The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organisation working for human rights across the Commonwealth. CHRI has developed a focus on Access to Information and Access to Justice, particularly police reform and prison reform, in addition to broader human rights advocacy interventions on topical issues in the countries of the Commonwealth. CHRI researches, monitors, and advocates for accountability, transparency and good governance. It makes recommendations to Commonwealth governments on these issues. www.humanrightsinitiative.org

CHRI is looking for a Senior Programme Officer for its Access to Information Programme. The position will be based at CHRI’s headquarters in New Delhi.

Position: Senior Programme Officer

Job Description:

Responsibilities include researching, drafting and editing publications on specific topics based on the Right to Information Act (RTI Act); designing and conducting thematic capacity building workshops for information-providers and information-seekers; analyzing decisions of information commissions and courts related to RTI; publishing regularly in the print and electronic media, engaging with and expanding CHRI’s network of partners in India and other S. Asian and Commonwealth countries; designing and conducting compliance surveys on RTI; making RTI-based interventions on issues of public interest in areas of governance and human rights.

Essential Qualifications:

• Postgraduate or research degree in law or social sciences
• 2-3 years of experience in promoting awareness and use of the RTI Act
• High levels of competence in research and analytical skills
• High levels of competence in articulation (verbal and writing) in English and Hindi
• Proven ability to work with a high degree of initiative and creativity under minimal guidance
• Excellent computer skills, including word processing, email and internet research
• Proven experience in designing and conducting skill-building and training of trainers workshops
• Proven track record of using RTI for obtaining information from public authorities in the areas of governance and human rights
• Demonstrable knowledge of RTI-related case law
• Strong commitment and professional approach to work

Desirable qualifications:

• Competence in articulation (verbal and writing) in one or more of the languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
• Previous experience of working in a multi-cultural office environment.

Remuneration will be commensurate with knowledge and experience levels.

Interested candidates should apply with:

• current CV;
• cover letter;
• two writing samples of 2-4 pages each on relevant issues
• contact details of two referees

The deadline for applications is 18 December 2019, and should be sent to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org. Please mention the position for which you have applied in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered.