Experience

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)

• United Kingdom
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Board Member

  • May 2023 - Present

  ACWW is the largest development organisation for Rural Women globally, working with more than 450 member societies and affiliates to represent over 9 million women in 82 countries worldwide. We engage with, and advocate for, women at local, national and international levels. Rural Women are the backbone of families, communities, and nations, but they are worst affected by climate change and conflict, go unheard in legislation, and remain unprotected and unsupported. Associated… Show more ACWW is the largest development organisation for Rural Women globally, working with more than 450 member societies and affiliates to represent over 9 million women in 82 countries worldwide. We engage with, and advocate for, women at local, national and international levels. Rural Women are the backbone of families, communities, and nations, but they are worst affected by climate change and conflict, go unheard in legislation, and remain unprotected and unsupported. Associated Country Women of the World exists to change that. ACWW amplifies the voices of Rural Women, so that the problems they face and the solutions they raise are heard and acknowledged by national and international policy-makers and legislators. I am a Trustee, the Board Lead for Partnerships, and the Board Lead for Safeguarding and Data Protection. I am also a member of the Advocacy Working Group. Show less



Global Human Rights Group

• Switzerland
• International Affairs

• Executive Director

  • Jan 2023 - Present

  Geneva, Switzerland The Global Human Rights Group is a social enterprise consisting of a consulting firm and a non-profit association. We are experts in international human rights and the international human rights system. We specialise in: - the United Nations human rights mechanisms: understanding them, using them, strengthening them, and improving what comes out of them - providing expert guidance on the development, implementation, and monitoring of international human rights law and practice… Show more The Global Human Rights Group is a social enterprise consisting of a consulting firm and a non-profit association. We are experts in international human rights and the international human rights system. We specialise in: - the United Nations human rights mechanisms: understanding them, using them, strengthening them, and improving what comes out of them - providing expert guidance on the development, implementation, and monitoring of international human rights law and practice, particularly via the international human rights system - nurturing the next generation of global human rights advocates to promote and protect international human rights through the use of international human rights mechanisms We provide advice and expertise to various stakeholders who use or participate in the international human rights system, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), UN agencies, multilateral organisations, independent experts, world leaders, governments, businesses, and human rights defenders. Show less



NGOs, NHRIs, UN and academic institutions

• International Human Rights Consultant

  • Jan 2001 - Present

  Consultancies for a variety of International Organisations, NGOs, National Human Rights Institutions, academic think-tanks, UN experts, governments, and private/public partnerships on a wide range of human rights topics, providing research and writing, strategic advocacy advice, training and facilitation, as well as conducting field missions and fact-finding investigations. Projects included, inter alia: - writing a report for the NZ Human Rights Commission on “Human Rights Responses… Show more Consultancies for a variety of International Organisations, NGOs, National Human Rights Institutions, academic think-tanks, UN experts, governments, and private/public partnerships on a wide range of human rights topics, providing research and writing, strategic advocacy advice, training and facilitation, as well as conducting field missions and fact-finding investigations. Projects included, inter alia: - writing a report for the NZ Human Rights Commission on “Human Rights Responses to Poverty in Working Households in Aotearoa New Zealand Post Pandemic”; - advising Bishkek Feminists on strategic human rights advocacy issues and use of UN Human Rights Mechanisms; drafting shadow report for CEDAW examination of Kyrgyzstan on behalf of the American Bar Association; - providing specialist expertise to the World Bank on a Nordic Trust Fund Grant on “Mainstreaming and Scaling Up a Human Rights-Based Approach for Indigenous Peoples and Ethnic Minorities Development in World Bank Projects”, including advising on human rights indicators, and the application of the UNDRIP; - assisting the Geneva Academy with developing a Discussion Paper on the right to health and armed conflict in the Middle-East, Africa, Asia and the Americas; - drafting a report on rule of law enabling sustainable development for the IDLO’s major contribution to the SDGs agenda discourse; - drafting an advocacy strategy for HelpAge International in relation to drafting of a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, and providing advice to NGOs on legal, political and advocacy issues for the inter-governmental treaty drafting and negotiation process; - drafting a major report for the Right to Education Project on human rights-based approaches to the privatisation of education, including analysing 20 case studies across Asia, Africa, Central Europe & the Pacific; - mapping and providing recommendations for positioning Geneva as the Humanitarian Capital of the World for the Swiss Foreign Ministry.

