Accessibility Tools

Web Accessibility plugin by DJ-Extensions.com

On the Ground

Explore our work with partners, globally and locally, to tackle social and economic injustice using a human rights lens.

Senior Program Officer and West Africa Lead Vacancy

Senior Program Officer and West Africa Lead Vacancy

Senior Program Officer, Human Rights and Public Services, and West Africa Lead Vacancy

 

The Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Gl-ESCR) is a non- governmental organisation that believes transformative change to end endemic problems of social and economic injustice is possible through a human rights lens. Our vision is of a world where the human rights framework reflects the real-world experiences of all of us, effectively furthering social and economic justice and human dignity, and catalysing change from the local to the global, back to the local. Our Mission is to:

  • Strengthen the international human rights framework through creative standard-setting, so that the framework reflects the experiences, needs and aspirations of marginalised individuals, groups and communities, with a focus on creating beneficial jurisprudence aimed at transformative change.

  • Mobilise and partner with advocates, social movements and grassroots communities at national and local levels to more effectively claim and enforce economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights, including by engaging regional and international mechanisms for local impact.

  • Contribute to the effective promotion and realisation of ESC rights so that everyone can fully enjoy their ESC rights in practice, without discrimination and on the basis of equality.

  • Provide innovative tools and resources to ESC rights advocates and civil society actors, policy makers, development actors and others on the practical implementation and realisation of ESC rights.

  • Identify, respond to and provide thought leadership on emerging trends and threats to ESC rights.

  • Monitor and strengthen the international human rights mechanisms to ensure that they are accessible to ESC rights advocates and rights holders and effective mechanisms for ESC rights monitoring and accountability and facilitate and support civil society engagement with those bodies.

For further information about GI-ESCR work, mission, and values, you may visit our website at www.gi-escr.org/.

General Position Information

Job Title: Senior Program Officer, Human Rights and Public Services, and West Africa Lead

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Commitment: full time, 40 hours a week.

Salary Range: 3,500 USD to 4,500 USD gross per month (including income taxes), depending on level of experience.

Benefits: Contribution to additional health care in addition to the national system in Senegal; 25 days 2 of annual leave and 10 days of public holidays.

Deadline for applications: 12 July 2020, 23.59 hrs (Dakar time, GMT).

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Duration: 18-months contract, with the intention to extend to at least two years, and further extensions, depending on funding.

Probation period: 3 months.

Job Profile

GI-ESCR is seeking to recruit a committed Senior Program Officer, Human Rights and Public Services, and West Africa Lead who, under the management of the head of the program on human rights and public services, will assume primary responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing GI-ESCR’s vision and strategic plan in West Africa, and act as a focal point for the organisation for the work in Africa, including in particular the engagement with regional and subregional institutions (ECOWAS, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, African Union, etc.). The work will focus on the human rights and public services program, in particular on the rights to education and health. The officer will also be in charge of developing the office of GI-ESCR in Dakar, and to increase the organisation’s presence, networks, and support to partners. S/he will be in charge of the management of staff in the local office.

Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, or in related fields (political science, international relations, social sciences, etc.) with strong experience conducting human rights legal analysis. A first-level university degree in combination with 10 additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A very good understanding of human rights law, acquired through studies or professional practice, is required.

  • A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in human rights work, including substantive experience working on economic, social and cultural rights, and work for civil society organisations in Africa. Experience with another international organisation is highly desirable. Experience working on the rights to education or health will be an asset.

  • Experience conducting human rights advocacy and research and monitoring projects on human rights.

  • Experience engaging with African and West African human rights and multilateral institutions, and a strong network with civil society organisations working on economic, social and cultural rights in the region, will be a strong asset.

  • Fluency in French and English, oral and written, is required. The work for this position will be conducted equally in both languages Additional languages will be an asset. Language skills will be tested during the recruitment process.

  • Understanding of project management, including basic accounting and reporting procedures, and managing relationships with donors.

  • Experience working with staff from diverse backgrounds and located in various time zones and working remotely will be an asset.

Person Specification

  • Passion for social justice, and in particular the defence and promotion of public services to realise human rights.

  • Ability to work alone and remotely, and to be self-motivated, without an in-person team or 3 work and with a large amount of desk-based work.

