Deputy Director

About GI-ESCR

The Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Gl-ESCR) is a non-governmental organisation that believes transformative change to end endemic problems of social and economic injustice is possible through a human rights lens.

Vision

A world in which every person and community lives in dignity and harmony with nature

Mission

To transform power relations to enable every person and community to enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights (ESC rights) and all other human rights now and in the future

Values

We believe human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, inalienable, and shaped by law and social relations. They are norms and, more importantly, shared values. Their ultimate purposes are to remove asymmetries of power between individuals in society, challenge oppression, end the subordination and marginalisation of groups and individuals, and promote individual agency, autonomy, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human being.

In our practice, we attach particular importance to the human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination, including systemic and intersecting forms of discrimination. These principles underpin all our efforts. Gender equality is critically important because the full and equal participation of all is essential to achieving justice and ESC rights. We apply the principle of non-discrimination to everything we do, not least our relations with each other and our partners. This means that we strive for equality of treatment and condemn discrimination of all kinds, including on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, poverty, or social condition.

More generally, as an organisation that puts solidarity and empowerment at the heart of its activity, we expect our conduct, and also the conduct of institutions that we try to influence or with which we cooperate, to advance and promote:

• Respect and trust
• Diversity and inclusion
• Participation
• Collaboration and solidarity
• A sustainable future for all

In addition, we promise to

• Act professionally and with integrity
• Be bold and take risks in support of our goals
• Always remain independent

For further information about GI-ESCR work, mission, and values, you may visit our website at www.gi-escr.org

General Position Information

Job Title: Deputy Director
Senior Position: S/he serves on the management team and plays a leadership role in the organisation. Reports to the Executive Director.
Type of contract: Consultancy
Location: Remote work
Commitment: 40 hours a week (full-time)
Salary Range: USD$72,000 to USD$96,000 annual gross
Benefits: Health insurance contribution (USD 2,000 annually); home office expenses (USD 1,850 annually); 27 days of annual leave and 10 days of public holidays; contribution for “Savings for the Future” (monthly 3% of the Salary); wellness self-care reimbursement (USD 30 monthly)
Deadline for applications: 15 March 2024, 23.59 hrs. 23.59 hrs (Geneva time, CET)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration: The appointment will be for a term of one year with the possibility of renewal upon satisfactory performance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be committed to the values of GI-ESCR and have leadership experience at national and international levels in advocacy and research on economic, social and environmental rights. S/he will have a proven record of research and analytical excellence and motivating an international and diverse team. S/he will also have proven managerial experience and be a successful fundraiser. The Deputy Director will have strong international networks and a solid reputation within the human rights and/or development communities.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide expert advice on research and research methodology to ensure quality and consistency of work in all programmatic areas of work.
• Exercise analytical leadership to identify key issues for GI-ESCR work and advocacy opportunities for moving forward Gi-ESCR’s programmatic areas of work with due attention to fast-evolving global and local contexts
• Manage, guide, motivate and develop a team of ≈15 people.
• Contribute intellectual rigour to engage with policymakers, partners, academics, and the Board on the substantive issues at the core of GI-ESCR work
• In close collaboration with the Executive Director, provide strategic oversight and approval of all programmatic and communications-related deliverables and activities. In the absence of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director is responsible for leading the organisation.

Partnerships & Alliance Building

• Maintain and expand GI-ESCR’s network of allies and partners, building strategic, trusting, and mutually strengthening relationships, particularly with domestic organisations and social movements
• Build strong relationships with rights donors, UN agencies, governmental representatives and human rights monitoring bodies- to build GI-ESCR’s positioning and reputation and advance its mission in different regions
• Provide strategic guidance and support to the team to build and maintain relationships with relevant global, regional, national, and local partners

Financial Management & Resource Mobilisation

• In close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance & Human Resources, oversee the development and monitor the implementation of annual budgets for GI-ESCR’s programmatic and communications work
• Actively contributes to fundraising efforts to support the overall GI-ESCR’s costs and activities
• Support the Executive Director in coordinating the production of all donor proposals, reports and other donor communication products for existing and new donors
• Maintain relationships with current donors to ensure GI-ESCR has sustainable funding

