Do you want to contribute to human rights defenders and peace activists being able to carry out their important work in contexts where human rights are not always respected? Do you have a good level of Spanish and want to contribute to a more just and peaceful world?
Then don’t hesitate! Apply to this call and you will have the opportunity to become one of the Peace Observers who work for SweFOR in Colombia.
About us
SweFOR – Swedish Movement for Reconciliation – is a non-profit organization that promotes peace and justice, a violence-free society and sustainable living. We expand spaces of action for human rights defenders exposed to risks and support peace activists in conflict zones in Latin America and Africa. We combine this work with popular education and public awareness efforts in Sweden to help create peaceful and inclusive societies. Our movement is based on a centuries-old tradition of social transformation based on non-violence. SweFOR is an organization with active members throughout Sweden and has around 40 employees spread between the headquarters in Stockholm and offices in Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.
We invite you to be part of a team with a strong desire to influence and make a difference. You will find more information about the organization at https://swefor.org/es/inicio/ .
Your mission as a peace observer
SweFOR seeks to increase the space for action of human rights defenders through the method of international accompaniment, also known as “preventive presence.” The mission of the peace observer consists, above all, of providing physical accompaniment, which implies accompanying human rights defenders on trips, demonstrations and other activities that involve risks for them. Together with a team that includes other peace observers and specialists, you will keep national authorities and international organizations informed about their obligations to comply with national standards and international conventions on human rights. In this way you will contribute to reducing the risk that people face due to their work defending human rights and, therefore, increasing their spaces for action, which is a key factor for a just and sustainable peace.
Likewise, you will be able to develop your capabilities in matters of safety, communication, differential approach and work environment. In addition, you will support in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of activities, as well as in certain administrative tasks.
You will reside in shared accommodation provided by SweFOR and will accompany you in different parts of the country.
Qualifications
- You have a very good command of Spanish, both spoken and written.
- You must have experience from Latin America. For example, having roots from this continent, having worked, volunteered or studied there.
Personal characteristics
- You know how to interact with people with different experiences and functions (members of civil society, international employees, state officials, etc.).
- You are good at building relationships and you generate trust.
- You like working in a team and living with other people
- You have excellent collaboration skills and know how to listen to other people.
- You are able to understand complex contexts and have good analytical skills.
- You are interested in learning new things and developing yourself.
- You are able to reflect on your privileges in relation to other people.
- You are flexible and have a great capacity to adapt.
- You have great observation skills and know how to quickly read a specific situation.
Meritorious characteristics for the mission
- Work experience in vulnerable situations. For example, as a human rights defender or having worked with them.
- Knowledge of human rights and peace and conflict issues.
- Experience with non-profit entities, associations or popular movements.
We offer you the following
- An enriching job in a stimulating context.
- Wellness bonus and one hour per week for it.
- International insurance.
- Shared accommodation paid for by the employer.
Additional Information
Location: The observers are located in the SweFOR offices in Villavicencio, Meta and Quibdó, Chocó. Unfortunately, you cannot choose the location.
Incorporation : Training and preparation will begin in September/October 2024.
Employment Level: Full time.
Hiring modality: Temporary contract with a duration of 1 year.
How to apply
Application
The application must include your resume with two references and a cover letter, in which you must answer the following two questions in Spanish:
- Can you describe an event/situation in which you have contributed to generating social commitment and change?
- How do you think your life experiences can be useful in your work as a peace observer?
Send your application before May 26, 2024 to rekrytering@krf.se. Indicates as a reference “Peace Observer 2024”.
Call process
The call will be carried out on a rolling basis, so we invite you to submit your application as soon as possible. If your profile is interesting, you will go to the next step of the process, which will consist of sending a written test in Spanish that will be carried out within the specified period. Candidates who pass the test will be invited to an interview.
Contact
If you have questions about the mission, please contact the Program Secretary, Marita Rodríguez, via email marita.rodriguez@krf.se, or the Colombia Country Representative, Ingvill Breivik, ingvill.brevik@swefor.org.
We ask recruitment agencies and vendors of advertising or staffing solutions to refrain from contacting us.