The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) composed of 188 national human rights organisations from 116 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’s International Secretariat is composed of around 70 employees, with a multi-disciplinary background, based either in FIDH’s headquarters in Paris, France, or in one of its offices or representations across five continents.
One of FIDH strategic priorities is to fight against impunity of perpetrators of serious human rights violations, in particular atrocity crimes, and restore victims’ rights and support their access to truth, justice, and reparations. In close collaboration with its member and partner organisations, FIDH documents and reports these serious human rights violations, advocates for change before relevant decision makers, litigates in support of victims and survivors of these crimes, at national, regional and international levels, facilitates the exchange of experiences and strengthening of expertise and capacity of its members and partners, and pushes for strong, effective and meaningful accountability mechanisms.
The FIDH office in The Hague, the Netherlands, was opened in 2004, as part of the organisation’s International Justice Desk (IJD), to follow and contribute to the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The office is currently composed of a Representative to the ICC, and a part-time Administrative & Finance Assistant. The office also regularly benefits from the support of an intern. Members of the IJD in The Hague are working under the supervision of the Head of the IJD based in Paris, France. They also benefit from the regular support of a Programme Officer, also based in Paris.
We are looking for a: Programme Officer in The Hague
Fixed term part-time (50 %) contract for 5 months (maternity leave replacement) – (mid October 2024- mid March 2025)
JOB DESCRIPTION
FIDH is seeking a Programme Officer to join us in our Hague office. Under the direct supervision of the Representative to the ICC based in The Hague and supervision of the Head of the IJD based in Paris, you will be responsible for the following tasks:
A – Contribute to the implementation of the IJD’s global strategy, particularly ICC activities
Activities worldwide:
- Support the organisation (including logistics) and participate in internal and external trainings, seminars, and meetings relating to international criminal law;
- Contribute to designing, organising, and potentially participate, in investigative and advocacy missions on the ground.
Activities in the Hague:
- Organise, participate in, and report on advocacy (stakeholder engagement) activities in The Hague (“interfaces”), in support of FIDH member and partner organisations, on the ICC;
- Carry out advocacy initiatives vis-a-vis relevant stakeholders, particularly the ICC and States Parties, including at key events such as the annual sessions of the Assembly of States Parties and the ICC-NGO roundtables;
- Support the coordination and participation in the work and activities of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) and other NGO fora;
- Support the organisation and participation in meetings with State representatives, media, and NGOs;
- Undertake legal research and policy analysis in relation to thematic areas and jurisprudence of the ICC in support of the strategic objectives of FIDH;
- Contribute to the drafting and dissemination of reports, submissions, press releases, newsletters, and other external communication tools on key judicial and political developments relevant to FIDH’s international justice priorities.
B – Contribute to stakeholder engagement
- Facilitate good communication with FIDH member and partner organisations in contact with the desk to foster a collaborative relationship;
- Support human rights defenders and partners from the field, in the framework of the desk’s activities, including in accompanying them in advocacy activities.
C – Participate in the reporting and evaluation of the IJD activities
- Participate in the reporting and evaluation of the IJD’s activities;
- Contribute to the drafting of FIDH internal reporting materials concerning international justice and in particular the ICC.
D – Implement logistical and administrative tasks linked to the activities of the FIDH office in The Hague
- Participate in the implementation of logistics linked to IJD activities.
IDEAL PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
- 4+ years relevant professional experience;
- Proficiency in international criminal law and human rights law; ideally a Master’s degree in international law, with specialisation in international criminal law, international humanitarian law or international human rights law;
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required, and good knowledge of Spanish is an asset;
- Very good knowledge of the ICC.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Proficient in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including NGOs, government officials, and intergovernmental organisations, with a strong emphasis on tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity;
- Adaptable and effective in high-pressure environments, excelling at prioritising and managing multiple tasks independently while maintaining a strong team-oriented approach;
- Energetic, resourceful, and innovative, with a proactive mindset and a readiness to take on hands-on responsibilities;
- Committed to victims’ rights, with the sensitivity needed to work with individuals who have experienced human rights abuses;
- Alignment with the mission, objectives, and values of FIDH, consistently reflecting them in all professional activities;
- Flexible and open to occasional travel.
Values : You agree with the FIDH International Secretariat working values (professionalism, respect, commitment, equality, integrity, participation, boldness), as well as FIDH’s global efforts defending human rights, as outlined in FIDH statutes and publications accessible on its website: www.fidh.org
FIDH is committed to diversity and equality in its hiring practices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, health status, or any other protected category under French, Dutch and international human rights law. If you have a disability, please mention in your cover letter any accommodations that would facilitate your full participation in the recruitment process.
SALARY & TERMS
- Envisaged start date: 14 October 2024
- Contract: Fixed term contract until15 March 2025, with possibility of renewal, governed by Dutch law
Part-time position (20 hours worked per week). - Location: you will work from FIDH’s office in The Hague, Netherlands. FIDH recognises that flexible working arrangements are important for work-life balance, and offers the possibility of at-home work with a minimum of 4 face-to-face days per month. Please note that a laptop and basic accessories are provided to all employees at the time of hire.
- Gross salary: annual gross salary from € 21 000 (over 12 months) depending on experience.
- Health coverage: to the salary will be added a monthly reimbursement of the health insurance of the employee of €250 monthly.
- Transport allowance: 80 € monthly
- Holiday allowance: in the month of May of each calendar year, the employee shall receive a holiday allowance. This allowance is an 8% reserve fund accumulated from your monthly salary calculated over a Paid leave benefits prorated based on part-time work hours:
◦ 25 days of paid vacation per full year worked adjusted to the part-time schedule.
◦ 24 compensation days per full year worked calculated proportionally for part-time hours (based on 39 hours per week for full-time employees). - Work Life Balance: FIDH is committed to fostering a healthy work environment that supports flexible scheduling, with occasional adjustments to employees’ hours if agreed upon in advance with supervisors.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter in English (describing why you are interested in FIDH and summarising your suitability for the position) to recrutement@fidh.org indicating the reference PRO-OFFICER in the subject line of the email by 13 September 2024
Only those candidates whose applications are pre-selected will be contacted.