National IHL/HR Monitors
Place of work: To be confirmed
Area of Activity: Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Component of the International Monitoring Team (IMT)
Reporting to: National IHL/HR Specialist IMT-HRDC
Overall Objectives of the IMT/HRDC:
To support the Parties in the Peace Process by monitoring and promoting the implementation of their humanitarian, rehabilitation and development related commitments and obligations with a view to ultimately contribute to lasting peace, security and development for the peoples of Mindanao.
Terms of Reference as established and signed by both the Parties relating to IHL/HR:
- Record and follow-up specific cases of violations and abuses;
- Link these violations and abuses to the relevant “non-derogable” and to “derogable” rights of humanitarian and human rights law;
- Identify the origin of the violations and abuses;
- Take stock of the measures taken by the Parties to prevent, stop, limit and punish specific cases and general patterns of violations and abuses;
- Draw up and update on a monthly basis an overall picture of the nature, pattern and scope of the violations and abuses, as well as in promoting greater respect, protection and fulfilment of humanitarian and human rights law and principles;
- Provide, when appropriate, an objective assessment of the Parties’ capacity and willingness to address specific cases and general patterns of violations and abuses.
Overall purpose:
To contribute to the monitoring activities of the HRD component of the IMT with regard to IHL/HR.
Summary of tasks:
The National IHL/HR Monitor is responsible for the continued monitoring of alleged violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law in connection with the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The work to be carried out will be within the existing terms of reference outlined by both parties for the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development component of the IMT. Working with the IHL/ HR National Specialist (IHL/HR NS) of the HRDC the successful candidate will be responsible for investigating and verifying alleged IHL/HR violations and abuses in predetermined areas of the Conflict Affected Areas of Mindanao; providing technical assistance and support to HRDC staff; contributing to IMT and EU reports on a regular basis; helping to develop a database of HR and IHL violations and abuses and identifying trends and patterns; This position requires posting within the IMT Team sites in Mindanao (TBC).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitoring, Advocacy and Peace-building:
• Gather background information, including testimony on allegations of IHL/HR violations and abuses.
• Conduct investigation and verification of alleged IHL/HR violations and abuses according to the mandate of the HRDC and in line with international and national law.
• Contribute to the development of the HRDC Datashare initiative through regular updates on alleged incidents.
• Submit incident reports to the IHL/HR NS in preparation of field visit.
• Consolidate findings and facilitate the follow-up of cases.
• Coordinate with the local government officials and community members in organising field trips and fact-finding missions.
• Facilitate community-based IHL/HR education programmes as defined by the IHL/HR IC and HRDC Deputy Coordinator.
• Work for the preparation of presentations to community-based forums, events.
• In coordination with the National IHL/HR Specialist Liaise with lines agencies providing legal assistance in the Conflict Affected Areas of Mindanao.
• In coordination with the National IHL/HR Specialist provide briefings to the IHL/HR ICand HRDC Deputy Coordinator to facilitate their work with key and duty bearer stakeholders on both protection and promotion of HR and IHL.
• Support the National IHL/HR Specialist to facilitate networks/linkages with Government lined agencies, NGO and civil society groups in relation to HRDC activities.
Administrative Duties:
• Active participation in internal management meetings.
• Provide detailed financial accounts on a monthly basis to the IHL/HR NS
• Tracking of budgets and expenditures in consultation with IHL/HR NS, the local finance officer and the Fiscal Agent. • Any other duties as assigned by the IHL/HR NS.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors degree in law or related field(Political or Social Science)or equivalent years of experience working with international and filipino legal frameworks for the protection of human rights; Proven track record of documenting human rights violations and abuses and working with sensitive and confidential information. Understanding of basic risk assessment and political analysis tools an advantage.
Knowledge:
• Understanding of the historical roots of the conflict in Mindanao and the ongoing Peace Process between the GPH and the MILF.
• Understanding of International Human Rights Norms, IHL and Peace-building.
• Understanding of the Filipino Legal framework for the protection of Human Rights and recognition of IHL.
• Understanding of Shari’a Law and its application in the Philippines.
Personal Abilities:
• Ability to work under pressure, with few resources and in a multicultural environment
• Creative and solution-oriented
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Willingness to travel to remote areas with few amenities at short notice
• Proven commitment to human rights
• Computer Literacy.
• Understanding of IHL/HR Documentation
Security:
• Deputy Coordinator reserves the right to withdraw any staff from field assignments for reasons of security or staff safety at any time. The candidate for this position must agree to follow security guidelines, including curfews, travel restrictions, evacuation orders and any other policies and procedures promulgated by the Deputy Coordinator, the Coordinator or the Programme Manager EUDEL-Manila.
Terms and Conditions:
• The successful candidate is entitled to an excellent compensation and benefits package which includes 13th month salary, statutory benefits like Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig Fund) plus medical insurance;
• The contract will be for twelve (12) months including a probation period; contract renewal will be subject to performance.
• This position is open for Filipino nationals only.
How to apply:
Applications with an updated CV/Resume, academic transcripts, and a cover letter explaining their motivation for applying and highlighting their experience and qualifications against the requirements of the position to the Human Resources Manager at HRM-NPP@nonviolentpeaceforce.org and imt.hrdcrecruitment@gmail.com.
For walk in applicants you may drop your application at: Nonviolent Peaceforce – Human Resources Department
004 Don Abelardo Street, Poblacion 4, Cotabato City
Telephone number: ( 064 ) 421 19 77
Deadline of Submission: Friday November 23, 2012
Interviews will take place in Cotabato City between 10-14 December 2012.
