The Special Rapporteur
for Freedom of Expression answers to the IACHR, works in conjunction with the
Executive Secretariat of the IACHR, and operates from OAS headquarters in
Washington DC.
Deadline:
February 20, 2014
Location:
Washington, DC.
Organization: IACHR
Background
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the
principal body of the OAS, is putting out a call for applications for the
position of IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.
The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression answers to
the IACHR, works in conjunction with the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR,
and operates from
OAS headquarters in Washington DC.
- The
Special Rapporteur will be responsible for supporting the IACHR in
fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect freedom of expression in the
Americas. Specifically, the Special Rapporteur will perform the following
functions:
- Prepare
reports on freedom of expression for the consideration of the IACHR and
publication, including thematic reports on matters related with the right
to freedom of expression and an annual report on the situation of freedom
of expression in the Americas.
- Process
individual cases on freedom of expression for the IACHR’s subsequent
decision and representing, by delegation, the Commission in the
proceedings before the Inter-American Court of human rights, in cases
related to freedom of expression.
- Assist
the IACHR in the promotion of international instruments related to freedom
of expression, including organizing and participating in promotional
activities directed toward government officials, professionals,
journalists and students on the work of the IACHR in this area.
- Make
recommendations to the IACHR on urgent situations that may require the
adoption of precautionary measures or the request of adoption of
provisional measures before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
- Monitor
the situation of freedom of expression in the hemisphere and provide
advice and assistance to OAS’ Member States in the adoption of
legislative, judicial, administrative, or other types of measures that may
be necessary to make effective the exercise of the right to freedom of
thought and expression.
- Advise
and assist other bodies of the Organization of American States (OAS) on
matters related with freedom of expression in the Americas.
- Conduct
the necessary activities to raise and manage funds from cooperation
sources and to develop projects required to fulfill the assigned mandate.
- Fulfill
other mandates related to the promotion and protection of freedom of
expression as delegated by the IACHR pursuant to its mandate.
Minimum requirements:
- High
moral standards and independence.
- University
degree in law, journalism or other relevant branch of social
science.Graduate study or specialization in international human rights law
or Human Rights is preferred.
- At
least 15 years of domestic or international professional experience that
includes, among other things, interaction with senior government officials
or intergovernmental or nongovernmental organizations. For candidates with
a graduate degree, minimum required experience is 10 years.
- Demonstrated
professional experience and knowledge conducting the procedures and legal
precedents of the IACHR and the case law of the Inter-American Court of
Human Rights.
- Demonstrated
competence and professional experience in issues related to freedom of
expression and human rights in the Americas.
- Demonstrated
ability to manage staff and demonstrating experience with raising funds
and project supervision.
- Excellent
written and oral communication.
- Excellent
analytical and interpretive abilities.
- Ability
to make public presentations before senior government officials, experts
and representatives of nongovernmental human rights organizations, and the
general public.
- Professional
fluency in at least two of the official languages of the OAS: Spanish,
French, English and Portuguese.
- Citizen
of an OAS member State.
Selection process:
The process by which the Special Rapporteur will be selected
will follow the proceedings established in the applicable rules, in particular
Article 15 of the Rules of Procedure of the IACHR and Resolution 04/06.
The deadline to submit application is on 20th February,
2014.
The names and profiles of the candidate selected a finalist
for the position will be published on the IACHR webpage, from May 1 to May 31,
2014, so as to inform Member States and civil society and receive their
comments.
The IACHR expects to complete the selection process 151th
Period of Sessions in order to comply with the terms established in its Statute
and other applicable law. The new Special Rapporteur will start work on October
6, 2014.
The person chosen to fill the vacancy of special Rapporteur
for Freedom of Expression will hold a P-5 position (position of trust).
Duties will be performed in Washington, DC, USA, and require
broad availability for travel.
Cover letter and curriculum vitae should be sent to:
Emilio Alvarez Icaza
Executive Secretary
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, OAS
1889 F St., Washington, DC 20006 U.S.A.
E-mail: cidhoea@oas.org
The application deadline is February 20, 2014.
