Paris.
Direct superviser : The representative, Head of the FIDH Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva
Applicants should send their CV and a brief cover letter (in English) by email recrutement@fidh.org quoting reference FIDH DELEGATE in the subject line.
The Oxford Human Rights Hub (OxHRH) brings together academics, practitioners, and policy-makers from across the globe to advance the understanding and protection of human rights and equality. Through the vigorous exchange of ideas and resources, we strive to facilitate a better understanding of human rights principles, to develop new approaches to policy, and to influence the development of human rights law and practice.
The Oxford Human Rights Hub (OxHRH) is currently inviting applications for two paid internships jointly organised with ASSEDEL (Strasbourg).
ASSEDEL (L’Association européenne pour la défense des droits et des libertés) is a non-profit organisation, established to disseminate, promote and defend human rights and fundamental freedoms in the spirit of the European Convention on Human Rights, both within the Council of Europe system and at the local, national and international levels. The organization guides and supports victims of human rights violations.
ASSEDEL works with local and international partners, submits reports to worldwide organizations, informs the public and publishes opinion articles about human rights violations and humanitarian issues such as immigration, women’s rights, discrimination, new technologies, environment, children’s rights, education, freedom of speech, rule of law and democracy.
Tasks include:
Analysis of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and publication of articles on these judgments
Creating partnerships with the civil society organisations working with the ECtHR
Following the implementations of the judgments of the Court
Preparing applications to the Court, in particular on Rule 39 cases
Creating working relations with relevant structures of the Council of Europe
Participating in relevant meetings at the Council of Europe and the ECtHR
Duration and starting dates
Duration: min. 3 months (a longer period can be negotiated)
Start dates: September 2024 or February 2025 (please indicate preference in your application letter)
Requirements
Essential
A strong understanding of human rights law, in particular: knowledge about the human rights bodies in Strasbourg
Strong editorial skills
Good communication skills
Strong research skills
Desirable
Working knowledge of French
Ability to use digital tools
Eligibility
These internships are open to current graduate students in (or recent graduates of) the Law Faculty in the University of Oxford.
Stipend
Each intern will receive a stipend of EUR 700 per month (which should be sufficient to cover living costs in Strasbourg).
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to send:
A cover letter (2 pages max) outlining how they qualify for the role, their availability and experience;
CIVICUS is looking for a consultant to help further one of CIVICUS flagship campaigns – Stand As My Witness. The short-term consultancy will involve evaluating the current campaign, devising future strategy, and designing and delivering the short-term (3-month) campaign outcomes.
CIVICUS is a growing global alliance of more than 15,000 members in 175 countries. In July 2020, CIVICUS along with 190 civil society organisations (CSOs) launched the #StandAsMyWitness (SAMW) campaign to raise awareness about human rights defenders (HRDs) who were and still are facing judicial persecution and unlawful detention, and to advocate for their release.
Currently there are 13 cases profiled by the campaign and for the last three years, we have been part of successful global calls for the conditional and unconditional release of 9 HRDs as part of the SAMW campaign. The campaign also builds on a global map that features HRDs facing prosecutions, and highlights further systems built to crack down on critical voices.
Entering its fourth cycle, CIVICUS and campaign allies are keen to build upon the successes achieved so far and further the outreach and impact of the campaign.
Analyse the status of the campaign, its tactics, outreach, and propose plans, calendars and tactic for the short-term (3-month leading up to/following the anniversary (18 July).
Engage with CIVICUS Advocacy and Communications teams, regional leads, partners, families and lawyers of the HRDs, and relevant member networks to clarify the context, current status of the actions and propose plans, tactics, and outputs.
Deliver the short-term campaign plans during the first 3-month period.
– Managing and monitoring the campaign’s calendar – Creating or facilitating the creation of campaign materials such as social media messages, graphics, media, and other assets including a global campaign map – Updating and improving the campaign pages on the website – Convene on/offline events as appropriate to strengthen the campaign. This includes both public events and events targeted at CIVICUS members and partners. – Strongly link SAMW profiles and actions with other CIVICUS research, advocacy, and networking efforts.
Design a longer-term (next two years) campaign and content strategy with a cohesive engagement journey. The strategy is to capture:
– Key moments, approaches, and current and potential partners. – Explore how to better leverage the campaign actions promoted by Global Citizen. – Points for campaign improvement and expansion based on learnings to date and during the first three-month phase. – Best practices in advocating for HRDs in difficult contexts.
The consultant
The consultant will have proven experience (at least five years) at the international level designing and delivering campaigns. Experience in social change work with civil society, human rights, or development sectors is a pre-requisite.
