Secretary General

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Term:  Full time position 

Starting date: 1 September 2024 

Application due: 15 April 2024

Following the announcement of the departure of its current Secretary General, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is seeking to recruit a Secretary General as Head of its Secretariat.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? 

We are looking for an outstanding and inspiring leader with the strategic vision to move torture prevention forward in the coming years and build strong relations with our partners. We are seeking an individual capable of strategically steering the organisation and adeptly representing it in interactions with a diverse array of high-level stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a committed leader who motivates and inspires our enthusiastic team and has a strong track-record of demonstrated experience in the field of human rights, as well as in advocacy, organisational and team management, and external representation. 

ABOUT THE APT

The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is an international non-governmental human rights organisation, founded in Geneva in 1977. It is the leading organisation on torture prevention globally, and – among others - is at the origin of the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against torture. 

Our multicultural team of 15 staff comprises members working at the Centre Jean-Jacques Gautier in Geneva and  based in different locations around the world. The APT is also part of the Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI) and acts as its legal representative. The APT is an association under Swiss law, led by a Board elected by the General Assembly. 

Our vision: Societies without torture or ill-treatment. We implement this vision guided by our strong values that form the basis of our identity and of our work to:

• Mobilize against torture through prevention
• Engage key actors in constructive dialogue
• Support national efforts to protect persons at risk
• Drive new thinking and analysis

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Secretary General provides overall leadership and management of the strategy, policy, resources, operations and communications of APT. The Secretary General drives APT’s vision and is deeply committed to APT’s values and mission. 

Leadership

• Provide leadership and vision for policy and strategic development, implementation and reviews.
• Lead and supervise APT’s secretariat, ensuring that it operates in line with the strategic plan.
• Develop, strengthen and maintain constructive partnerships and alliances including by ensuring synergies and cooperation with policy makers, donors, international and regional organisations, civil society and other relevant stakeholders such as National Preventive Mechanisms and National Human Rights Institutions.

Organisational and team management

• Lead the Secretariat and consultants, including taking responsibility for their appointment, management and supervision and ensuring their well-being and motivation. 
• Drive the fundraising strategies and actively contribute to fundraising efforts.
• Manage the organisation’s resources and budget and oversee the financial management in compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
• Oversee APT’s strategic communication and positioning. 
• Promote a healthy, transparent, accountable, dynamic and inspiring organisational culture, ensuring the team ´s well-being and development. 

High level representation

• Represent the APT to governments, international and regional organisations, donors and civil society and other stakeholders.
• Serve as primary liaison with and account to the governance bodies – Board, Bureau and General Assembly - on the execution of its responsibilities and the functioning of the Secretariat.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master's degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience 

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in the human rights field, including   with management responsibilities. Experience in torture prevention is an asset.
• Proven leadership and management experience in multicultural settings.
• Experience in financial and organisational development as well as monitoring and evaluation.
• Ability to lead with appreciation, empathy and purpose a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong commitment to human rights values, to the preventive approach and to APT’s values.
• Strategic thinking and planning coupled with experience in setting direction and assist team in achieving results.
• A collaborative, open-minded and receptive leadership style.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with current and potential donors.
• Excellent communication and drafting as well as diplomatic skills.
• Fluency in both English and French; Spanish is an asset; other languages an asset as well
• Availability to travel to all regions of the world. 

WHAT WE OFFER

Benefits: standard pension schemes; 25 days of holidays plus national holidays and additional days during the end of the year break; learning and development opportunities. We pay attention to private life – including family and work balance, and we emphasise well-being.

Working environment: Exceptional working environment in APT eco-friendly building, located in a green location near to public transportation and the United Nations HQ building.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be made in English, and include:

• A maximum two pages motivation letter. 
• A CV (maximum two pages).
• Two professional references (one from where a candidate held management position)

Applications should be sent by email to Write an email (subject line: Secretary General). 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews 

APT is guided by human rights-based approach and welcomes applications from qualified individuals irrespective of their race, religion, skin colour, nationality, age, disability status, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, mental health status, or any other characteristic. Our policies encourage a workplace free from discrimination and any form of harassment.