• Facilitator and Trainer for Human Rights Courses

  • 2003 - Present

  Designed and facilitated training sessions for human rights advocates and lawyers, diplomats, and students on various topics including UN human rights mechanisms, Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, the Human Rights Council, NGOs, and economic, social & cultural rights. Lectured, trained and/or presented in: Australia, Canada, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United… Show more Designed and facilitated training sessions for human rights advocates and lawyers, diplomats, and students on various topics including UN human rights mechanisms, Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, the Human Rights Council, NGOs, and economic, social & cultural rights. Lectured, trained and/or presented in: Australia, Canada, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam. Hired to design and conduct training courses by UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs, academic institutions, and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute. For example: - facilitating workshops for FIDH and Protectdefenders.eu for human rights defenders in Turkey - trained lawyers on the UN human rights mechanisms at multiple training courses for the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, including groups from Syria, South Africa, Swaziland, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan; - Expert Trainer on ESC rights and the rights to housing and water, An-Najar University, West Bank, Palestine; - designed an innovative pilot training program on children’s rights for UNICEF UK to teach graduate students of fashion and design; - Facilitator for Save the Children UK, annual strategic planning workshop for the NGO Group on the Rights of the Child; - regular trainer, International Service for Human Rights, various human rights topics as part of ISHR’s NGO advocates’ training programs, including the Geneva Training Course, Treaty Body Training Course, and Human Rights Defenders Courses; - Trainer, Social Watch: training course on “Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Approaches” for NGO advocates at workshop on “Building an Asian Community of Practice on Monitoring and Budget Analysis”, Cambodia

• Freelance Editor

  • 2004 - Present

  Editing various human rights and international law books, articles and reports, and providing advice on substantive content Editing projects I have conducted include: - various human rights reports for Amnesty International, 2021-22 - The Paradigm of State Consent in the Law of Treaties Challenges and Perspectives, Vassilis Pergantis, Elgar International Law series, London: Edward Elgar Publishers, 2015 - Public Private Institutions in International Law: State and non-State… Show more Editing various human rights and international law books, articles and reports, and providing advice on substantive content Editing projects I have conducted include: - various human rights reports for Amnesty International, 2021-22 - The Paradigm of State Consent in the Law of Treaties Challenges and Perspectives, Vassilis Pergantis, Elgar International Law series, London: Edward Elgar Publishers, 2015 - Public Private Institutions in International Law: State and non-State Actors in Search of Organizational Form and Function, Timothy Nielander, PhD thesis, Geneva: Graduate Institute of International Studies, 2014 - Taking a Human Rights-Based Approach to Health Service Delivery in Conflict Areas, Judith Chowdhury & Christophe Golay, paper for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, Geneva: Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights, 2014 - The Oxford Handbook of International Law in Armed Conflict, Andrew Clapham and Paola Gaeta, Oxford University Press, 2013 - Legal Opinion on the Right to Property from a Human Rights’ Perspective, C. Golay & I. Cismas, Montreal: Rights & Democracy, 2010 - The Future of Human Rights Impact Assessments of Trade Agreements, Simon Walker, Leiden: Intersentia, 2009 - Global Report on Justiciability of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Geneva: International Commission of Jurists, 2007 - Human Rights: A Very Short Introduction, Andrew Clapham, Oxford University Press, 2006 - Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Actors, Andrew Clapham, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006 - “From Principle to Practice: Operationalizing the Human Rights-Based Approach to United Nations Development Cooperation and Programming”, Stephanie T. Kleine-Ahlbrandt, in C. Raj Kumar & D.K. Srivastava (eds), Human Rights and Development: Law, Policy and Governance, New York: LexisNexis Butterworths, 2006 - multiple articles and book chapters on refugee law, migration law and human rights, Professor Vera Gowlland, 2004-5



