Switzerland: Director for Child Rights Connect

Organization: Child Rights Connect
Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 06 Nov 2014

Child Rights Connect is looking for an inspirational Director to lead our international network in implementing an integrated and coherent strategy linking the international human rights system to national level advocacy and greater respect of children’s rights.

Since its creation in 1983 to influence the drafting of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Child Rights Connect has been at the forefront of drafting UN treaties on child rights, as well as other major child rights developments.

We are a leading independent and non-profit network of 82 national, regional and international organisations and coalitions. Our approach is a strategic combination of empowering and building the capacity of civil society actors to effectively engage with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights mechanisms; advocating for child rights internationally; supporting and monitoring the work of the Committee; and conducting research on evolving areas in child rights. By supporting national actors to engage with UN human rights mechanisms, we contribute to making these mechanisms more effective vehicles for change at national level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the network’s activities, from leading on high level strategic advocacy priorities to developing an organisational fundraising strategy and managing the Secretariat. A politically astute, inspiring and diplomatic leader, you will be as comfortable leading the strategic development and growth of the network, as managing relationships with high level stakeholders to achieve tangible outcomes for children’s rights.

Key responsibilities:

· Lead a strong network with a well-defined and recognised role in promoting child rights at international level.

· Direct the strategic and policy framework, as well as the operations, towards achieving Child Rights Connect’s vision, mission, strategic objectives and annual work plans, including developing strategies for new areas of work.

· Lead the development and implementation of a fundraising strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability and oversee the efficient financial planning, management and deployment of resources.

· Lead high level strategic engagement around key programmatic activities and opportunities and ensure that all activities are of a high quality and are developed in ways that best fit the needs of the network.

· Oversee the governance and membership of the network, including by supporting the operations of the Executive Committee and General Assembly.

· Recruit, manage and develop the team of experienced and committed staff in the Geneva Secretariat.

· Represent Child Rights Connect and establish strong working relations with key external stakeholders and promote a professional and positive image of the network.

· Oversee the development of all communications materials, including publications, the website and social media.

· Ensure that Child Rights Connect’s activities and operations are conducted in a manner that is fair, ethical, lawful, accountable, efficient and sustainable.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in the leadership, management and representation at senior level of an organisation/network working on children’s rights and/or human rights.
• Experience of leading strategic development and organisational growth in line with a Strategic Plan and proven ability to lead a professional and dynamic team, strengthen team-building and motivation and promote professional development.
• Proven experience in implementing successful fundraising strategies and financial management.
• Extensive (at least 7 years) professional experience in human rights and children’s rights, with in-depth understanding of the international human rights system and its practical implementation at national level, in particular the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Human Rights Council, and multilateral diplomacy.
• Experience with the implementation of a child protection policy and child participation principles.
• Postgraduate University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in human rights, international law, international relations or other related disciplines.
• Commitment to children’s rights, child protection and to our vision, mission and strategic objectives.
• Native-level English (both written and spoken), a sound knowledge of French, and another UN language is highly desirable;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise, take initiative and work under a high degree of pressure.
• Highly developed analytical, problem-solving, strategic planning and communications skills.

How to apply:

Please submit your application - CV, cover letter (max. 2 pages), names and contact details of two references and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) in English - to recruitment@childrightsconnect.orgwith the reference ‘Director’. The deadline is 6 November 2014.

Due to the volume of applications, only complete ones will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please understand that we cannot respond to enquiries.

Child Rights Connect is an equal opportunity employer and our recruitment procedures reflect our commitment to child protection. The salary will be based on the Geneva NGO salary scale. A valid work permit for Switzerland and/or EU citizenship is desirable.For further information on Child Rights Connect, please visit: www.childrightsconnect.org