Deadline: 1 March 2011
Open to: individuals with at least two years experience in fields of human rights, Roma issues from list of countries below
The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) invites applications from individuals to act as Human Rights Monitors in the following countries: Czech Republic, France, Italy (preferably in Milan), Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia (Rostov-on-Don or Volgograd), Slovakia, Serbia and Ukraine. The contracted individuals will be requested to undertake work in line with ERRC priorities including violence against Roma and hate speech, education, housing, women’s and children’s rights, movement and migration and data collection. Some travel will be required (up to 25% of time).
About ERRC
Reliable, accurate and coherent first-hand research is the foundation of all ERRC activities. ERRC Monitors are responsible for investigating and documenting human rights abuse of Roma in their countries of responsibility, maintaining contact with relevant actors in their country of responsibility to stay abreast of the most important developments, regularly apprising the ERRC of important local developments, acting as a liaison between the ERRC and local lawyers and working with a team of ERRC staff members in Budapest to develop appropriate responses to the most important concerns.
Responsibilities
- Regularly engaging in independent field investigation, including taking testimonies from Romani victims of human rights abuse, witnesses to such abuse, relevant authorities, and experts and other individuals able to provide background information;
- Monitoring the media on Roma rights themes;
- Maintaining regular contact with Romani and non-Romani human rights and service delivery organisations, government actors and local Romani and mainstream press sources;
- Initiating and maintaining regular contact with lawyers working in the field of Roma rights on specific cases for litigation;
- Arranging visits and accompanying ERRC staff in the field;
- Reporting regularly to the ERRC on the above; and
- Other tasks as specified by the ERRC.
Eligibility
- At least two years’ experience conducting desk and field research on human rights or related issues;
- Experience writing research reports and other materials;
- At minimum, secondary school diploma; college or university degree preferred;
- Significant experience living and working in Romani communities is desirable;
- Verbal and written proficiency in both English and the national language required; knowledge of Romani preferred;
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills;
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills;
- Self-motivation and the ability to work under minimal supervision;
- Willingness to travel for work, either alone or with colleagues.
Financial Conditions
Selected candidates must be based in-country and will work between half and full time, depending on the final agreement with the ERRC. Selected individuals will be paid a fee and provided with a monthly expense allowance to facilitate their work.
How to apply
- Maximum 500 word letter of interest;
- Detailed CV in English;
- Contact details for two present or former employers (reference should be from immediate supervisor); and
- An unedited English-language writing sample by the applicant (preferably human rights focused).
Hajnalka Nemeth
Message Title: ERRC Monitor Search
hajnalka.nemeth@errc.org
Fax: +36.1.413.2201