Change-Maker Coaching and Mentoring

• Coach & Mentor

  • Jan 2014 - Present

  Led by a desire to deepen my own coaching and mentoring skills as a people leader and manager of teams, and a deep interest in supporting other current and emerging human rights leaders, I studied and obtained certification as a coach. Ever since, I have continued to run a small private coaching practice alongside my other professional commitments. I provide coaching and mentoring to mid- to senior-level professionals, on topics such as professional and personal development, leadership… Show more Led by a desire to deepen my own coaching and mentoring skills as a people leader and manager of teams, and a deep interest in supporting other current and emerging human rights leaders, I studied and obtained certification as a coach. Ever since, I have continued to run a small private coaching practice alongside my other professional commitments. I provide coaching and mentoring to mid- to senior-level professionals, on topics such as professional and personal development, leadership, inter-personal communication, career management, life transitions, healthy boundaries, conflict resolution, stress management, supervising teams, individual and team performance, entrepreneurship, consulting, advocacy and academia. Show less


KPMG Australia
• Australia
• Business Consulting and Services
• 700 & Above Employee
• Human Rights & Social Impact

  • Nov 2021 - Jan 2023


New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

• New Zealand
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Advisor - Human Rights

  • Nov 2020 - Nov 2021

  Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand Responsible for developing New Zealand’s Human Rights Strategic Action Plan for International Development Cooperation 2021-2025. As the lead on human rights in New Zealand's aid and development program, I was responsible for thought leadership and specialist expertise on policy analysis, advice and engagement on all issues related to human rights in development policy and programming. Programming priorities include supporting regional institutions, NHRIs, and civil society… Show more Responsible for developing New Zealand’s Human Rights Strategic Action Plan for International Development Cooperation 2021-2025. As the lead on human rights in New Zealand's aid and development program, I was responsible for thought leadership and specialist expertise on policy analysis, advice and engagement on all issues related to human rights in development policy and programming. Programming priorities include supporting regional institutions, NHRIs, and civil society organisations, including focuses on protection of LGBTQIA+/SOGIESC rights, disability rights, indigenous rights, gender equity and women’s empowerment, child and youth well-being, and inclusive development responses to crises such as COVID, climate change, and humanitarian disasters. My tasks include: - leading the mainstreaming of a human rights based approach throughout MFAT’s work, including internal capacity/capability building, development of tools, and inclusion of human rights frameworks and methodologies into the Ministry’s strategic architecture; - representing the Ministry and its human rights work and policies with external stakeholders, including other NZ government departments, partner governments and countparts in likeminded countries, NHRIs and civil society, and multilateral institutions; - briefing and advising the Minister for Foreign Affairs and other senior government leaders, and attending high level meetings with the Minister and other leaders to provide specialist human rights input. Show less



New Zealand Labour Party

• International Trade and Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Candidate for 2020 General Election

  • Oct 2018 - Oct 2020

  Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Selected to contest the 2020 General Election and to run the campaign throughout the Rotorua electorate for Jacinda Ardern’s second term Labour government. This role included public-facing representation of the Party locally, campaigning, fundraising, canvassing, managing a large team of volunteers, working with Members of Parliament and Ministers, and media (traditional and social), and developing and progressing policy-reform on behalf of a diverse community with the highest deprivation rates… Show more Selected to contest the 2020 General Election and to run the campaign throughout the Rotorua electorate for Jacinda Ardern’s second term Labour government. This role included public-facing representation of the Party locally, campaigning, fundraising, canvassing, managing a large team of volunteers, working with Members of Parliament and Ministers, and media (traditional and social), and developing and progressing policy-reform on behalf of a diverse community with the highest deprivation rates in the country (including over 40% child poverty, 38% indigenous population with low health outcomes, highest rate of homelessness in OECD, domestic violence, and complex social issues). I narrowly lost (by 825 votes) to a 5th term incumbent Conservative former Cabinet Minister who was ranked in the top 5 for his party. I obtained the highest number of votes for Labour (Candidate and Party votes) in the history of the seat, and nation-wide was the top Candidate with the smallest margin to miss out on becoming a Member of Parliament. My campaign turned one of the safest conservative seats in the country to one of the most marginal. I doubled our fundraising and membership numbers, and quadrupled our number of volunteers. Show less

