The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-government organisation working for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth, with a focus on access to justice and access to information. Further information can be accessed at (www.humanrightsinitiative.org).

CHRI is looking for a Project Officer for its Prison Reforms Programme. The programme aims to strengthen oversight mechanisms, improve prison conditions, reform prison management, enhance accountability and foster better coordination between the various agencies of the criminal justice system. The position advertised here is for a project to ensure access to sanitation and hygiene for menstruating women prisoners, supported by Impact Foundation India.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting, collating and analysing data for a study on menstrual hygiene management in select prisons in West Bengal;
• Engaging with key stakeholders on the findings of the study;
• Organising workshops for key functionaries;
• Exploring collaborations with corporates for providing waste disposal equipment and sanitary products to prisons on a regular basis;
• Developing a plan for scaling up the project;
• Engaging with duty holders at the national level on improving menstrual hygiene management in prisons.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree / master’s degree/ postgraduate diploma in a discipline related to the project;
• At least two years’ experience in the area of women’s rights, reproductive health, sanitation, hygiene or waste management;
• Good research and analytical skills, experience of collecting and analysing data;
• Good people skills, experience of engaging with government functionaries;
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative;
• Ability to manage time efficiently and deliver good quality work within deadlines;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Strong sense of commitment to work.

Desirable qualifications

• Ability to communicate in Bengali.

Duration

The period of the contract will be from 1 February 2023 to 11 December 2023, with a 3-month probation period. It will be a consultancy contract.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with knowledge and experience levels, and will be in the range of Rs. 32,000 – Rs, 38,000 per month.

Location

The candidate should be based in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should apply with:

• 1 page cover letter explaining why you think you are suitable for the position 
• Up-to-date résumé
• Two original writing samples indicative of research, analysis and writing skills (no more than 4 pages)
• Contact details of two references, who can vouch for your professional competence

Applications should be sent to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org with cc to madhurima@humanrightsinitiative.org by 20 January 2023. Please mention in the subject line: Project Officer, Prison Reforms.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligible candidates belonging to the marginalised and vulnerable sections of society are encouraged to apply.