  • Rigorous planner and attention to details when producing documents.

  • Ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively towards deadlines.

  • Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within GI-ESCR as well as with external partners.

  • Very strong political judgement, ability to identify opportunities and to make assertive and sound decisions consistent with functions.

  • Ability to travel of at least 25% of the time.

  • Right to work in Senegal or in the ECOWAS region.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Leads the implementation of GI-ESCR’s projects on human rights and public services in West Africa, including planning and reporting to donors, and contributes to the development of new projects, under the management of the head of the program on public services and human rights.

  • Coordinates GI-ESCR’s advocacy efforts with the African Union (AU) and West African institutions, and in particular the African and ECOWAS human rights systems, participation in AU meetings and events, coordinating with partners.

  • Build relationships with major institutions and organisations covering or operating from West Africa, including ECOWAS and the Francophonie Organisation.

  • Prepares advocacy reports, statements and other relevant materials related to the region in coordination with other GI-ESCR staff.

  • Coordinates the relationship with partners in West Africa, and develops, cultivates, and supports a strong network of like-minded organisations in the region.

  • Provides capacity-building and technical support, in-person and remotely, on economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the rights to education and health, to partners in the region.

  • Assigns, coordinates, and participates in research and monitoring activities in West Africa, working with partners to collect data in particular on human rights and public services, at the national or sub-regional level, and provides or contributes to human rights legal analyses.

  • Provides analysis on the political dynamics relevant for the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in the West Africa and on the continent.

  • Supports the development and the administration of the Dakar office, in consultation with GIESCR’s Senior Management Team, including support with relationships with the local authorities, local legal and fiscal questions, monitoring and reporting program finances and expenses, staff management, and planning and budget.

  • Supports work in French across the organisation.

  • Trains and supervises staff and interns in the West Africa office.

  • Support the fundraising efforts and relationship with donors in West Africa, and leads the preparation and editing of reports to these donors.

  • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues in particular economic, social and cultural rights. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organisations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in French and English. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING & ORGANISING: Develops clear goals for the work in the region that are consistent with GI-ESCR’s vision and strategic plan. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

How to Apply

Please apply by 12 July 2020, 23.59 hrs. (Dakar time, GMT) by filling-in this form, and uploading your CV and cover letter at: -

For any question or inquiry, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., including “West Africa vacancy” in the subject line.

Selection Process

The selection process will have the following phases:

  1. Submission and review of applications.

  2. Shortlisting of candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview online.

  3. Interviews and a brief practical exam will be conducted for all shortlisted applicants.

  4. Notification of the successful applicant.

We kindly request candidates not to call or send inquiries by email to request information about the progress of your application. Due to the high volume of applications expected, we are only able to follow up with candidates who are selected for interviews.

GI-ESCR is committed to the principle of equal of opportunity in employment, therefore, applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Related Articles

IACHR Recognises Fiscal Policy as a Human Rights Issue and Unpacks Actionable Legal Obligations

IACHR Recognises Fiscal Policy as a Human Rights Issue and Unpacks Actionable Legal Obligations

Martín Pintus
We Delivered a Joint Civil Society Statement During Kenya’s UN CESCR Review

We Delivered a Joint Civil Society Statement During Kenya’s UN CESCR Review

Martín Pintus
New Input to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development: Developing Women and Girls Through a Care Society

New Input to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development: Developing Women and Girls Through a Care Society

Martín Pintus

SITEMAP

TAKE ACTION

NEWSLETTER

Don´t miss any updates!
SUBSCRIBE
Image

Social Media:

Log in

Climate and Environmental Justice

We have advanced rights-based and gender-transformative transition frameworks through research that centres the lived experiences of women and marginalised communities on the frontlines of extractive energy policies, promoting climate and energy frameworks attentive to the social and care-related impacts of transition pathways. We have developed a clear vision for a gender-just transition, firmly rooted in gender and human rights norms, establishing both the legal basis and the direction for the transformative changes our planet and societies urgently need. In particular, the ‘Guiding Principles for Gender Equality and Human Rights in the Energy Transition’, a collective effort built through online consultations, an in-person workshop and multiple rounds of revision with activists, practitioners and experts from around the world, outline a transformative vision for reshaping global energy systems through a human rights and gender equality lens.