• CEO, Global Human Rights Consultants

  • Aug 2012 - Oct 2020

  Geneva Area, Switzerland The Global Human Rights Consultants is a boutique international consulting practice, undertaking projects on a variety of areas in international human rights, international law, international advocacy, policy and strategy, including projects involving desk research, analysis, advice, development of advocacy tools and strategies, training, fact-finding, field-work, monitoring, report writing, etc. We focus on delivering expert legal and policy advice to international organisations… Show more The Global Human Rights Consultants is a boutique international consulting practice, undertaking projects on a variety of areas in international human rights, international law, international advocacy, policy and strategy, including projects involving desk research, analysis, advice, development of advocacy tools and strategies, training, fact-finding, field-work, monitoring, report writing, etc. We focus on delivering expert legal and policy advice to international organisations, non-governmental organisations, national human rights institutions, governments, public-private partnerships, independent experts, world leaders, and human rights defenders and advocates on issues of global significance in human rights, international law, international relations, gender issues, armed conflict and counter-terrorism, rule of law, sustainable development, international humanitarian law, humanitarian affairs, global health, migration and refugee rights, and all areas of social justice. We also disseminate information and expertise on international human rights law and practice through publications, and provide tailored and in-country professional training, particularly on the United Nations human rights mechanisms, international organisations, advocacy, and socio-economic rights. Some of our projects to date include: - Advocacy and Action Guide for the Consortium of Street Children - report on Mainstreaming and Scaling Up a Human Rights Based Approach for Indigenous Peoples and Ethnic Minorities Development in World Bank Projects - training lawyers on UN human rights mechanisms for the IBA’s Human Rights Institute - establishment of a national human rights indicators strategy for Serbia - report on rule of law enabling sustainable development for the IDLO - guide on ‘LGBTI Health and Human Rights’ for health practitioners in the field - research paper on non-retrogression in times of financial and economic crises

• Founder & Director

  • Aug 2012 - Oct 2020

  Geneva Area, Switzerland The Global Human Rights Group is a social enterprise founded in Geneva, now operating out of New Zealand and Switzerland, comprising of a boutique international consulting firm, Global Human Rights Consultants, a coaching and mentoring practice, Global Human Rights Coaching (trading as Change-Maker Coaching & Mentoring), a training and facilitation group, Global Human Rights Training, and a not-for-profit NGO, the Global Human Rights Clinic (an Association under Swiss law). For more information… Show more The Global Human Rights Group is a social enterprise founded in Geneva, now operating out of New Zealand and Switzerland, comprising of a boutique international consulting firm, Global Human Rights Consultants, a coaching and mentoring practice, Global Human Rights Coaching (trading as Change-Maker Coaching & Mentoring), a training and facilitation group, Global Human Rights Training, and a not-for-profit NGO, the Global Human Rights Clinic (an Association under Swiss law). For more information on each, see further below. The vision of the Global Human Rights Group is of a community of human rights advocates who are experienced and skilled at using the UN human rights mechanisms to promote and protect human rights, and through this, strengthening international human rights systems and standards and improving national-level implementation of human rights. The mission of the Global Human Rights Group is to nurture the next generation of global human rights advocates to promote and protect international human rights law, its implementation in countries of concern, and its monitoring and development through the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Partnerships & memberships ⁃ Member of ESCR-Net (over 280 social movements, NGOs and advocates across 75 countries who seek to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all) ⁃ Member of ETO Consortium (the ETO Consortium is a network of over 140 human rights related CSOs and academics. ETOs is short for extraterritorial obligations, the human rights obligations of states towards persons outside their territories.)

