Programme Officer, Global Desk, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre

Who we are

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth advice on the laws of war to ensure the protection of persons in conflict zones worldwide. Through our progressive and inclusive approach, we aspire to secure the strongest possible protection for every person affected by armed conflict.

Our legal experts share knowledge about and promote international law relevant for situations of armed conflict through research, advocacy, and training with a view to maximizing humanitarian protection. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector to respond to urgent needs and improve the inclusive understanding and application of international law. 

The Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has regional teams based in Bamako, Beirut, Geneva, and Jerusalem, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, and emerging crises worldwide. 

The Global Desk

The Global Desk sits within the International Humanitarian Law Centre. The Global Desk has a IHL Help-Desk function, leads and coordinates core thematic projects, provides surge support to our context-specific desks, and works on contexts where we do not have a physical presence. The Global Desk works with a range of stakeholders including arms bearers, United Nations mechanisms, regional bodies, and inter-governmental organisations, as well as civil society and self-advocates. Our goal is to support and facilitate the inclusive interpretation, application and monitoring of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the Global Desk Manager, the Program Officer will be responsible for supporting and coordinating multiple projects across the Global Desk of the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre. A large focus of the role will be directed towards the provision of programmatic support for a new multiyear Central and East Africa project. Such tasks will be carried out in line with Diakonia’s global policies and steering documents, as well as Diakonia´s feminist and human-rights based principles and our values of solidarity, justice, courage, commitment and accountability. This position includes the possibility of international travel.

Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the design, development, planning, execution and follow-up of Global Desk projects.
• Project coordination and management support.
• Report drafting and copy-editing (in English).
• Procurement coordination.
• Contribute to learning, knowledge management, and continuous improvements in regard to project management across the Global Desk and the IHL Centre.
• Contribute to maintaining a strong relationship with current and prospective partners and donors.
• Provide support to recruitment processes.

Essential experience and Qualifications

Education and Work Experience

• University degree or equivalent within relevant area.
• 2 years’ experience working on projects in the field of human rights, or similar.
• High level of demonstrated analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and IT skills.
• Outstanding level of English writing proficiency. Other languages are an asset (in particular Portuguese, Arabic, or French).

Behavioural Skills

• The successful candidate will have a committed and determined attitude, with a focus on achieving high quality objectives and results.
• The successful candidate will be a highly organised individual who can set work plans, determine priorities and manage multiple work streams efficiently. 
• We are looking for a committed and professional individual who will make a positive contribution to our respectful and dynamic working environment.
• The successful candidate will be a strong team player who will contribute to, and excel in a professional and supportive team.

Conditions and Fees

This position is to be based out of either our Stockholm or Nairobi office. The successful candidate will be provided with a fee based on level of experience and qualifications as per our institutional policies.

Timeframe

The start date will be July/August 2023. This is a 24-month full-time contract with the possibility of extension.

Application

If you have the essential experience and qualifications outlined for this position, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply with a one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience and expertise along with your CV through the link below by 6pm (CET) on Friday 23 June. For questions regarding the position, please contact alice.priddy@diakonia.se.