Operations

• Develop and oversee the implementation of operational systems, policies, and procedures to support achieving GI-ESCR’s mission aligned with the organisation’s values
• Contribute to the development of the GI-ESCR annual work plan and oversee the development of team and yearly individual work plans, including monitoring activities to ensure progress against deliverables and budget
• Together with the Senior Management Team, ensure compliance with all statutory requirements
• Oversee the management of agreements with donors and external implementing partners to ensure compliance with budget, donor and other relevant policies and procedures

Human Resources

• In close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance & Human Resources, oversee the recruitment process, including identifying and finalising Terms of Reference, supporting vacancy announcements, the interview process, and recommendations for final selection, with consideration for diversity, due diligence, and reference checks
• In close collaboration with other members of the Senior Management Team, ensure the issuance of contracts, placement on the contractor fee scale, and appointment letters to selected contractors. In close collaboration with the Director of Finance & Human Resources, oversee the performance assessment process and support professional development for team members and GI-ESCR as a whole.

Communications

• Oversees the work of the Communications team to ensure strategic alignment and identify cross-cutting initiatives and opportunities
• Represent the organisation and advocate for GI-ESCR at various fora; present GI-ESCR’s programs, research and recommendations in public fora and represent GI-ESCR externally, reporting back to the Executive Director

Supervision and Management

• Supervise and support the Program Officers by providing regular feedback on performance relative to GI-ESCR’s overall outcomes.
• Manage the drafting of timely and effective reports, briefings, position papers, correspondence, press releases, and other internal and external documents in order to implement GI-ESCR’s programmes
• Manage the drafting of legal submissions to human rights treaty monitoring bodies at the UN and regional levels in the organisation’s areas of work
• Participate in the Senior Management team and work with the Directors to address programmatic, human resource, financial and legal issues as they arise
• Provide oversight for day-to-day activities for GI-ESCR’s programs and communications
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the mandate of GI-ESCR (international law, political science, international relations, economics, environmental law, or a similar field with specialisation and/or work experience in related disciplines). A Ph.D. degree is highly desirable.

Experience

• A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 5 years of senior-level leadership experience within a human rights or social justice organisation
• Substantive knowledge and research experience in economic, social and cultural rights. Experience working on taxation, climate change or public services is desirable
• Mobilising funds from philanthropic foundations, governments, international agencies and/or other sources, and the ability to take advantage of opportunities for fundraising from various sources
• Direct experience engaging in advocacy on human rights, economic or environmental issues with governments and multilateral institutions. Experience in advocacy with UN or regional human rights monitoring bodies is an asset
• Experience working in civil society organisations or social movement coalitions is an asset
• Experience and ability to engage with funders, high-level policymakers, diplomats, UN officials and NGOs across various regional, cultural and ideological perspectives

Skills

• Strong project management skills: effective planning, implementation, and management of programs and functions
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor people and lead a multidisciplinary and international team
• Ability to think creatively and strategically about human rights norm development, with the goal of shaping a progressive understanding of the human rights framework, with a particular focus on economic, social and cultural rights
• Ability to manage difficult situations confidently and calmly
• Excellent skills at building and maintaining respectful, trusting, dynamic collaborations
• Willing to travel locally, regionally, and globally as required

Languages

• Fluency in English and another language (preferably Spanish or French) is required, with experience working in a multilingual environment

How to Apply

Please apply by 15 March 2024, 23.59 hrs. (Geneva, CEST) by filling in the form (link provided below) and uploading a cover letter and your resume (in Word or PDF format).

We will only take applications received through this form:

https://forms.gle/deQ3E6LthtZjvGiU7

Selection Process

The selection process will have the following phases:

1. Submission and review of applications
2. Shortlisting of candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an online interview
3. Additional interviews and a brief practical exam could be conducted for shortlisted applicants
4. Notification of the successful applicant

Due to the high volume of applications received, we can only follow up with candidates selected for interviews. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and this position may be filled prior to the close date.