The aim of the Fellowship programme, organized by the OHCHR, is to give representatives of Governments from Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States a better understanding and appreciation of the Human Rights Council.
Through this experience the Fellow will gain knowledge and working level experience with the Council, its mechanisms and subsidiary bodies. The experience may also be supplemented by knowledge of Treaty Bodies. It will also allow the Fellow to develop an extensive contact network with other Geneva-based delegations, OHCHR, other UN departments and agencies, as well as NGOs represented in Geneva.
It is envisaged that the Fellow will return to his/her Government and thereby strengthen their national capacity to participate more fully in the work of the Human Rights Council and facilitate their effective and informed participation in consultative and decision-making processes, including negotiations.
Terms of reference
The Fellow will be based in Geneva and work under the guidance of the Human Rights Council Branch of OHCHR for a period of 3 months from the beginning of September to the end of November 2015. The Fellow will engage with other delegations, the Human Rights Council Secretariat, OHCHR, UN departments and agencies as well as NGOs and will be expected to carry out the following:
- Attend the OHCHR/UNITAR human rights orientation programme
- Attend the 30th regular session of the Human Rights Council relevant to SIDS/LDCs and home country
- Prepare a written report or the proceedings and outcomes of the 30th regular session
- Substantive engagement with OHCHR on questions relating to the Human Rights Council, Special Procedures, the Universal Periodic Review and other mechanisms and subsidiary bodies
- Attend the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration
- Attend the 23rd UPR working group
- Attend the SIDS/LDCs academy
- Carry out and submit a personal research project
Qualifications
The candidate should have:
- An advanced university degree in in law, political science, international relations or related discipline. Significant relevant experience may count in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience currently being served in the government of their home country with relevant experience in the field of human rights. Experience of intergovernmental affairs is an asset;
- He/she should be fluent in English and/or French, while knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.
Candidates should also have a supporting letter from a Government official authorising their participation in the fellowship programme and be committed to imparting the knowledge and experience obtained during their fellowship to colleagues within their Government upon their return.
Responsibilities of engagement
- The fellow will be responsible to obtain the necessary visa and health insurance. They will also be responsible for identifying and securing their own temporary accommodation.
- OHCHR will financially support the selected fellow in the form of a monthly stipend during the fellowship programme and provide their economy class return air ticket to Geneva.
Selection process for 2015
Interested candidates should send the following documents to sidsldc@ohchr.org no later than 15 June 2015:
- Duly completed the application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal letter of motivation
- Signed letter of support from their Government