Our work recognises that the climate emergency is both an existential threat and an opportunity to reimagine societies built on social, gender, economic and environmental justice. We ground our advocacy in feminist and intersectional principles, prioritising the agency and perspectives of communities in the Global South who have contributed the least to the climate emergency yet face its most devastating consequences. Central to our approach is the understanding that energy is not merely a commodity but a fundamental human right; essential for dignity, health, education, work and the realisation of countless other rights. We challenge approaches to the energy transition that risk replicating the harmful patterns of fossil fuel extraction and, instead, advocate for transformative policies that ensure human rights and gender equality as central to building climate-resilient societies rooted in dignity, justice and planetary well-being.

What's next?

We will continue to challenge approaches that treat energy transition as merely a technical shift, instead positioning it as an opportunity to reimagine economies and societies rooted in dignity for all, with particular attention to communities in the Global South who have contributed least to the climate emergency yet are most exposed to its worst effects.

We will connect community-level evidence and the lived experiences of those on the frontlines of extractive policies to national reform and global norm-setting, breaking down silos between human rights, gender, and climate movements, and advancing a shared vision that recognises just transitions as not only fundamental to achieving climate-resilient and sustainable societies, but as transformative pathways that advance social and gender equality, redistribute power and resources equitably, and ensure that energy systems serve the public good rather than profit.

We will mainstream rights-based and genderjust transition priorities in key multilateral spaces (particularly, within the Just Transition Work Programme and the to-be-developed Just Transition Mechanism, within the UNFCCC) to guarantee that just transitions are advanced at all levels.

We will also translate our work, through strategic advocacy, into at least two concrete policy wins, whether promoted, adopted, implemented, or scaled, in priority countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, or Kenya), ensuring these policies align with human rights standards, centre gender equality, and reflect the needs and views of affected communities.

We will build momentum for the progressive recognition of the right to sustainable energy to shift dominant narratives away from purely extractive solutions that sideline gendered impacts, community participation, and Global South perspectives.

Economic Justice and Climate Finance

Our work has transformed the global discussion on fiscal policy in a more just, emancipatory and sustainable direction. Our approach has combined both high-level, expert contributions within decisionmaking circles, with bold, impactful work on narrative change with the general public.

We have been instrumental in the inclusion of human rights as a guiding principle of the future United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, a multilateral instrument with the potential of raising approx. USD 492 billion per year in public revenues currently foregone to global tax abuse. In the process leading to the ‘Compromiso de Sevilla’ decided at FfD4, we proposed and succeeded in creating a specific human rights workstream within the Civil Society Financing for Development Mechanism, which was critical to ensure that explicit commitments on the matter were included in the negotiating outcome. In a context of cutbacks in multilateral institutions, we have amplified the capacities of technical experts, providing rigorous technical support and leveraging our influence to ensure the enactments of groundbreaking standard-setting instruments, such as the 2025 UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Statement on Fiscal Policy and Human Rights, and the first ex oficio hearing on the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights on Fiscal and Economic Policies to Address Poverty and Structural Inequality, leading to an upcoming thematic resolution on the matter. We have also bridged the silos between multilateral tax discussions and climate finance debates, promoting ambitious financing commitments to increase international and domestic resource mobilisation during COP 28, 29 and 30.

At the regional level, our engagement with fiscal cooperation platforms such as the Platform for Fiscal Cooperation of Latin America and the Caribbean (PTLAC), where we are member of its Civil Society Consultative Council, and the African Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker, for which we participated in the pilot mission in Ivory Coast together with Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), have been critical in cementing a growing engagement between tax administrations and ministries of finance with international legal experts, exploring actionable and transformative initiatives, such as the taxation of high-net-worth individuals, beneficial ownership registries and corporate countryby-country reports, to be implemented at the international level.

At the local level, our interventions in fiscal reform debates in Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Nigeria have contributed to shaping legislative outcomes in a more progressive, rights-compliant direction.

