Call for applications for “Rights Experts” from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent in Asia

We are looking for  Rights Experts from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) to work closely with the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and all its partners and allies.

Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent are oppressed through occupational/caste-like discrimination, often forced into conditions of traditional and or modern slavery/bonded labour, resulting in systemic exclusion and segregation. Examples of CDWD in Asia include the Dalits present in most countries in South Asia and the Burakumin of Japan. 

Selected Rights Experts will work closely with other CDWD, including Dalits and Burakumin in Asia, Quilombola in Latin America, Haratin,Oru and countless others in Africa and Roma across Europe, who experience discrimination based on their ancestral occupation. This type of discrimination, described by the UN, as “discrimination based on work and descent” is a common practice in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, yet it is also one of the least understood forms of discrimination in the world.

Context

Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) is the global engagement mechanism for raising issues about rights and entitlements of CDWD. More than 270 million people across the world are discriminated against on the basis of work and descent and are more commonly known as Dalits, Roma, Quilombola, Burakumin, Oru, amongst many other names. Discrimination on Work and Decent (DWD) is a global phenomenon which lacks public recognition and acknowledgement and the affected communities are among the most marginalised and excluded people.

Position Overview

GFoD initiated the CDWD Rights Experts program in 2021 and is currently seeking applications for the next cohort (2024) of Rights Experts to support GFoD initiatives including  evidence and data gathering, and engagement processes at the national, regional and global levels. Candidates will be recruited on the basis of the requirements and qualifications listed below.

The position requires a high level of autonomy and responsiveness to engage in research and networking processes, and a high interest in and willingness to engage in national, regional and global advocacy processes. The Rights Experts program elevates the national level engagements  to the global level, such as, the United Nations (UN) and other regional and global human rights mechanisms.

The position requires a commitment of about 40 hours per month for 12 months, with a 3-month probation  period Duties and responsibilities of the Rights Experts (REs)

·       Dedicate at least 5 full working days or 40 hours per month to this role.

·       Participate and organise capacity building, mutual learning and general advocacy activities.

·       Contribute to the development and implementation of the GFoD regional and global engagement  strategies.

·       Author statements, reports, critical interventions and articles or contribute to specific ideas and concept notes on the concerns of CDWD as per the requirements of HLPF and other UN and human rights instruments, mechanisms or initiatives.   

·       Communicate regularly with the GFoD Secretariat and undertake national, regional and  global tasks assigned as per required.  

Requirements and qualifications

In order of preference, characteristics and qualifications are listed below. 

Please note that given our preference for candidates from respective communities, applicants are not required to have English as a working language. 

1. Anchored and rooted in Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent : Persons from CDWD are highly encouraged to apply to this position. Women, youth and other underrepresented and marginalised groups from CDWD will be preferred for this position.        

2. Experience: Candidates must be social or community leaders within their own community with considerable experience in field level engagements and familiar with the  processes at the national, regional and international levels. It is highly desirable that candidates are established human rights defenders in their country/region/community and are experts in one particular field area related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, (Access to water and sanitation – SDG 6, decent work – SDG 8, Inequalities – SDG10 etc.). Please mention in your application which SDGs you are most interested in/have worked on.

3. Commitment: Candidates who have shown ongoing commitment and leadership to the cause of CDWD are encouraged to apply.

4. Academic qualifications: Academic qualifications such as University qualifications, publications of books, articles or other journalistic work will be considered in the application process.

Recruitment and timeline

Please submit your applications to RE2024@globalforumcdwd.global which shall include your Curriculum Vitae and one page cover letter referencing the relevant experience mentioned in  Requirements and Qualifications. The last date for the application is 29.02.2024. English as a working language is preferred, but Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian and Arabic are also accepted and will be considered for the roles. Please mention all your working languages in your application. 

Successful candidates will be appointed for a period of 12 months with a 3-month probation period.

Due to the high volume of  expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Candidates from the CDWD community and Non Binary folks are encouraged to apply.