Job Description
Location: Tshivanga, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP), DR Congo
Reports to: KBNP Park Director
Coordinates with: Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator, Law Enforcement Department, GRM unit, Legal Department, Community Conservation Department and other staff as needed
Direct & Indirect reports: Human Rights Assistant
Start date: Immediate
Duration: 2 years (renewable)
Purpose:
Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) is a site of exceptional conservation importance. In recent years there has been an escalation in social conflict between the Park and the indigenous Batwa communities, which has its roots in the creation and expansion of the Park in the 1970’s.
In April 2022, WCS signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement with ICCN for 10 years, delegating management responsibility for KBNP to WCS. Under the PPP and WCS’s vision for the Park of a rights-based conservation model that will provide benefits to indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs) as well as to biodiversity, WCS is developing a comprehensive social safeguards program and community conservation framework.
The Human Rights Specialist, together with a counterpart from ICCN, will form an independent Human Rights Unit in KBNP reporting to the Park Director. The Human Rights Specialist will be based full-time in KBNP, with travel to communities and urban areas in and around KBNP.
Major Responsibilities
Integrate the protection and promotion of Human Rights in KBNP activities, in compliance with international Human Rights standards, and relevant WCS and ICCN guidelines and policies
Support regular institutional capacity building in Human Rights for all staff, including conducting regular Human Rights training for law enforcement staff
Monitor Human Rights and respond to Human Rights concerns within the Park, in accordance with Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) protocols and in collaboration with GRM staff
Collaborate with external partners in response to allegations of serious Human Rights violations, as defined by the GRM protocol
Ensure those suffering harm and claiming Human Rights violations are provided with assistance as needed, including referrals to the KBNP’s on-site doctor and psychologist and to additional specialists as required
Support the implementation of WCS’s Human Rights framework by KBNP staff and lead and monitor its implementation within the Park
Build capacity of the KBNP Human Rights unit in mainstreaming Human Rights in protected areas management
Provide regular status updates to park management on Human Rights issues and responses
Coordinate vetting of law enforcement personnel as needed and in accordance with relevant protocols
Qualification Requirements
Postgraduate degree in law, Human Rights or similar
Extended knowledge of international, regional, and national Human Rights instruments and mechanisms
At least 5 years of experience in Human Rights monitoring, investigations, mainstreaming Human Rights, or social safeguarding strategies in the conservation or development sector
Demonstrated experience or knowledge of legal processes supporting victims of GBV in DRC, highly desirable
Full proficiency in Swahili and French required, English an advantage
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work under pressure and in conflict-sensitive environments
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Cultural, gender, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability
Experience in protected areas is a distinct advantage
How to apply
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab below by February 29,2024.
WCS is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
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Salary Range
Competitive