Government Relations Officer, Colombia, L6 (part-time)

Description

Organization profile

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. This is a complex global challenge that can be tackled effectively through cross-cutting programs that address a variety of difficult, interconnected issues.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is the only international organization tasked exclusively to work on the issue of missing persons. It works with governments and other stakeholders, including families of the missing, to help them develop and maintain successful missing persons processes. To learn more about ICMP click here.

ICMP’s Colombia Program

In the aftermath of half a century of conflict, Colombia faces a legacy of more than 85,000 cases of missing and disappeared persons. The inclusion of this issue in the Final Peace Agreement signed in November 2016, provides an exceptional opportunity to advance efforts to account for missing persons and to secure the rights of victims.

ICMP is mandated under the Peace Agreement to assist this process. It has identified the most important challenges and will support the Search Unit, families of the missing, civil society organizations and parties to the Peace Agreement in their efforts towards long-term peace and reconciliation. ICMP will work closely with its international and Colombian partners to make a positive and practical contribution to this process.

Position Profile

The Government Relations Officer is a part time position (60%) based in Bogota, Colombia.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Program, and in close consultation with the Director of Policy and Cooperation, main duties and responsibilities will include the following:

• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with Colombian institutions and Government representatives on policy matters related to the issue of missing persons;
• Performing legal and political activities related to establishing and maintaining ICMP´s legal status in Colombia, and ensuring compliance with laws relevant to ICMP´s functioning in Colombia in accordance with ICMP´s treaty;
• Consulting and cooperating with relevant partners and stakeholders to develop strategies and plans of action to address political and international challenges;
• Identifying, analyzing and monitoring national and international political and legal developments related to the institutional framework of missing persons and make recommendations on possible strategies, policies and implementation of other measures, as appropriate;
• Participating in or supporting training and capacity-building activities organized by ICMP in order to assist Colombia in developing a comprehensive system to address the issue of missing persons, and related to the rights of families of the missing;
• Drafting, translating, coordinating submission of, reviewing and securing conclusion of cooperation agreements with relevant stakeholders;
• Preparing studies related to international criminal Law and International Humanitarian Law relevant to the and comparing it with the Colombian Situation;
• Preparing analytical reports and contextual information materials, such as situation reports, briefs, studies, political profiles, legal opinions and correspondence;
• Planning, organizing, attending, following-up, and reporting on meetings and events;
• Contributing to the formulation and implementation of ICMP´s Colombia program and to improving internal working strategies;
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• University or equivalent degree in Law, post-graduate degree in human rights or international law is preferred
• Minimum of six years of relevant professional experience
• Experience working in international organizations
• Proven experience working in a similar position
• Sound knowledge of human rights and criminal law
• In-depth understanding of the rule of law and its application to the issue areas
• Understanding of the institutional structure in Colombia related to missing persons, as well as Colombian criminal procedure, Colombians prosecutors office and the new system established after the peace negotiations;
• Research skills with a political and legal background and understanding of the registration process in Colombia
• Proven ability to work effectively in a highly political environment and in an international environment
• Strong communication skills
• Discretion, tact and professionalism

Additional requirements

• Legally entitled to work in Colombia
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
• Ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality, religion or gender
• Willingness to travel and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings, when necessary

Benefits

In addition to an attractive base salary, this position is eligible for up to 8 weeks of paid time off each year and generous social security insurances. This position is at the LES 6 level on the ICMP Colombia salary scale. This position is not eligible for relocation or expatriate allowances. For more details, please see the ICMP website.

Please submit your application in English. Review of applications will begin on 8 October; however, the position will remain open until filled.

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.