Senior Programme Officer, Prisons Reforms - CHRI

Senior Programme Officer, Prisons Reforms - CHRI

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-government organisation working for the practical realisation of human rights across the Commonwealth. CHRI is based in New Delhi, India, and has offices in London, UK and Accra, Ghana. Further information can be accessed at CHRI's website (www.humanrightsinitiative.org).

Prison Reforms Programme

Senior Programme Officer, Prisons Reforms (Delhi, India)

Job Description:

• Conceptualising, designing, managing and monitoring CHRI’s research projects on pre-trial detention

• Designing and facilitating legal education programmes for lawyers; paralegal training of jail officials, prison inmates, and civil society; 

• Guiding and mentoring staff and trainee lawyers; 

• Preparing advocacy documents for agencies in the criminal justice system, the government, and media; 

• Drafting petitions and memorandums; 

• Programme monitoring;

• Documentation, internal and external reporting, coordination with programme partners; 

• Representing CHRI as required at various levels. 

Essential Qualifications:

• Postgraduate or graduate degree in law 

• 5 -8 years experience of practice in court

• High levels of competence in legal research and analytical skills 

• Excellent knowledge of fair trial procedures

• High levels of competence in articulation (verbal and writing) in English and Hindi 

• Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and creativity, and proven capacity to think and act strategically 

• Excellent computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office and internet research 

• Strong sense of commitment to work

• Readiness to travel at short notice

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in designing and conducting workshops / trainings for lawyers, prison officials, jail inmates, government and civil society 

• Experience in legal aid, public defence, public interest litigation and legal reform

• Experience of advocacy and network building

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural office environment 

• Knowledge of other regional languages

The Senior Programme Officer will be based in Delhi and travel as required to other parts of the country.

The position is suitable for an energetic, enthusiastic and creative person interested in working at the cutting edge of access to justice issues. Candidate must be adaptable and able to work effectively as a member of a team in a multicultural environment.

Type of Appointment and duration: Contractual with a 6 months probation period. Please apply only if you are willing to work with us a minimum of two years. 

Salary: Remuneration will be commensurate with knowledge and experience levels.

To apply: Please send your updated CV, a statement of interest clearly mentioning why you are suitable for the position, with contact details of two referees and a recent writing sample to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org latest by Friday, 10 January 2014.

Only complete applications will be considered.