Vacancy: Director of APT Regional Office for Latin America

The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)

Seeks: Director of APT Regional Office for Latin America

Location: Panama City, Panama
Deadline for Application: Monday 30 November 2009
Start date:  January 2010
Duration: 4 years BackgroundThe Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), a Geneva-based NGO operating worldwide, seeks a dynamic and experienced manager to set up and run its new Regional Office for Latin America, based in Panama.In conformity with the APT’s general torture prevention objectives, the specific mandate of this Office is to implement a four-year programme to promote the effective implementation of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in Latin America. In this context, the Regional Office will undertake the following role: 1) advice to enhance effective National Preventive Mechanisms’ (NPM) designation and functioning; 2) promoting in-region networks on OPCAT and torture prevention; 3) enhancing cooperation and exchange between NPMs and the Subcommittee on Torture Prevention; 4) training on preventive detention monitoring; 5) legal and policy advice on torture prevention; 6) encouraging further country-specific analysis of risks of torture and ill-treatment.The APT will hire a Director, a Programme Advisor and an Administrator for its Regional Office (RO) in Panama City, Panama. The RO will work closely with the APT Headquarters (HQ) in Geneva, Switzerland.This is a fixed term post for a period over four years (2010-2013). The Director of the APT Regional Office will report to the APT Chief of Operations and will work in close partnership with the APT Americas Programme Officer, both of whom will be based in the APT HQ. Responsibilities

Management Supervise the implementation of all programme activities, in line with the project budget and the strategic plan of action devised jointly with HQ;Manage the RO, including: the supervision of staff, consultants and interns; Oversee the periodic evaluation of all programme activities through a monitoring and evaluation framework;Coordinate the participation of regional partners of the programme, particularly the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights;Design and enforce a framework of personnel regulations;Undertake performance appraisal of RO staff on a regular basis;Liaison with Panamanian authorities and the office landlord;
Involvement in operationsRepresent the APT before external stakeholders, including authorities, intergovernmental bodies, civil society and the press; Participate directly in the organization and execution of programme activities, such as seminars, workshops and advocacy missions, with relevant RO and HQ staff; Nurture strategic relations with international and regional stakeholders, particularly the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Inter-American Institute for Human Rights and relevant UN mechanisms, such as the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture;  Foster the exchange of torture prevention experience amongst countries and regions, including the development of a regional OPCAT network; Draft or revise information coming out of the RO, including reports, publications and provide input for the APT website, in particular in Spanish.
Finance and fundraising In conformity with requirements of APT HQ, oversee the financial administration of the programme and the RO;Draft narrative and financial reports of the RO jointly with the Administrator;Control budgetary performances of the RO on a regular basis;  Contribute to fundraising for the RO, in agreement with the APT Fundraiser in HQ.  
Contact with HQMaintain regular contact with HQ, through regular reporting and other procedures, on project activities, financial issues and policy matters, in particular with the Americas Programme Officer; Contribute to general APT evaluation, strategic planning and policy review exercises, including participation in strategic planning and Board meetings in HQ.    
Qualifications

Experience and academic backgroundAt least 10 years’ progressive experience in human rights promotion and protection, including work at a regional and/or international level; Substantial experience in developing and implementing projects in the NGO sector, including familiarity with planning and evaluation tools; Proven experience in the management of financial and human resources; In-depth understanding of Latin America and extensive operational experience in the region;Comprehensive knowledge of norms, mechanisms and strategies for combating torture, including the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture; Postgraduate university degree; Previous working contact with the APT an advantage.
Skills Ability to formulate and implement strategic plans combined with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances; Sound political judgement and analysis;Talent for motivating and leading a small team;Capacity for following institutional procedures and maintaining fluid working relations from a distance;Ability for working independently, prioritizing and sound decision-making;  Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills for dealing with varied stakeholders, including public authorities and civil society;      Highly organized, dynamic and motivated;Strongly committed to the values, methodology and objectives of the APT; Clear and persuasive writing and public speaking skills; Fluency and excellent drafting skills in Spanish and an ability to communicate in oral and written English.  French and/or Portuguese an advantage.  
RemunerationA fixed term contract with a competitive salary in US dollars.Contributions to a pension scheme and travel insurance.Holidays total 25 days per year.If necessary, the APT will apply for a work permit.  To applyApplications should be sent by 9am (Geneva time) on Monday 30 November 2009, by e-mail to jobs@apt.ch or by post to Sylvie Pittet, Administrator, APT, CP 2267, 1211 Genève 2 with the following documents:  A motivating letter (in English)Curriculum Vitae2 to 4 page writing sample (in English or Spanish)The contact details of two referees
Please refer to our website for further information: www.apt.ch
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Geneva