• Executive Director, Global Human Rights Clinic

  • Aug 2012 - Oct 2018

  Geneva Area, Switzerland The Global Human Rights Clinic aims to nurture the next generation of global human rights advocates to promote and protect international human rights law, its implementation in countries of concern, and its monitoring and development through the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It does this through fostering an experiential learning environment, where we can open doors and expand opportunities for emerging human rights practitioners to gain hands-on mentoring and practice in their chosen… Show more The Global Human Rights Clinic aims to nurture the next generation of global human rights advocates to promote and protect international human rights law, its implementation in countries of concern, and its monitoring and development through the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It does this through fostering an experiential learning environment, where we can open doors and expand opportunities for emerging human rights practitioners to gain hands-on mentoring and practice in their chosen profession, while deepening the possibilities for experienced practitioners to contribute to the future of their profession, and expanding the capacity of local civil society groups in relation to human rights issues of concern. We prioritise working on current human rights issues of concern, particularly in instances where we can build on existing strategic leverage points, to ensure our engagement has the capacity to make a timely and impactful contribution. We build collaborative teams that include participants who are students, recent graduates, and new practitioners, from across the globe, who work with human rights experts to gain practical experience in real human rights projects, in particular related to the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Projects to date include: - Global Repression of Civil Society project (providing ongoing legal advice and support to NGOs at risk in their home countries due to repression of civil society by their governments, including the creation and registration of new legal entities) - Fighting Trump's 'Muslim Travel Ban' - “How to Stand Up for Human Rights in the New Dystopian Era”, an online course for non-specialists - Right to Housing in New Zealand - Conditions in Immigration Detention in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Nauru - Forced Evictions in Ghana - NGO participation in New Zealand UPR - Australia’s implementation of UPR recommendations - Right to Health and Forced Immigration Detention by Australia in Papua New Guinea



Murdoch University

• Australia
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sessional Guest Lecturer

  • 2013 - 2016

  Teaching an annual 3-week intensive course to approx. 40 undergraduate law students from across Australia, on “International Human Rights Organisations”, including course design, teaching, and marking assessments. Leading a mock UN human rights treaty body session. Arranging guest speakers and visits to the UN and other organisations; mentoring and supervising students.



University of Michigan Law School

• United States
• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Adjunct Clinical Professor of Law

  • Jun 2008 - Jun 2013

  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Annually teaching semester-long graduate law seminar on International Organizations and Contemporary Issues in International Law.

• Coordinator of the Geneva Program

  • Sep 2007 - Jun 2013

  Geneva, Switzerland Coordinating program for visiting US law (JD) students in Geneva for 14-week internships at UN, NGOs and other international organizations, including conducting regular academic seminars, and facilitating visits and seminars by legal and policy experts. Supervising academic and pastoral care for 25 students per year.



Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

• Switzerland
• Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founder and Joint Coordinator, Project on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

  • Jul 2008 - Jun 2012

  Geneva, Switzerland Managed long-term project teams providing research, legal and policy expertise and advice, teaching and training, and resources and publications on ESC rights issues including housing, health, education, labour & work, food & agriculture, water & sanitation: - researching and writing books, reports and publications; - providing expert legal advice to UN, governments, national human rights institutions, academics and practitioners; - teaching and training for students and… Show more Managed long-term project teams providing research, legal and policy expertise and advice, teaching and training, and resources and publications on ESC rights issues including housing, health, education, labour & work, food & agriculture, water & sanitation: - researching and writing books, reports and publications; - providing expert legal advice to UN, governments, national human rights institutions, academics and practitioners; - teaching and training for students and professionals; - participating in drafting of new international legal instruments; - conducting field missions; and supervising researchers; - providing information and analysis about new developments, publications, events and activities; - managed multi-year programme budget of $3 million CHF. Projects included: - missions to Vancouver and Chicago regarding mega-events and housing rights; - co-authoring book on Right to Food; - publications on the OP-ICESCR; - legal advice memos on the rights to land, rights of peasants; - online Monitor of Developments in ESC Rights Law and Practice; - organising public conference on land-grabbing and human rights; - organising expert meeting on the role and impact of ESCR Special Procedures; - organizing expert meeting on Contemporary Issues in ESC Rights; - active membership of the International Consortium of Experts on Extra-Territorial Obligations under ICESCR; - establishing training courses in Geneva and in the field on Monitoring ESC Rights and Understanding ESC Rights.