As for our leadership in narrative change, we have a measurable track record in delivering tailored, innovative campaigns which have decisively expanded economic justice constituencies by appealing to a broader tent. In Latin America and the Caribbean, we created the ‘Date Cuenta’ campaign, coordinating over 40 organisations across civil society to deliver plain language, innovative messaging connecting progressive fiscal reforms to the financing of health, education and social protection. ‘Date Cuenta’ generated over 55 original campaign messages that were tailored to the realities of seven priority countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Honduras) and disseminated in Spanish, Portuguese and English. In doing so, we convened more than 65 online co-creation workshops with partners, coordinating a unified communications strategy which combined digital outreach, press and media coverage, and collaboration with influencers. Ultimately, ‘Date Cuenta’ resulted in more than 60,000 interactions on social media, coverage in major regional and international media outlets, including El País, Deutsche Welle, Bloomberg and France 24, and the participation of at least 63 social media influencers through 58 dedicated publications. In collaboration with Fundación Gabo and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, we also organised a two-day workshop in Bogota with 20 journalists from 13 countries, building a regional network trained in a human rights-based approach to fiscal policy that has since generated published media coverage on outlets such as La Diaria, Ciper, El Diario Ar and Milenio. Through ‘Date Cuenta’ and our regional advocacy, we strengthened civil society engagement in key processes, including the Financing for Development track and FfD4, co-organised highlevel dialogues with states and civil society from Latin America and Africa.

What's next?

We will shape the UN Tax Convention and its Protocols so they embed human rights principles, and we will stay engaged through follow-up processes (including the expected Conference of the Parties) to support effective implementation. We will keep linking tax and climate finance so that new resources mobilised through fiscal cooperation are channelled to adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, in line with UNFCCC commitments.

Public Services for Care Societies

We have translated participatory research into accountability and policy outcomes.

In Ivory Coast, our work with Mouvement Ivoirien des Droits Humains and affected communities since 2023 exposed how privatisation and lack of accountability restrict access to quality healthcare. It contributed to the closure of 1,022 illegal private health centres, an executive instrument strengthening the regulation of private hospitals across the country, and the creation of a permanent complaints management committee in healthcare through a bylaw issued by the prefect of Gagnoa. Partners engaged through this process also advanced concrete improvements at facility level: members of the Gagnoa Midwives Association who took part in the participatory action research pooled resources to renovate the neonatal unit of the Regional Hospital, and the Director of the Gagnoa General Hospital launched an action plan to expand services and improve patient reception, with the facility receiving the award for best hospital in the country in 2025.

In Kenya, our research with the Mathare Education Taskforce documented the absence of public schools and the expansion of private provision, evidencing impacts on households and caregivers and strengthening demands for free, quality public education. This work contributed to stronger community agency and collective organisation, alongside ongoing strategies ranging from communications to litigation to secure a public school in the area, some involving GI-ESCR and others led independently.

Across Africa, this work is complemented by a multi-country study examining the human rights implications of austerity in education and health, including how regressive fiscal policies, rising debt burdens and persistent underinvestment undermine the financing and delivery of public services.

In Latin America, from 29 November to 2 December 2021, over a thousand representatives from over one hundred countries, from grassroots movements, advocacy, human rights, and development organisations, feminist movements, trade unions, and other civil society organisations, met in Santiago, Chile, and virtually, to discuss the critical role of public services for our future. Following the meeting, the Santiago Declaration on Public Services was adopted to demand universal access to quality, gender-transformative and equitable public services as the foundation of a fair and just society.

We are currently advancing work on care systems, linking public services and fiscal justice through integrated research, advocacy and communications, including a regional campaign framing care as a collective responsibility requiring sustained public investment.

What's next?

In Ivory Coast, we will evaluate and strengthen the complaints management committee and position it as a replicable model for other health facilities. In Kenya, we will support the Mathare community to co-design a model public school for Mabatini and Ngei wards, grounded in human rights standards. Building on our multi-country austerity study, we will drive national advocacy on financing for education and health: advancing reforms in Ghana; launching a fiscal policy and public services financing agenda in Kenya through the CESCR process and targeted coalition work; and, in Nigeria, using the new tax acts in force since 1 January 2026 to catalyse a national accountability campaign for adequately funded, quality public services. In Latin America, we will amplify locally led care pilots across 8 countries and turn lessons into influence—advancing care policies that strengthen care organisations, protect care workers’ rights, support unpaid caregivers, include disability and family networks, and redistribute care more equitably.