International development cooperator
Function in a professional context:
The international development cooperator works mostly as part of projects and programmes for development promotion, the protection of human rights, resolving conflicts peacefully and economic reconstruction.
(S)he has the following roles:
- design and coordinate projects and international cooperation activities concerning the protection of human rights and the enhancement of the ethnic and cultural heritage, economic reconstruction and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, both in their own country and in developing countries.
- design and coordinate projects for protecting and integrating migrants and co-development initiatives.
- design and coordinate activities in the sectors of intercultural education and vocational training, improving the living conditions of the female population, minors and all excluded or marginalised groups.
- contribute to defining and formulating policies and strategies to support development, particularly as part of the promotion of human rights and cultural heritage, with a special focus on intercultural topics and safeguarding the cultural identity of minorities.
Competencies associated with the function:
In order to perform the above roles specific specialist knowledge, skills and abilities in the economic, political, social, historical and cultural fields are required. Greater specialisation may be necessary, as well as learning skills in one or more professional enhancement sectors.
In addition to self-learning and constant updating abilities, suitable multi-disciplinary competencies of a communication-relational, organisational-managerial and programming nature are required, in accordance with the level of autonomy and reved (colleagues, other professionals and public and/or private clients).
Career opportunities:
Recruitment possibilities are expected within international bodies for cooperation (UN, EU, World Bank, IMF,etc.), in non-government organisations active in assisting development and in the area of projects for the protection of human rights in Europe and other geo-political contexts, in public and private enterprises, in research institutions and in the offices in charge for the decentralised cooperation at a regional, provincial, or municipal level.
A graduated student in this second cycle degree course may either work as self-employed or as an employee for tertiary sector bodies and institutions, such as national and international civil organisations and volunteers associations, or for the immigration services of Local bodies. In this respect, (s)he may hold the role of Human Rights Media and Communication Strategist.
(S)he may provide consulting in international cooperation for Local bodies, Chambers of Commerce, and trade unions.
(S)he also has specific skills for sitting the examinations to embark on a diplomatic career and work at theMinistry for Foreign Affairs, as an expert in the General Directorate for Development Cooperation (AICS) and expert in the cultural promotion area (APC).
Specialist in the Human Rights Based Approach
Function in a professional context:
The role of the specialist in the Human Rights Based Approach, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2006), is to protect the rights of excluded or marginalised individuals and those whose rights are exposed to the risk of violation.
The role of the specialist in the Human Rights Based Approach consists in devising programs for sustainable human development, based on a global view that considers the family, the community, the civil society, the local, national and international authorities, and ensures the institutionalisation of a democratic process.
(S)he has the following roles:
- design and coordinate programmes promoting human development, democratisation processes, the culture of peace and human rights, non-discrimination and international solidarity;
- design and coordinate programmes in the migration-security-development field, for the protection and integration of migrants;
- design and coordinate activities in the fields of intercultural education and vocational training, protection of the rights of the female population, minors and all excluded and marginalised groups.
- collaborate with civic defence departments, providing consulting services for the protection of human rights and the promotion of integration before national and local bodies, chambers of commerce and trade unions.
Competencies associated with the function:
Performance of the above roles requires specific specialist knowledge, skills and abilities in thes ocial-political, legal and anthropological fields. Greater specialisation may be necessary, as well as learning skills in one or more professional enhancement sectors.
Specifically, the competencies of an HRBA specialist consist in the ability to set out, conceive and verify the consistency of the development programmes in accordance with this approach.
In addition to self-learning and constant updating abilities, suitable multi-disciplinary competencies of a communication-relational, organisational-managerial and programming nature are required, in accordance with the level of autonomy and responsibility assigned,with the organisational and occupational methods implements and with the main stakeholders involved (colleagues, other professionals and public and/or private clients).