• Research Fellow

  • Jul 2008 - Jun 2012

  Geneva, Switzerland Working on various ongoing projects, including the drafting of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers; the review and reform of the Human Rights Council; the Swiss Initiative for an Agenda for Human Rights (including the establishment of a Global Fund for National Justice Systems and Legal Empowerment and advocacy on the establishment of a World Court for Human Rights); and Swiss Government bilateral human rights dialogues with various countries. Coordinating… Show more Working on various ongoing projects, including the drafting of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers; the review and reform of the Human Rights Council; the Swiss Initiative for an Agenda for Human Rights (including the establishment of a Global Fund for National Justice Systems and Legal Empowerment and advocacy on the establishment of a World Court for Human Rights); and Swiss Government bilateral human rights dialogues with various countries. Coordinating the development of the Geneva Academy’s e-learning / distance learning program. Assistant Editor, The Oxford Handbook on International Law and Armed Conflict (2010-2011). Editorial Assistant, Journal of International Criminal Justice (published by Oxford University Press), December 2008-October 2009.



The Australian National University

• Australia
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Guest Lecturer

  • 2005 - 2012

  Geneva, Switzerland Teaching annual classes on Civil Society and Non-State Actors in International Law; Human Rights NGOs in the UN System; The UN Human Rights Council; Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Working Group on the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR; The Universal Periodic Review and The Role of NGOs in the United Nations, during the 3-week ‘Summer in Geneva’ course on ‘International Organisations’; arranging guest speakers for other parts of the program; mentoring students.



Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

• Lecturer

  • Sep 2007 - 2011

  Geneva, Switzerland Annually teaching an intensive course on The Theory and Practice of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to masters students in the International Masters of Advanced Studies in Development (2008, 2009, 2010). The course was taught spread over 10 half days per semester, or intensively in 30 hours over 1 week. Assessment via trilingual oral exams in English, French, Spanish. Taught a semester-long course on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – open to students from the MIA (Masters in… Show more Annually teaching an intensive course on The Theory and Practice of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to masters students in the International Masters of Advanced Studies in Development (2008, 2009, 2010). The course was taught spread over 10 half days per semester, or intensively in 30 hours over 1 week. Assessment via trilingual oral exams in English, French, Spanish. Taught a semester-long course on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – open to students from the MIA (Masters in International Affairs), MIS (Masters in International Studies), MDev (Masters in Development Studies) and PhD programs. The course was offered as part of the MDev program, and was also open to students of international law, political science and international relations, history and politics, economics, and development. 14-week semester, 2 hours of class per week. Assessment via research papers. (2009)

• Trainer, Executive Education Program

  • 2008 - 2010

  Geneva, Switzerland Professional training courses on Monitoring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2008, 2009, 2010) and Understanding Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2010) Responsible for designing and annually teaching two intensive courses for NGO advocates, national human rights institution staff, government representatives, graduate and post-graduate students, and other professionals. In 2008 & 2009 the Monitoring course was offered as part of IHEID’s executive education program, in… Show more Professional training courses on Monitoring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2008, 2009, 2010) and Understanding Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2010) Responsible for designing and annually teaching two intensive courses for NGO advocates, national human rights institution staff, government representatives, graduate and post-graduate students, and other professionals. In 2008 & 2009 the Monitoring course was offered as part of IHEID’s executive education program, in partnership with HURIDOCS, and from 2010 onwards both courses were offered as part of the Geneva Academy’s executive education program.

• Research Associate and Legal Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food

  • 2007 - 2009

  Geneva, Switzerland Legal Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, supporting his work through researching and drafting reports for the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council; conducting field missions, and supervising research assistants. Co-authoring book The Fight for the Right to Food: Lessons Learned, published by Palgrave Macmillan, February 2011.

• Lecturer, Diplomatic Studies Programme

  • 2007 - 2008

  Geneva, Switzerland Designed and facilitated training sessions for diplomats on the UN international human rights mechanisms.

• Teaching Assistant, International Law Section

  • Sep 2005 - Dec 2007

  Geneva, Switzerland Tasks included: teaching components of classes to undergraduate, masters and PhD students; providing teaching and research support to professors and students; marking papers and exams; advising students; research (including on terrorism and international law, human rights and refugee law). Responsible for providing teaching assistance for the following courses: International Human Rights Law, International Law and Terrorism, State Responsibility, Refugee Law, War on Terror, International Law of… Show more Tasks included: teaching components of classes to undergraduate, masters and PhD students; providing teaching and research support to professors and students; marking papers and exams; advising students; research (including on terrorism and international law, human rights and refugee law). Responsible for providing teaching assistance for the following courses: International Human Rights Law, International Law and Terrorism, State Responsibility, Refugee Law, War on Terror, International Law of Jurisdiction and Jurisdictional Immunities, Norms in International Relations: Habits, Laws and Campaigns. Administrative responsibilities included: Law Section representative on IT Committee, member of task force for new HEID website, webmaster for Law Section website.

