Working with Us

At Present we have the following opening for which applications are invited:

Deputy Director

Project Officer - Human Rights Advocacy Programme

Research Assistant - Human Rights Advocacy Programme

Programme Officer - Police Reforms Programme (International)

Project Officer - Right to Information Programme

Deputy Director

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is looking for a Deputy Director, to be based at its Headquarters in New Delhi, India. CHRI is an advocacy organization whose core concerns are Access to Information and Access to Justice. For more information visit: www.humanrightsinitiative.org

Tasks:

The candidate is expected to work closely with the Director and independently where necessary: s/he must be a global thinker, capable of leading and bringing out the best from an excellent staff.

• Overseeing day to day administration, human resources and financial operations
• Assisting in the oversight of the London and Africa offices
• Overseeing programme operations, including planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting
• Assisting in fund-raising; writing proposals, identifying and liaising with potential foundations, individuals, governments, and multilateral agencies;
• Representing CHRI at senior levels, including liaisoning with donors, sponsoring organisations and CHRI’s governance bodies; governments and building strong partnerships, coalitions and collaborations with external organisations and groups.
• Contributing to research, policy analysis, public education, and working closely with staff in refining the quality of organisation’s output.

Requirements:

Minimum 5 years experience in a management/leadership position; post graduate degree (law, social science, anthropology) or other relevant field; good working knowledge of human rights and advocacy high management and representational skills; excellent writing and communication skills. High energy levels, enthusiasm and commitment to the mission and growth of CHRI are essential.

Compensation:

All salaries are based on local levels but are competitive and offer a good standard of living in Delhi. Compensation and benefits are dependent on professional background and experience. Expected benefits are:

Salary range: USD 12,000 -15,000 per annum payable in Indian rupees.
Accommodation: subsidised modest accommodation can be negotiated
Airfares: One economy class airfare to/from country of residence at start and end of contract.
Insurance: Accident - USD 4550; Hospitalisation in India - USD2300
Medical Reimbursement: USD 140 per annum

Contract period – three years: all employment subject to valid visa.

To Apply:

Send CV, with contact details of three referees and a covering letter outlining why you are applying for the position and how you would contribute to the organisation to: vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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Human Rights Advocacy Programme

Ongoing Opportunities

The Human Rights Advocacy Programme in the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative strives to provide high-end policy level input and conceptualise innovative methods to buttress the practical realisation of human rights within the Commonwealth. The Programme is always on the look out for creative ideas and projects. If you have an interesting idea for a human rights related project relevant to the Commonwealth and if you think you can help work such an idea or if you think you have a particular talent, relevant to our ongoing work and are willing to work with us, kindly send us a copy of your curriculum vitae along with a description of your ideas/interest.

Send the documents to:
The Recruitment Coordinator
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
A-1, Ground Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave
New Delhi, INDIA, 110017
Email: ravi@humanrightsinitiative.org

Current opportunities

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), an international NGO headquartered in New Delhi, working on human rights issues in the countries of the Commonwealth, is advertising vacancies in its Human Rights Advocacy Programme. The successful candidates will be part of a small team based in New Delhi working on human rights advocacy in international and Commonwealth fora.

Openings are currently available for the following positions:

Project Officer a mid-level position requiring three or more years of relevant experience or equivalent relevant advanced qualification.

Research Assistant an entry level volunteering position requiring substantial qualification and preferably previous work experience

Project Officer

Qualifications and Competencies:

• A masters degree in social sciences or a bachelors degree in law from a reputable academic institution - Candidate must have a demonstrated interest in human rights issues backed up by a sound understanding of law and the social context;
• Above average academic record;
• Above average communication skills (writing and speaking) in English;
• Very strong documentation and research skills;
• Previous advocacy experience (priority given to international advocacy experience);
• Publication and website design experience is an added advantage;
• Ability to work on own initiative with high energy levels;
• Strong analytical, strategic and creative thinking;
• Commitment to continuous learning;
• Computer and internet savvy;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to work and travel globally in tight schedules; and
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in an international and multicultural background.

Job Description:
Duties will include:

• Policy level research on human rights issues in the Commonwealth;
• Writing reports and articles on emerging human rights themes and contexts within the Commonwealth;
• Advocating and lobbying around relevant human rights concerns in the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UN Human Rights Council and other regional and international fora;
• Preparing submissions to Commonwealth and international mechanisms;
• Conducting human rights training programmes (with specific reference to human rights defenders and the work of the UN Human Rights Council);
• Analysing, documenting and report writing;
• Preparing regular Commonwealth human rights news analyses;
• Preparing work-plans and reporting on progress periodically; and
• Any other duty that may be assigned by the organisation.