They will bring in lived creative and innovative communications experience in terms of content ideation, creation, dissemination, etc. We welcome those with experience in creative direction, media production, systems and design thinking, and diverse public and multi-sector engagement.
The consultant will apply via sending us a:
Brief resume
Two-page brief of their approach to the consultancy
Links of creative communications and engagement campaigns/content created
Cost proposal.
Timeline
We anticipate the contract to be signed by 10th May 2024, and all deliverables must be complete by 10th August. They may apply according to the above guidelines and forward their CV, approach document and creative examples to <a href="mailto:communications<small> [AT] </small>civicus<small> [DOT] communications@civicus.org by 7th May 2024.
After 4.5 years, Isabel de Sola is getting ready to leave her position as Director of the Martin Ennals Foundation by the end of January. The Project Coordinator is envisioned to take over a sub-set of her responsibilities while collaborating with other members of the staff and Jury organizations.
The Award is approaching its 30th anniversary in 2024 – a moment which calls for a celebration of past achievements, as well as for some reflection on the future. The objective of the MEA 30th Anniversary project is to rally the Award’s friends and partners in Geneva to reinforce the message that protecting and bolstering HRDs is fundamental to the realization of UDHR and the HRDs Declaration.
The Martin Ennals Foundation is hiring a Project Coordinator to deliver on the 30th Anniversary project in 2024 and renew the Award for 2025. The Project Coordinator will be at the center of the Award’s activities, providing an essential link between the Board, Jury members, donors, consultants, and partners to the celebration in 2024-2025. An estimated 60% FTE is envisioned for this role, with peak periods at the nominations and Ceremony stages.
The Project Coordinator’s main responsibilities include:
Primary responsibility for the nominations process and coordination of the Jury for the selection of the 2024 Laureate. Maintenance of the Martin Ennals Award nominations database and oversight of the Jury voting process. Preparing and follow-up to Jury meetings – two or three during the year, as necessary.
Primary responsibility for the development and execution of the annual Award Ceremony. Liaises with the Ville de Geneve on a concept for the 2024 Ceremony, a new graphic identity, and the agenda of the event. Oversees organizational aspects of the Ceremony in consultation with the Ville de Geneve and event consultants.
Collaborates with consultants in the development and execution of an Award communication strategy aimed at raising the visibility of the Laureates and celebrating the MEA’s 30 years’ history.
Facilitates conduct of financial and administrative aspects of the Award project, including fundraising and advocacy-related activities together with the heads of departments and the Program Officer.
Supports fundraising for 2024-2025 and donor management, in collaboration with the relevant departments.
Supports the Program Officer in executing an advocacy strategy for MEA Laureates within Geneva-based advocacy and human rights policy development.
Contributes to monitoring and evaluating the 30th anniversary project, and annual narrative reporting for donors.
The Foundation is looking for a versatile and experienced project-manager who is passionate about human rights and rigorous in their planning and management style. The ideal candidate would bring inter alia, the following qualities and skills:
A master’s degree or +8 years of work experience in international relations, sustainable development, human rights, security policy, or related fields.
Familiarity with the international relations, human rights advocacy, and development cooperation ecosystem of Geneva.
Bilingual or professional fluency in both English and French.
A track-record in management of complex projects with many moving pieces. Ability to oversee several service providers and consultants simultaneously. Ability to budget and keep-track of financial aspects of the project.
Event planning experience.
Exposure to fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, or general reporting on projects.
The Project Coordinator will be offered a two-year contract with possibility of renewal.
To apply, please send your CV, a motivation letter, and a 300-word response to the following question to the MEF Board at barbara-lochbihler@gmx.de by February 2nd, 2024 cob:
“For the 30th anniversary celebration of the Award, the Martin Ennals Foundation and the City of Geneva will conduct a call-for-tender to identify a provider who can deliver a new graphic design for the Ceremony. How would you go about this task? Describe the steps you would take, a check-list of important items to consider, or your overall approach.”
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview in the month of February.
Millions of small and large NGOs (non-governmental organizations) work independently of governments around the world. You can work for NGOs dedicated to issues like healthcare, education, economic development, children’s rights, reproductive justice, and humanitarian aid, but what types of jobs are available? In this article, Human Rights Careers describes 20 types of NGO jobs, including what salaries you can expect, what qualifications you need, and what tasks you might be responsible for. The overview is slanted towards the USA, but may still serve its purpose:
Complete applications are due 27 March 2023. Prospective applicants must email Abadir Ibrahim (abibrahim@law.harvard.edu) before March 6, 2023, to discuss their plans and have their host organization vetted.
More information on the fellowships, eligibility and the application process is available on our post-graduate fellowship webpage.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 