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Exciting opportunity with Samoa's NHRI: Apply now

Graphic: Staff of the Ombudsman of Samoa

Samoa's Office of the Ombudsman is seeking an energetic person to fill the key role of Director of Human Rights and Good Governance.

Director of Human Rights & Good Governance

The Office of the Ombudsman is now firmly established as the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of Samoa, in addition to its traditional role relating to matters of Good Governance. Nonetheless, the NHRI is a relatively new organization and this role is a wonderful opportunity for the right person to play a key role in its development.

The Director of Human Rights & Good Governance will work directly under the Assistant Ombudsman and initially be responsible for three staff, rising to more in the 2016-17 financial year.

The Director of Human Rights & Good Governance will not only be required to coordinate all human rights activities but substantially contribute to the major projects and oversee all of the work of the unit and contribute to the work of the good governance team where necessary.

This position is ideal for a candidate with a passion for and good experience in human rights, looking to increase their level of responsibility and make a significant contribution to the protection and promotion of rights in Samoa.

Job responsibilities reporting directly to the Assistant Ombudsman

1. Team management

  • Manage human rights program of work and budget
  • Contribute to management of office
  • Work with Special Investigations Unit Director to manage Good Governance program of work

2. Human rights protection and promotion

  • Coordinate and manage investigations into thematic areas of human rights violations
  • Coordinate and participate in program of inspections of places of detention
  • Develop office capacity in key areas such as complaints handling, legislative review and amicus curiae through international partnerships and capacity building programs
  • Coordinate and contribute to human rights communication plan activities

3. "State of Human Rights" Report

  • Coordinate and contribute to all activities in the development of the annual "State of Human Rights" report and drafting of the final report

4. Regional and international engagement and reporting

  • Represent the office at international and national conferences, workshops and training courses
  • Coordinate all NHRI shadow treaty body and UPR reporting and contribute to any report drafting
  • Seek out partnerships and funding opportunities for the development of the office and delivery of strategic goals

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

  • Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Excellent computer literacy
  • Strong commitment to human rights and equal opportunities
  • Possession of strong personal code of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflict of interest and working in a transparent and fair manner

Education and experience

  • Degree in law, social sciences or other relevant discipline (Essential)
  • Masters Degree in law, social sciences or other relevant discipline (Desirable)
  • 3-5 years professional experience in the field of Human Rights (Essential)
  • 2 years experience in a managerial role (Essential)
  • Good knowledge of the country and the region, including knowledge of the political and human rights environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights (Desirable)
  • Good knowledge of Samoan culture and traditions (Desirable)
  • Previous experience of conducting consultations (Desirable)
  • Previous experience of legislative review (Desirable)
  • Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, sound judgment and good team spirit, communication and teamwork (Essential)
  • 5 years professional work experience (Essential)

Salary: $74,357

For further information please contact our office on (+685) 253-94 or email on info@ombudsman.gov.ws or Ashley.Bowe@one.un.org.

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and job responsibilities, outlining how your previous experience demonstrates your ability to undertake this role.

Applications must be received by 5pm, Friday 22 January 2016. They can be submitted via the email addresses above or in person at Level 5, Central Bank, Apia.


Image credits

  1. Staff of the Ombudsman of Samoa - APF/Steven Percival