Position: Human Rights Officer (full-time)
Location: Brussels (EU quarter)
Salary: commensurate with experience
Starting date: 1 March 2023
Application deadline: 27 January 2023, 17:00 CET (Brussels time)
The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is looking for a full time Human Rights Officer for its Brussels office, with a starting date on 1 March 2023, or as soon as possible after that. The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for coordinating ENIL’s key campaigns, the work on human rights instruments (with a focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and mobilising participation of members and other target groups in our work. The post holder is also expected to develop ENIL’s work in the area of international development cooperation, and to raise additional resources for this work.
This is a key post in the organisation, central to delivering on the various objectives related to advancing the right to independent living for all disabled people in Europe, without discrimination, and ending all forms of segregation and social exclusion. Because of the nature of this post, which requires ability to attend meetings and events in Brussels, it is essential that the Human Rights Officer is able to work from ENIL’s Brussels Office.
1. Requirements for the job
Essential skills
- Excellent understanding of the Independent Living philosophy, the right to independent living and the human rights/social model of disability
- Ability to maintain a principled approach to defending the right to Independent Living, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the General Comment 5 of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Sound knowledge of the relevant laws and policies relevant to Independent Living at the European and international level, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its General Comments, the UN 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goals) and the EU Fundamental Rights Charter
- Sound knowledge of other European and international human rights treaties and human rights mechanisms, and understanding of the importance of mainstreaming disability in other human rights areas
- Sound knowledge of the EU institutions and the decision making processes at the EU level, as well EU’s financial framework (particularly the European Structural and Investment Funds)
- Ability to work in partnership with other organisations
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Strong writing skills
- Strong social media skills (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Excellent language skills: English and preferably another European language
Essential experience
- Demonstrable experience of carrying out advocacy activities at the local or national level, and preferably also some at the European and international level
- Familiarity with disability rights organisations working at international and/or European level
- Familiarity with key actors in the area of international development cooperation
- Experience of working in the non-profit sector
- Ability to work independently, without much supervision
- Ability to comply with strict deadlines
Other essential requirements
- Valid Belgian work permit (if not an EU citizen)
Desired requirements
- Lived experience of independent living and personal assistance
2. Responsibilities
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following:
Advocacy and campaigns
- Responsible for coordinating the European Independent Living Day
- Responsible for coordinating ENIL’s activities related to political participation (i.e. the European Elections in 2024)
- Responsible for coordinating the EU Funds for Our Rights Campaign
- Responsible for coordinating and writing complaints related to the use of EU Funds
- Acting as the organisation’s representative in the European Community of Practice on Partnership
- Maintaining regular communication with ENIL members, in order to facilitate their participation in ENIL’s advocacy work (i.e. mobilising members)
- Organising online events (webinars, trainings) for ENIL members and other stakeholders, including EC officials, national authorities and the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
- Acting as the contact point for the European Ombudsman and NHRIs, where relevant
- Developing new activities, in close consultation with the Policy Coordinator and other staff members
- Developing advocacy materials (submissions, policy positions, statements, materials for members etc.)
- Providing input into new funding applications in relation to advocacy work
- Maintaining the list of contacts relevant to ENIL’s advocacy work
- Contributing content for the ENIL website and Newsletter
International development cooperation
- Developing ENIL’s work in this area, starting with a work plan for the first two years, in cooperation with the relevant Board members
- Developing materials for ENIL’s members, on key documents and standards, and organising informative events to raise their awareness
- Establishing relationships with organisations working on development cooperation, such as IDDC and IDA, and developing materials on Independent Living targeting organisations involved in this work
- Preparing ENIL’s input for key events at the international level, such as the Global Disability Summit, the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD and other
- Identifying funding opportunities and preparing funding applications
- Representing ENIL at relevant events
3. How to apply
Please send your CV, a motivation letter (with the details of two persons who can be contacted for references and your salary expectation) and an unedited writing sample (in English) to secretariat@enil.eu as soon as possible and not later than 27 January 2023 at 17 CET (Brussels time). Please explain in the motivation letter how you meet the job requirements. Also, do make sure that you state which position you are applying for in the subject of your email. Shortlisted candidates will be notified within a week of the applications deadline and will have an online interview during the week of 6 February 2023. Disabled persons are strongly encouraged to apply for this post.
About the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL)
The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is a Europe-wide network of disabled people with members throughout Europe. ENIL is a forum intended for all disabled people, independent living organisations and their non-disabled allies on the issue of independent living. ENIL’s work is guided by the principles of solidarity, peer support, deinstitutionalisation, democracy, self-representation, cross-disability and self-determination.
ENIL promotes equal opportunities for disabled people, fights against discrimination and addresses the under-representation of persons with extensive disabilities in European disability politics, as well as in mainstream society. ENIL’s mission is to:
- Promote the Independent Living philosophy among disabled people, the general public, national policy makers, Government administrations, in the United Nations, as well as among regional bodies such as the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE);
- Develop the concept, principles and definition of Independent Living. Promote the development of Centres of Independent Living throughout Europe and enhance solidarity and networking among them;
- Carry out training and awareness raising activities at the European level, focusing on the personal assistance, direct payments/personal budgets and peer support/counselling;
- Represent Independent Living Organizations and the Independent Living movement at the European level and in different European bodies and organizations;
- Combat social exclusion and discrimination through disability policies which allow for Independent Living of disabled people. Make the Independent Living framework instrumental to end discrimination against disabled people in Europe;
- Embrace the social model of disability in acquiring independence and self-determination, and overcome the barriers of the medical and attitudinal models.
- Every year, ENIL undertakes a number of activities to raise awareness of the rights of disabled people in Europe at both the national and European Level. The Freedom Drive is ENIL’s flagship campaign and takes place every two years. The week-long event provides an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament to meet with disabled people from across Europe and to discuss issues that affecting their lives. It also provides an opportunity for disabled people from across Europe to come together and exchange their experiences in an informal way, as well as facilitate further development of the Independent Living Movement.
For further information in relation to ENIL and our activities, please visit our website: www.enil.eu
