About RWI
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) has worked for forty years to promote respect for human rights through research, education and capacity development. We believe that by supporting practitioners and bringing people together around human rights, based on new knowledge and tools developed, connecting theory and practice, we contribute to lasting human rights change.
RWI is an independent academic institution established at Lund University in Sweden in 1984. We combine multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, capacity building, and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and humanitarian law. We work with four thematic areas within human rights: ‘access to justice’, ‘non-discrimination and inclusion’, ‘human rights and the environment’ and ‘business and human rights.
Since the early 1990s, we have cooperated with a wide range of institutions and organisations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, to advance the practical application of human rights around the world. Our cooperation is characterised by mutual trust, long-term commitment, and achievement of common objectives. Currently, we have offices in Bangkok, Harare, Jakarta, Lund, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, and Yerevan.
Position Description
RWI is excited to announce an opportunity for a full-time Programme Officer to join our inaugural office in Bangkok, Thailand. This role offers the unique chance to play a key part in RWI’s work related Access to Justice and Business and Human Rights within the Asia Pacific Region, under the RAPP 2 initiative, funded by Sida.
The initial contract extends through December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The selected candidate will work under the conditions of Thai labour law and RWI’s terms for national staff, so authorization to work in Thailand is required.
In this role, the Programme Officer will manage the planning, coordination, and implementation of RWI’s Access to Justice and Business and Human Rights initiatives. Reporting directly to the Asia Pacific Regional Director, the officer will work closely with thematic leads based in Lund, Sweden, to ensure cohesive programme delivery and alignment with RWI’s global strategy. Key responsibilities include overseeing activity development and execution, from drafting terms of reference to logistical planning and coordinating deliverables. The officer will also be responsible for budget development and monitoring, ensuring the efficient use of resources to achieve impactful programme outcomes. Regular programme assessment, reporting, and the identification of new programme opportunities within RWI’s mandate are also critical aspects of the role.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
To support these duties, the Programme Officer will actively engage in research to strengthen programme quality and outcomes and will frequently travel within the region to monitor progress and collaborate with partners. The officer will represent RWI in workshops, conferences, and working groups, coordinate with regional partners, and contribute to the adaptation of RWI’s strategies to regional needs and other priority areas. Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving regular liaison with the finance, administration, communications, and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) teams to ensure effective and well-documented programme delivery.
Ideal candidates will have substantial expertise at the intersection of Access to Justice and Business and Human Rights, supported by a master’s degree (or higher) in law, human rights, environmental studies, or a related field. A minimum of six years of relevant experience in programme management is essential, particularly with a focus on access to justice and/or business and human rights. The role requires deep familiarity with human rights, especially within Asia Pacific-focused networks and UN coordination bodies. Candidates should bring strong research and report-writing skills, budget management experience, and a proven ability to juggle multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Fluency in English is required, along with strong writing and presentation skills. Experience working with Sida or similar international development organizations is desirable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities of the position, to be carried out in accordance with relevant
templates and guidelines and in consultation with partners as relevant:
- Develop and implement activities as outlined in approved work plans, including developing
terms of reference and agreements; developing agendas and materials; securing resource
persons and other necessary inputs for activities, making necessary logistical arrangements
(travel, accommodations, etc.); and coordinating completion of activity deliverables. - Develop and monitor programme budgets, ensuring that budgetary resources are efficiently
utilised to achieve expected results. - Regularly assess and monitor programme development and results.
- Stay informed of relevant geographic/thematic/political developments for the successful
carrying out of duties and responsibilities of the position. - Prepare narrative reports to analyse the results of activities/programmes carried out.
- Assess new programme opportunities within the mandate and concerning the priorities of
RWI, and when relevant develop concept notes and contribute to proposals for new
programmes. - Conduct relevant research that informs and enhances the quality of programmes and RWI’s
thematic profile. - Periodic travel to programme activity sites to successfully monitor and implement the duties
above. - Actively engage and contribute to a team environment, through the regular sharing of
his/her areas of responsibility, research or the challenges faced
RWI Regional Asia Office Specific Tasks and Responsibilities: - Represents RWI’s Access to Justice and Business and Human Rights thematic area in the
Asia Pacific region, in close coordination and liaison with the respective Thematic Leads in
Lund. This includes delivery of workshop sessions, active involvement in working groups,
coordinating bodies and/or conferences. - Contribute to the added-value articulation and contextualisation of RWI’s Access to Justice
and Business and Human Rights thematic strategies in te Asia Pacific region. - Scope, nurture, establish, monitor and/or recommend termination of relationships with
contractors, academic institutions, and programme partners in coordination with the
Regional Director. - Liaise regularly with fellow Programme Officers in the Office to establish thematic crossover
points, opportunities for collaboration and/or resource sharing. - Liaise regularly with the RWI’s MEAL Programme Officer to develop working methodologies
and MEAL tools and outputs for the improvement of programmes. - Liaise regularly with finance and administration and keep them updated on plans and their
involvement in the delivery of established programme activities. - Liaise regularly with the Communications Officer to keep him/her updated on programme
plans. - Establish a dedicated communications strategy for the Access to Justice and Business and
Human Rights thematic areas in the Asia Pacific region. - Actively engage and contribute to a team learning environment, through the regular
sharing of his/her areas of responsibility, research or the challenges faced.
Qualifications
Essential Criterion
- Strong documented experience/knowledge of the nexus between human rights law/theory
with businesses and the environment. - Master’s degree or higher degree by thesis, in law, human rights, environment or a related
field. - Minimum of six (6) years of relevant program management and technical support,
preferably with emphasis on access to justice, rule of law, and business and human rights. - Knowledge of and experience with with Access to Justice and Business and Human Rights
networks or UN coordination bodies within the Asia Pacific Region. - Experience in international development cooperation.
- Proven experience in conducting research and writing reports within programmes.
- Ability to develop and manage programme budgets.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Fluency in English, with excellent English writing and presentation skills.
Desired
- Experience working with Sida or similar international development partners.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV through our website, a cover letter addressing the essential criteria (maximum two pages), and an English writing sample by January 5, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them.
For more information, contact Windi Arini, Country Director Indonesia (a.i), at [email protected]
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, age, disability or other protected status under the law.
We look forward to receiving your application!