Policy, Research, and Advocacy Officer

Policy, Research, and Advocacy Officer, London office

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is offering an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, contributing to our global programme to eradicate contemporary forms of human slavery and human trafficking. You will be part of a small team, conducting critical research and leading on advocacy efforts for our expanding programme.

About CHRI

CHRI is an international, independent, non-governmental organisation working towards the practical realisation of human rights through research, advocacy, capacity building, and network engagement. We believe that the promotion and protection of human rights is the responsibility of governments but that the active informed participation of civil society is also vital to ensuring rule of law and the realisation of human rights.

CHRI has offices in London, Ghana, and New Delhi. Our global work focuses on the intersection of human rights, transparency and good governance. CHRI’s long established programmes in India, where it is headquartered, have evolved around Access to Justice (Police and Prison reforms) and Access to Information (Right to Information), as well as a programme on media freedom.

Its work on Eradicating Contemporary Forms of Slavery and Human Trafficking is led by CHRI’s London office, which also founded and acts as the Secretariat for the Commonwealth 8.7 Network – a group of 60+ local civil society organisations from across the globe who share a common vision to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking.

To learn more about the work of CHRI London see our website. For more information on the Commonwealth 8.7 Network, see the network website.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will lead on legal research and advocacy efforts for our global programme on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking, and will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Lead on legal research supporting CHRI London’s work on contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking

2. Ensure that research, advocacy and campaigning outputs are based on solid evidence

3. Work closely with other team members in CHRI to develop human rights policies and statements

4. Support advocacy efforts at the UN, with the Human Rights Council, Treaty Bodies or other human rights mechanisms

5. Support the capacity building of the Commonwealth 8.7 Network, including the provision of technical advice, as required

6. Oversee research projects into contemporary forms of slavery and other areas

7. Support advocacy and campaign related activities, including the drafting of documents, statements and articles

8. With the CHRI London Director, manage CHRI London’s anti-slavery partnerships, research projects, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget

9. Oversee and manage the work of team members and interns, as required

10. Keep abreast of developments at inter-governmental organisations and in other relevant forums, relevant standards, policies and practices related to contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking, with a view to identifying opportunities for pro-active engagement, and lead on such engagement where appropriate

11. Represent CHRI on contemporary forms of slavery in international and regional spaces

12. Contribute to the development of reports and reference materials relating to specific human rights issues

13. Other general duties related to the programme, as required – we are a small team and flexibility is needed!

Position in Organisation:

• Reports directly to the Director of CHRI London office

• Works closely with other team members.

Person Specification

With significant technical knowledge of contemporary forms of slavery, including the relevant legal frameworks, you will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and will be experienced in conducting rigorous research and international advocacy.

Essential:

Education:

• A master’s degree in human rights law

Experience:

• Substantial expertise and professional experience in human rights law

• Particular expertise in the area of contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking, including in-depth understanding of related issues, including survivor support, criminal justice mechanisms, international and regional coordination, risk factors and vulnerabilities, and exploitation in supply chains

• Experience working with the legal professions, inter-governmental organisations and/or human rights NGOs

• Demonstrated legal drafting and analytical skills, for example, through experience in the application of international human rights law

• Strong advisory and communications skills, including with a view to conduct effective advocacy

• Experience working as part of an international, cross-cultural team

Other Skills:

• Able to manage interns and members of teams

• Working knowledge of the UN human rights mechanisms

• Excellent communications skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely, without need for significant editorial revision

• A flair for quickly adapting to new ways of working

• Ability to work methodically and independently while knowing when to report upwards

• Ability to organise, prioritise, and deliver high quality products under time constraints and pressure

• Solution-focused with an ability to exercise judgement to solve problems

Desirable:

• Good knowledge more broadly of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights would be a significant asset

Only candidates who are currently eligible to reside and work in the UK should apply.

Contract: One year, with anticipated extension

Days: 4-5 days per week. Flexible working hour options will be considered.

Location: London, UK. Mostly home based. Will consider other locations.