Programme Officer - Prison Reforms Programme
 Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)
 Location: New Delhi
 Last Date: June 25, 2010
 Email: radhey@humanrightsinitiative.org (Reference: DevNetJobsIndia.org)

Programme Officer - Prison Reforms Programme

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is currently recruiting a Programme Officer to work in its prison reforms programme based in the New Delhi office. CHRI's prison reforms programme works on prisoners’ rights and improved prison conditions.

The CHRI prison reforms programme aims to reform prison administration and foster an attitude of cooperation between the various agencies of the criminal justice system in place of the prevailing indifference and discrimination. CHRI seeks to achieve its goals through research, legal analysis and advice, advocacy, capacity building, network building and conference facilitation.

Job Description

* Research on issue, laws and standards related to prisons, prisoners rights and human rights; particularly research and document credible information on under-trial prisoners, for a project that aims to use right to information as a toll to gauge the scope and scale of the problem of unnecessary and prolonged detention, identify the bottlenecks in the system and push for systemic change.
* Collect, compile and maintain data on prison issues
* Write and edit reports, documents and policy papers on prisons.
* Prepare research and advocacy documents related to prisoners rights for different audiences
* Organize workshops and prepare relevant training material
* Review and update the prison reforms web pages on the CHRI website Develop and maintain effective networks with diverse people, including prison officials, police, government, civil society and media; and maintain a database of contacts
* Donor reporting, implementing workshops and strategy planning will be a major focus
* The applicant must be able to assist in developing and maintaining effective networks with a diverse range of people, including prison officials, government, civil society and the media.

Qualifications

The candidate must be committed to civil liberties and should have minimum 2-3 years professional work experience, with strong academic qualifications in law, social sciences or other related fields. Candidates must possess exceptional and excellent research, writing and editing skills, as well as outstanding oral communication abilities in English and Hindi. Working knowledge of additional languages will be an added advantage. Knowledge or work around human rights, prisons or justice sector reform is preferred. Sound knowledge of criminal law and procedure will be an added advantage. Excellent word processing, database management, email and internet skills are essential.

The Programme Officer reports to the Programme Coordinator. This is a full time position and will require moderate travel within and out of your located city. The candidate should be a team player and should be able to deliver individually as well.

The position is suitable for an energetic and creative person interested in cutting edge prison reform issues. Candidate must be adaptable and able to work effectively as a member of team in a multicultural environment.

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

Type of Employment: CONTRACTUAL

Salary: INR 18,000 - 23,000 Per Month

Applications close on 25th June 2010 and should be emailed to Radhey Mandal at CHRI (radhey@humanrightsinitiative.org). Applications must include a motivation letter with your salary expectation, CV, a recent writing sample (not more than 3-4 pages) and contact details of at least two referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

NOTE: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.