Position: Program Officer, Raoul Wallenberg Institute

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is currently seeking a Programme Officer at RWI’s Field Office in Beijing for an initial time period of twelve months starting in January 2009, at the earliest. 

The mission of the Institute is to promote universal respect for human rights and humanitarian law by means of research, academic education, dissemination and institutional development.

[Text below taken from job announcement]

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution established in 1984. The mission of the Institute is to promote universal respect for human rights and humanitarian law by means of research, academic education, dissemination and institutional development. The vision of the Institute is to be a centre of excellence meeting the highest international standards in all its fields of operation. In addition to research and academic education, RWI has since 1990 been implementing a wide range of human rights capacity development programmes for institutions in developing countries, mainly with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The Institute’s capacity development programme in is one of the largest programmes in this respect involving cooperation with academic institutions and the justice sector, primarily the procuratorate. RWI’s projects in China have since 2001 been coordinated by a field office, based in Beijing.

Summary: RWI is currently seeking a Programme Officer at RWI’s Field Office in Beijing for an initial time period of twelve months starting in January 2009, at the earliest. The Programme Officer’s primary responsibilities are to ensure that RWI’s international programmes in China are planned, implemented and followed up so as to achieve expected results enhancing the overall impact, quality and coordination of RWI’s activities in the country.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Reporting to the Head of RWI’s Field Office in Beijing, the Programme Officer’s tasks would include:

·        Drafting proposals for new programmes in China;

·        Drafting and monitoring budgets related to RWI programmes in China;

·        Drafting agreements with partner institutions and external consultants;

·        Regularly assessing and monitoring programme developments and results;

·        Staying informed of relevant developments concerning the areas falling under the mandate of the Field Office in Beijing;

·        Participation in meetings of relevance to the Field Office’s work, including with relevant foreign authorities and organisations;

·        Maintaining regular contact with relevant authorities, organisations, donors, etc.

·        For completed programmes, preparing narrative reports that analyse the results of the respective programme carried out; and

·        Participating in the other programme work of RWI as necessary and as agreed by the Head of the Field Office in Beijing, performing the same tasks as above.

The position involves travelling to programme sites in China to facilitate the implementation of project objectives and to assess and report on project developments and results. At times, the workload can be high.

Qualifications:

·        Good knowledge of international human rights law, including university degree with preferably a specialisation in human rights or related fields;

·        A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, including management of international development programmes. Experience of working in China is highly desirable;

·        Demonstrated organisational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills;

·        Ability to take initiatives and prioritise work tasks;

·        Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and complete tasks within given timeframes;

·        Proven skills to work in teams and generate innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations;

·        Fluency in English and good knowledge of Chinese required. Knowledge of Swedish is desirable;

·        Cultural sensitivity and judgement; and

·        Sound knowledge of means and methods of international development cooperation.

Application procedure: To apply for this position, please send cover letter with detailed resume and copies of relevant certificates by e-mail to: johan.lundqvist@rwi.lu.se.

The application deadline is 21 November 2008.

For further information on the position please contact Ms. Malin Oud, Head, RWI’s Field Office in Beijing (e-mail: malin.oud@rwi.lu.se, tel: +86 10 6539 1066) or Johannes Eile, Head, Department of International Programmes (e-mail: johannes.eile@rwi.lu.se, tel: +46 46 222 12 26).