Compensation and duration:

Expected duration is two years. Remuneration will be determined based on the successful candidate's experience. For those not domiciled in India, appropriate assistance will be provided in finding suitable accommodation.

Please send:
- Cover Letter, 1 page highlighting the candidate's claims;
- Curriculum Vitae, of no more than 3 pages;
- Two writing samples, of no more than 5 pages each;
- Contact details of two references, including their relationship to the candidate.

by post / courier / email to:
The Recruitment Coordinator
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
A-1, Ground Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave
New Delhi, INDIA, 110017
Email: ravi@humanrightsinitiative.org

Applications will be processed and candidates will be short listed for interviews as soon as we receive applications. The deadline for applications is currently 10 May 2008 and is flexible.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we must advise that CHRI will only be in contact with those candidates who are short listed for interview. Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

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Research Assistant

Qualifications:

• A masters degree in social sciences or a bachelors degree in law from a reputable academic institution - Candidate must have a demonstrated interest in human rights issues backed up by a sound understanding of law and underlying social and political contexts;
• Above average communication and language skills (writing and speaking) in English, ability to edit is an added advantage;
• Strong research and documentation skills;
• Previous work experience is preferable (priority given to international human rights related research experience);
• Capacity for analytical, strategic and creative thinking;
• Commitment to continuous learning;
• Computer and internet savvy; and
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in an international and multicultural background.
  

Job Description:
Duties will include:

• Policy level research on human rights issues in the Commonwealth;
• Writing reports and articles on emerging human rights themes and contexts within the Commonwealth;
• Analysing, documenting and report writing;
• Preparing regular Commonwealth human rights news analyses;
• Preparing work-plans and reporting on progress periodically; and
• Any other duty that may be assigned by the organisation.

Compensation and duration:

Duration of assignment is six months. Renewals are possible depending on the availability of assignments and performance by the candidate. An allowance shall be disbursed on a monthly basis and where appropriate, assistance may be provided in finding suitable accommodation.

Please send:
- Cover Letter, 1 page highlighting the candidate's claims;
- Curriculum Vitae, of no more than 3 pages;
- Two writing samples, of no more than 5 pages each;
- Contact details of two references, including their relationship to the candidate.

by post / courier / email to:
The Recruitment Coordinator
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
A-1, Ground Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave
New Delhi, INDIA, 110017
Email: ravi@humanrightsinitiative.org

Applications will be processed and candidates will be short listed for interviews as soon as we receive applications. The deadline for applications is currently 10 May 2008 and is flexible.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we must advise that CHRI will only be in contact with those candidates who are short listed for interview. Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

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Police Reforms Programme (International)

Programme Officer

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is currently recruiting a number of Project Officers to work in its police reform programme. CHRI’s police reform programme works for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth through the implementation of democratic, transparent and accountable policing. This job description is for a Programme Officer to work across CHRI’s Commonwealth-wide police reform and accountability projects. Positions are also available on the police reform programme that require applicants with legal and social science backgrounds to focus on police reform and accountability in India. The team works closely together and all staff are expected to support and engage with the work within the team and across CHRI.

The police reform programme has worked in India for ten years, East Africa for six years, Ghana for the past two years and is increasing its presence across South Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean. The programme aims to achieve police accountability and reform through research, legal analysis and advice, advocacy, capacity building, network building and conference facilitation, both within national borders and across jurisdictions. The team is based in Delhi, but liaises closely with CHRI’s offices in Ghana, London, Chhattisgarh (India) and Gujarat (India).

The Project Officer will be required to advocate for increased police accountability and reform by undertaking research and analysis around policing laws and policies, collecting, compiling and maintaining data on policing, accountable governance and human rights issues and organising and delivering workshops. The position also requires the successful applicant to represent CHRI locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. The applicant must also be an effective networker and able to develop and maintain networks with a diverse range of people, including the police, lawyers, government, civil society and the media. The candidate must also be in a position to assist with management activities, such as team strategy and planning and fundraising, donor reporting and donor management.

Candidates should have a minimum of two years professional work experience, with strong academic qualifications in law, social sciences or other related field are required. Candidates must possess exceptional research, writing and editing skills, as well as outstanding oral communication abilities in English. Knowledge or work around human rights and policing, security or justice sector reform is preferred, as is experience planning and implementing advocacy strategies.

