Northern Ireland Human Rights Officer

At Rights & Security International (RSI), we are seeking a Northern Ireland Human Rights Officer to lead our work on racial justice, protesters’ rights and other human rights in Northern Ireland. We are a London-based international human rights charity that promotes respect for the rights of all people when governments act in the name of ‘national security’.   […]

At Rights & Security International (RSI), we are seeking a Northern Ireland Human Rights Officer to lead our work on racial justice, protesters’ rights and other human rights in Northern Ireland. We are a London-based international human rights charity that promotes respect for the rights of all people when governments act in the name of ‘national security’.

You must be based in Belfast or Derry/Londonderry and have a right to work in the UK.

We have been promoting justice, transparency and equality in Northern Ireland for 35 years – ever since our founding. The successful candidate will help us strengthen our new local projects on racial justice, ending xenophobia and Islamophobia, and defending the human rights of peaceful protesters. We have done research and other work in NI on these issues for several years and aim to become even more impactful.

The successful candidate will also help us ensure that justice processes for harms committed during the conflict often described as ‘the Troubles’ meet international human rights standards.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a welcoming team of highly dedicated staff who embrace human rights for all people.

This position reports to the Freedom of Expression and Belief Team Leader.

Person specification:

RSI is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented candidate who is based in Belfast or Derry/Londonderry and has:

·      At least an undergraduate degree in law, social sciences, human rights, journalism, or another relevant field.

·      Demonstrable experience in anti-racism, anti-Islamophobia or migrants’ rights work.

·      Strong knowledge of NI-based networks on equality, migrants’ rights, gender-related rights or similar issues.

·      Strong research and writing skills.

·      Experience advocating with decision-makers about human rights protections.

·      Working knowledge of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

·      Effective project and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and complex long-term projects.

·      A strong commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities:

·      Convening and directing a network of groups interested in expanding and upholding the rights of peaceful protesters in Northern Ireland.

·      Researching issues related to racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia in NI and potentially across the island of Ireland.

·      Scrutinising Northern Ireland’s transitional justice processes, in collaboration with victims, survivors, families and their representatives.

·      Reviewing legal and policy developments in Northern Ireland, making recommendations on strategic RSI interventions.

·      Engaging with elected officials and other decision-makers on issues within RSI’s mandate.

·      Any other tasks as designated by the supervisor or Executive Director.

RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address in our work. We also welcome applications from people who are re-entering the workforce after time away. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis. Should you require reasonable assistance for the completion of your application, please contact us via the email address listed on our website.

We offer flexible working hours. This position is remote but will require occasional travel to meetings and events in Northern Ireland, as well as occasional travel to our office in London.

Please note that we are only able to respond with feedback to shortlisted candidates.

By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than six months.