Home-based: Children's Rights Officer (Intern)

Established in 1924, International Social Service (ISS) is an international NGO with a non-for-profit objective and works to protect families and children. ISS is present in more than 120 countries through its global network of offices and partners.

The International Reference Centre for the rights of children deprived of their family (ISS/IRC) is a program established by and within the ISS General Secretariat. ISS/IRC aims to promote a better respect of the rights of children deprived of their family or at risk of being so. Its activities are based on questions linked to child protection systems and alternative care measures for children deprived of parental care. A special emphasis is put on domestic and intercountry adoption. As such, ISS/IRC aims to apply, develop and promote the principles embedded in international texts such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Guidelines on the Alternative Care of Children, and the Hague Conventions related to the protection of children’s rights.

More information can be found on our website at https://iss-ssi.org/international-reference-center-irc-cir/.

The principal activities of ISS/IRC are:

• Drafting of articles for a regular newsletter on children’s rights in alternative care and adoption;
• Research and drafting of country situations related to child protection systems, including alternative care and adoption;
• Responding to technical questions from Government entities;
• Collaboration in projects that assist governments in their reforms and implementation of international standards;
• Training, conferences and thematic research;
• Advocacy activities related to children’s rights in alternative care and adoption at international and regional levels.

Requirements for this position are the following:

• University degree in law, international children’s rights or social sciences, which would be complemented by at least two years of professional experience, linked to the theme of children’s rights;
• Knowledge of international human rights mechanisms and legal texts, such as the 1993 Hague Convention, the 1996 Hague Convention and UN Guidelines on the Alternative Care of Children;
• Understanding and ideally work experience on children’s rights in child protection, alternative care and adoption, migration, as well as in other emerging fields such as biotechnology, including surrogacy;
• Professional experiences working in developing countries as well as knowledge of the world of NGOs, UN Agencies and other international organisations concerned by these themes.
• Experience of working with governments and their competent bodies is desired;
• Given that the working languages of the ISS/IRC are English, French, and Spanish, it is essential that at least two of these languages are mastered with C1 proficiency with excellent drafting and communication skills. Ideally, we are looking for a French native speaker;
• Experience in advocacy work is an asset;
• A proven ability to work efficiently and perform well within a team spirit is likewise essential, including remotely;
• In sum, the ideal candidate should be ready to kick the ground.

Work percentage: Negotiable

Starting date: As soon as possible, as agreed with the successful applicant

Length of collaboration: 6 months (renewable)

Deadline for applications: 30 May 2024 (5.00 pm Geneva time)

Location: Remote

How to Apply: 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application to irc-cir@iss-ssi.org. Please send your CV (max two pages) and a motivation letter (max one page) in PDF format with the subject heading “Application for Internship”.