The position is suitable for an energetic, enthusiastic and creative person interested in being based at an international organisation working out of the global south. The salary package is negotiable, but is based on local wages. Candidates must be adaptable and able to work effectively in a challenging environment.

CHRI is based in New Delhi, India, and has offices in London, UK and Accra, Ghana. The role is based in CHRI’s New Delhi office. CHRI is an independent, non-partisan, non-government organisation working for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth. Further information about CHRI and the work of is police reform programme can be accessed at CHRI’s website (www.humanrightsinitiative.org).

Applications close on 10 May 2008 and should be emailed to Ravi Shankar at CHRI (ravi@humanrightsinitiative.org). Applications must include a motivation letter, resume, writing sample and contact details of at least two referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Right to Information Programme

Project Officer

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) an international, independent, non-partisan NGO working for the practical realisation of human rights in the Commonwealth. CHRI is headquartered in New Delhi, India, and has offices in the United Kingdom and Ghana.

CHRI is advertising for one staff to work on our Right to Information (RTI) Programme. The successful candidates will both be part of a small team working on right to information issues both in India and throughout the Commonwealth. Please visit our website at www.humanrightsinitiative.org to find out more about CHRI and our RTI Programme specifically.

Candidates must be committed to human rights. They must have a demonstrated interest in human rights issues backed up by a sound understanding of international instruments dealing with the protection of human rights. They must be able to write as well as speak confidently on human rights issues. An understanding of right to information issues including familiarity with the legal concepts associated with access to information regimes would be an advantage.

Due to the developing nature of the work, the candidate must be prepared to adapt to changing requirements of the organisation and to work on projects that evolve and develop from time to time. All efforts are taken to ensure that assignments are appropriate for the candidate and the organisation. The degree of responsibility and the activities the candidate undertakes is largely dependant on the effort and effectiveness he/she demonstrates.

Job description:

• Researching laws, practices and systems related to access to information in Commonwealth countries;
• Researching, writing and editing technical advice and inputs for governments, civil society and media groups on access to information regimes with particular reference to principal and subordinate legislation;
• Researching, writing and editing public education materials on RTI for various audiences in the Commonwealth;
• Publishing articles and write-ups in the media on themes related to access to information for various audiences such as government, civil society and the media in the Commonwealth;
• Expanding CHRI's networks in different regions in the Commonwealth by identifying CSOs, mass media contacts, academics, lawyers etc. who are willing to work with CHRI;
• Expanding CHRI's CSO and media contacts with view to promote our outreach and ability to advocate in different jurisdictions in the Commonwealth;
• Designing and conducting workshops and training sessions for various stakeholders;
• Representing CHRI at conferences, workshops and seminars on access to information and related themes;
• Securing financial resources for programme work;
• Updating website content, research and contacts and database management;
• Editing and proof-reading the publications of the team and the organisation;
• Maintaining programme documentation on a regular basis;
• Submitting reports on progress at work as and when required by the organisation and
• Any other duty that may be assigned by the Coordinator of the ATI programme of the Director.
  Essential Qualification:
• A Masters degree in Social Sciences (specialization in one of the following subjects - Human Rights, Political Science, Sociology, International Relations) or Law from a reputable academic institution
• Above average academic record
• Computer and internet savvy person
• Above average communication skills (writing and speaking) in English
• Ability to work on own initiative with high energy levels
• 1-5 years experience in Government or NGO sector working on human rights issues and/or policy level advocacy.
• Willing to work in India in an office with a multi-cultural environment

Desirable Qualification:

Knowledge of working of access to information laws in any country

Salary:

Remuneration will be determined based on the successful candidates' experience.

Please send:
- Cover Letter, 1 page highlighting the candidate's claims;
- Curriculum Vitae, of no more than 3 pages;
- Two writing samples, of no more than 5 pages each;
- Contact details of two references, including their relationship to the candidate.

by post / courier / email to:
The Recruitment Coordinator
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
A-1, Sarvodaya Enclave
New Delhi, INDIA, 110017
Email: ravi@humanrightsinitiative.org

Applications should be received at CHRI no later than 10 May 2008. Application after this date will not be entertained.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we must advise that CHRI will only be in contact with those candidates who are short listed for interview. Unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

Note: Candidates who had applied for same position earlier do not apply again.

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