TITLE AND GRADE:
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (P05)
TYPE OF CONTRACT:
Series B - Fixed-term contract for one year
(the contract may be renewed for two years if funds are available)
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
DUTY STATION:
Washington, D.C.
PUBLICATION DATE:
April 15, 2026
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF NOMINATIONS:
June 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
DATE OF SELECTION OF FINALIST CANDIDATES:
July 24, 2026
PUBLICATION OF LIST OF FINALIST CANDIDATES AND OPENING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS FROM MEMBER STATES AND CIVIL SOCIETY:
July 27, 2026
CLOSING DATE FOR COMMENTS FROM MEMBER STATES AND CIVIL SOCIETY:
August 27, 2026
DATE OF SELECTION:
September 30, 2026
START DATE:
November 1, 2026
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Special Rapporteur will be responsible for supporting the IACHR in the fulfillment of its mandate to promote and protect freedom of expression in the Americas. In particular, the Special Rapporteur will perform the following functions:
* Prepare reports on freedom of expression for consideration by the IACHR and for publication, including thematic reports on issues related to the right to freedom of expression and an annual report on the situation of freedom of expression in the Americas.
* Process individual cases on freedom of expression for decision by the IACHR, as well as represent, by delegation, the Commission in litigation before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in cases related to freedom of expression.
* Assist the IACHR in promoting international instruments related to freedom of expression, including organizing and participating in promotional activities aimed at authorities, professionals, journalists, and students in the work of the IACHR in this area.
* Make recommendations to the IACHR on urgent situations that may require the adoption of precautionary measures or the request for provisional measures before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
* Monitor the situation of freedom of expression in the region and provide advice and assistance to the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) in adopting legislative, judicial, administrative, or other measures necessary to give effect to the right to freedom of thought and expression.
* Advise and assist other OAS bodies on matters related to freedom of expression in the Americas.
* Take the necessary steps to raise and manage cooperation funds and to develop the projects required to fulfill the assigned mandate.
* Fulfill other mandates related to the promotion and protection of freedom of expression delegated to it by the IACHR in accordance with its mandate.
* Exercise institutional coordination by working closely with the Executive Secretariat on human resources management and the identification of strategic funding opportunities.
* Interact with internal and external stakeholders in a diplomatic manner within multicultural environments, promoting dialogue and strategic partnerships.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship: Nationality of an OAS Member State.
Education and Experience:
Essential: First university degree (Bachelor's) in law, journalism, or a related field and at least 15 years of relevant professional experience at the national and international level, within the Inter-American human rights system, including, among other things, interaction with senior government officials, intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations OR Master's degree in one of the fields mentioned above and at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Desirable: Advanced degree or specialized studies in the area of international law or human rights.
Other Requirements:
* High moral character and independence.
* Proven professional experience and knowledge in handling the legal procedures and precedents of the IACHR and the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
* Proven competence and professional experience in matters related to freedom of expression and human rights in the Americas.
* Proven ability to manage staff. Experience in fundraising and project supervision.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to make public presentations to senior government officials, experts, representatives of non-governmental human rights organizations, and the public.
Languages:
Essential: Excellent command of at least two of the official languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking).
Desirable: Working knowledge of the other two official languages.
PERSONAL COMPETENCIES:
Customer service attitude, willingness to share knowledge and work in a team, interpersonal skills, ability to manage and advise staff, strategic planning, promotion of innovation, good judgment in decision-making. Excellent analytical and interpretive skills.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=OAS2&cws=39&rid=1048
HOW TO APPLY:
The deadline for submitting resumes is June 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Apply at: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=OAS2&cws=39&rid=1048. Any questions may be directed to: SECIDH@oas.org. References: Please enter a minimum of two professional references.