Job Description
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments, empowers people, and strengthens institutions to realize justice and promote peace and sustainable development. IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and access to justice.
With its Headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and Permanent Observer Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research and learning, as well as rule of law and justice programmes in countries through some 17 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.
IDLO IN GENEVA
The Office of the Permanent Observer to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, also called the Liaison Office in Geneva, was opened in 2013 and is comprised of a small team based in Geneva with additional staff reporting to Geneva from other IDLO offices. The team oversees IDLO’s engagements with Geneva-based agencies and interacts actively with the UN agencies and international organizations, diplomatic missions, non-governmental organizations, civil society, academia, and other IDLO offices in pursuit of IDLO’s mission.
IDLO’s Liaison Office in Geneva conducts policy advocacy and participates in relevant UN discussions and activities. IDLO also has observer status at the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Programme Coordination Board (PCB) of the United Nations Joint Program for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). IDLO furthermore has established Memoranda of Understanding with multiple UN agencies and other organizations to promote cooperation and undertake collaborative activities and programmes. The Liaison Office also seeks to deepen partnerships with other offices and agencies, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as well as think tanks and academia.
The Liaison Office regularly attends the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to promote the rule of law and access to justice and maintains close relationships with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the relevant special procedures mandate holders of the HRC.
The Liaison Office is also responsible for IDLO’s engagement and programmatic activities dealing with health law, including programmes undertaken jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Liaison Office coordinates closely with the WHO and other Geneva-based health-related organizations to promote healthy lives and pandemic preparedness.
The Geneva Liaison Office provides IDLO with insights into the diplomatic and multilateral activities occurring in Geneva and creates and reinforces connections and partnerships with Geneva-based agencies and actors, with a view to reinforcing IDLO’s work on advocacy, programming, and research and learning.
THE POSITION
The position, Liaison and Advocacy Officer, is located in the IDLO Liaison Office in Geneva. The incumbent would be an integral member of the Geneva Liaison Office, contributing actively to the ideas, products, and collaborative spirit of this dynamic and effective team.
Under the direct supervision of the IDLO Permanent Observer, the Liaison and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for providing both substantive and administrative support, with the following duties:
- Support the Permanent Observer and Liaison Office team members to advance IDLO’s Strategic Plan and its objectives for Geneva.
- Monitor developments related to IDLO’s mandate and Strategic Plan at the UN and other Geneva based policy forums; share information internally within IDLO.
- Participate in UN, multilateral, and bilateral meetings to conduct advocacy, deliver officials statements, take notes of developments and report on relevant events;
- Draft reports, correspondence, memoranda and minutes, public statements, and other written inputs as requested.
- Support IDLO advocacy activities through the organization of events, networking with key IDLO stakeholders, contributing ideas for engagement, and collaborating with IDLO’s Communications Unit on social media opportunities.
- Engage with Geneva-based diplomats and partners to build and maintain relationships, apprise partners of IDLO’s activities, and propose opportunities/initiatives for IDLO’s advocacy and programmatic work.
- Support the Permanent Observer and the Geneva Liaison Office team with outreach to the offices of senior UN and foreign mission officials, including for the purposes of advocacy and resource mobilization.
- Maintain close contact and coordination with the Health Law Team, supporting activities to enhance the Health Law Programme’s objectives and visibility.
- Maintain close contact with IDLO’s HQ in Rome and other offices globally, including the Liaison Office in New York and the Branch Office in The Hague in order to coordinate activities.
- Provide rapid responses to requests for data and information from IDLO, donors, or partners.
- Ensure smooth administrative operations and overall functioning of the Geneva Liaison Office including filing, payment processing, human resources, procurement, travel arrangements etc.
- In close coordination with HQ, responding to queries, organizing meetings and events, liaising with foreign missions and international organizations based in Geneva.
- Serve as the office’s focal point for procurement and other matters, coordinating with HQ and other offices as necessary.
- Maintain and update the list of Geneva contacts for the IDLO Permanent Observer Mission.
- Maintain the Geneva team calendar, identifying relevant engagements, and scheduling participation, as well as updating it periodically with inputs from UN and non-UN sources, and disseminating relevant information to colleagues.
- Perform other related duties as requested by the supervisor.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education and Work Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, international development, public or business administration, public policy or relevant social science from a recognized university is essential. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience, including experience with an international organization is required; applicants with Master’s degree with 3 (three) years of relevant professional experience will be considered.
- Experience with the UN system, as well as health related issues, is an advantage.
- Professional experience in organizing high-level events and experience with public communications would be an asset.
Languages
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
- Knowledge of French or another official UN language strongly encouraged.
Specific knowledge, skills and competencies
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, as well as cultural sensitivity, required; Listens to others, engages in two-way communication, and adapts as necessary to achieve effective and professional relationships;
- Strong organizational skills, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Excellent communication skills, notably writing and speaking in English, and an ability to convey clearly ideas and concepts verbally as well as negotiate successfully;
- Knowledgeable in the use of social media for public communications;
- Ability to perform a broad range of protocol functions; knowledge of the structure and functioning of international organizations and intergovernmental bodies;
- Understanding of the sensitivities involved in dealing with member states and other stake holders, including senior officials of international organizations and the diplomatic community;
- Good knowledge and understanding of international organizations such as the UN system and events involving protocol;
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- Enthusiastic and proactive attitude in building partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders, including at the senior level;
- Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit;
- Proficient use and good knowledge of standard ICT software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet software, as well as office management functions;
- Experience working simultaneously across multiple active projects with interconnected teams, diverse needs and competing deadlines;
- Self-motivated and with a willingness and ability to learn and to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives;
- Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
For this professional internationally recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract for 24 months, with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.
DEADLINE: 11 APRIL 2022
