Indigenous Peoples Affairs Assistant

About the role

The Indigenous Peoples Affairs Assistant will support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, especially the Batwa community. Working under the Senior Human Rights Adviser, the role focuses on research, advocacy, capacity‑building and the integration of Indigenous Peoples into human‑rights and development initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research, monitoring and reporting on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and related legal frameworks.
• Assist in advocacy and awareness‑raising activities, including the preparation of communication materials.
• Engage with Indigenous organisations, women’s and youth groups to support capacity‑building and participation in OHCHR programmes.
• Coordinate webinars, workshops, meetings and other events on Indigenous Peoples’ issues.
• Provide substantive input for interim and final reports, highlighting best practices and challenges.
• Respond to information requests from OHCHR Headquarters regarding Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Required profile

• Secondary education completed; a university degree in law, political science, international relations, human rights or a related field is an asset.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in Indigenous Peoples’ rights, human rights or community development.
• Good understanding of international human‑rights instruments, especially those concerning Indigenous Peoples.
• Experience in resource mobilisation, communications and development of training tools is highly desirable.
• Membership in the Batwa Indigenous community is an advantage.

Required skills