Vacancy Announcement: Focal Point on Business and Human Rights (FP-BHR) Organization: Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI)

Position Overview

Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI) is currently seeking a dedicated and skilled Focal Point on Business and Human Rights (FP-BHR) to join its expanding global team. This key position plays a strategic role in advancing the organization’s mission to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights by leading and coordinating efforts in the intersection of business operations and human rights impacts on Indigenous communities.

The FP-BHR will be responsible for developing and implementing IPRI’s work on business and human rights, including research, advocacy, coordination with partners, and contribution to international reporting. This role requires a proactive, collaborative individual with demonstrated expertise in Indigenous rights and business accountability frameworks.

About the Organization

Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI) is a legally registered, non-profit global organization founded and led by Indigenous Peoples. It was established as a direct response to the increasing criminalization, violence, and impunity faced by Indigenous individuals and communities as a result of defending their lands, territories, and rights.

IPRI coordinates the Global Initiative to Address and Prevent Criminalization, Violence, and Impunity Against Indigenous Peoples—a collective movement comprising Indigenous leaders, advocates, civil society organizations, and other allies. The Initiative focuses on improving the situation of Indigenous Peoples through coordinated action, solidarity, and systemic engagement. Its core objectives include the prevention and mitigation of violence and criminalization, strengthening access to justice, and ensuring the protection of Indigenous defenders.

Primary Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the FP-BHR will lead and manage IPRI’s Business and Human Rights portfolio, in close coordination with internal teams and external partners. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing reports, policy analyses, briefing documents, and other knowledge products in coordination with relevant IPRI teams, including the Environment and Human Rights, Research and Documentation, and Communications teams.
• Organizing events, both in-person and virtual, to engage stakeholders and raise awareness on business and human rights issues affecting Indigenous communities.
• Building and systematizing partnerships with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and networks, IPRI affiliates, civil society organizations, and relevant international bodies, such as the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (WGBHR), OHCHR, OECD, and the EU Human Rights Defenders mechanism.
• Supporting regional coordination of business and human rights initiatives, including partner engagement at the national level for implementation of projects like Just Transition and responsible business operations.
• Providing support for advocacy campaigns and responding to emerging cases concerning corporate-related human rights violations.
• Assisting with the preparation and review of submissions to UN bodies and other international mechanisms, in coordination with IPRI’s thematic and advocacy teams.
• Performing related administrative and coordination tasks necessary for the efficient delivery of the program.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:

• An Indigenous person with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in evidence-based advocacy related to business and human rights, particularly in Indigenous contexts, at national, regional, or international levels.
• At least two (2) years of experience in project coordination and management.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, international development, sociology, anthropology, or other social sciences.
• In-depth understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and issues, with a strong commitment to advocacy and justice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in report writing, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong networking and collaboration skills, especially in multicultural and remote work settings.
• High standards of integrity, accountability, punctuality, and the ability to work under pressure or beyond regular hours when required.

Additional Qualifications

• Proficiency in English is required.
• Fluency in a second language, such as Spanish or French, is considered a significant advantage.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send their application by email to [email protected] with the subject line: APPLICATION FOR IPRI FOCAL POINT ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS. The application must be addressed to Joan Carling, Executive Director of IPRI.

Applicants must include:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three (3) reference contacts
• Relevant writing samples or publications that demonstrate experience in business and human rights or Indigenous rights advocacy.

Application Deadline: 15 July 2025

For more information download the Vacancy announcement here.

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.