SOS Children’s Villages International is the umbrella organisation for the global federation of SOS Children’s Villages. As a non-governmental social development organisation we support children without parental care and families in difficult living conditions through services in care, education, health and emergency relief, and we advocate for the rights of children and young people, in alliance with a great diversity of partners. We work in 136 countries and territories, reaching over one million children, young people, families and caregivers each year.

Mission

The mission of the Liaison & Advocacy team is to position SOS Children’s Villages as a leading care and prevention organization and as an advocate for the rights of children without, or at risk of losing, parental care.
The Advocacy Advisor will support in strengthening the Federation’s advocacy engagement with United Nations and the community of child rights organisation’s in Geneva to ensure our positions and the concerns of our target group are included in relevant human rights mechanisms and resolutions.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Monitor policy developments on quality alternative care at the international levels and identify advocacy opportunities to implement SI4 objectives
• Leverage the potential of UN mechanisms in Geneva (e.g. HRC, UPR & CRC) and promote and facilitate MA (Member Associations) engagement, including child/youth participation, in reporting and follow-up on the implementation of recommendations and resolutions
• Provide and support policy research and develop advocacy messages and positions including capacity-building
• Organise and facilitate meetings, side-events and workshops to promote Federation positions on our target group
• Represent SOS-CVI to UN institutions and the NGO community in Geneva in support of the UN Representative
• Provide necessary support to the Geneva Office in tasks, e.g. communications, administrative, representational or other, in agreement with the UN Representative

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Human Rights or related field or Bachelor’s degree with relevant professional experience
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in UN advocacy (preferably in Geneva)
• Previous experience in NGO representation
• Previous experience working with children/youth in advocacy or other activities would be beneficial
• Good understanding of advocacy in UN system/mechanisms
• Demonstrated commitment to the rights of the child/rights-based approach
• Demonstrated ability in working in a diverse cultural environment
• Fluent English language skills; French and/or Spanish would be an asset
• Applicants must hold a valid Swiss working permit or be eligible to work within the EU

We offer

• A diverse range of interesting tasks in a leading INGO multicultural working environment
• A salary that will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

If you are interested in this position, please send your detailed e-mail application (CV & motivation letter) by 08 September 2019 at the latest to personal@sos-kd.org, SOS-Children’s Villages International, www.sos-childrensvillages.org/