• Co-editor, Realizing the Right to Health book, edited by Andrew Clapham and Mary Robinson

  • 2006 - 2007

  Geneva, Switzerland Coordinating the compilation of the Swiss Human Rights Book Vol. III, including advising on structure, contributors, content of chapters, editing contributions, and authoring a chapter on sexual minorities and the right to health.

• Teaching Assistant, HEI Summer in Shanghai Program at the East China Normal University

  • 2006 - 2006

  Shanghai, China Assisted teaching courses on international relations attended by outstanding Chinese graduate students, including teaching daily tutorials on international law, political science and history, and marking assessments.



GAVI Alliance

• Switzerland
• Non-profit Organizations
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Special Advisor to Mary Robinson, Chair of the GAVI Alliance

  • Apr 2009 - Dec 2010

  Providing high-level legal and strategic advice to The Hon. Mrs Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) in her role as Chair of GAVI (the Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisations), in particular on issues related to the right to health and children’s rights, and governance issues. Tasks included: - writing speeches, articles and op-ed pieces; - training staff on the right to health and gender rights; - participating in… Show more Providing high-level legal and strategic advice to The Hon. Mrs Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) in her role as Chair of GAVI (the Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisations), in particular on issues related to the right to health and children’s rights, and governance issues. Tasks included: - writing speeches, articles and op-ed pieces; - training staff on the right to health and gender rights; - participating in strategic planning and task teams including on gender policy implementation, civil society engagement, and health systems strengthening; - providing oral and written briefings and support to Chair at all GAVI meetings including Board and Board sub-committees; - advice on governance matters including interpretation of By-Laws and development of policies. Achievements included: - drafting and presenting a (non-binary) Gender Policy for Board Appointments, the first for a multilateral organisation; - successfully advocating for HPV to be included in the organisation’s list of funded vaccines; - maintaining Board support for health systems strengthening funding and programming; - spearheading a major investigation on behalf of the Board and preparing documentation for presentation by donors to their parliaments; - attended Audit and Finance Committee meetings and governance of innovative financing mechanisms on behalf of Chair. Show less



UNDP

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Human Rights Expert & Trainer

  • 2010 - 2010

  Malé, Maldives Consultant to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, designed and facilitated training of 20 NHRI & NGO staff on Monitoring ESC Rights



United Nations Human Rights

• International Affairs
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Human Rights Expert

  • Jul 2007 - Jan 2008

  Geneva, Switzerland Consultancy for the Methodology, Education & Training Unit, Research & Right to Development Branch. I was responsible for: - Establishing a list of violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law – the basis for a new database for recording information gathered when monitoring violations in the field, used by field presences, human rights components of peace missions and OHCHR supported fact-finding missions and Commissions of Inquiry; - Piloting the new… Show more Consultancy for the Methodology, Education & Training Unit, Research & Right to Development Branch. I was responsible for: - Establishing a list of violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law – the basis for a new database for recording information gathered when monitoring violations in the field, used by field presences, human rights components of peace missions and OHCHR supported fact-finding missions and Commissions of Inquiry; - Piloting the new methods of monitoring and recording violations in field presences, including designing training programs for all human rights field officers and their supervisors and writing and testing a users manual for the monitoring database; - Contributing to developing an OHCHR glossary for defining violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

• Human Rights Expert & Trainer

  • 2008 - 2008

  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Consultancy for OHCHR African Regional Office. Providing training to Ethiopian Government on drafting and presenting periodic reports to the UN Treaty Bodies, particularly the report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the drafting of the country’s Common Core Document.

• Human Rights Expert & Trainer

  • 2008 - 2008

  Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam Consultancy for Training Course on Human Rights & Human Rights Based Approaches to UN Programming Conceptulized, planned and conducted training for UN Country Team in Vietnam (training over 70 national and international UN staff) on Human Rights and Human Rights Based Approaches to UN programming as part of the efforts to mainstream human rights in this One UN pilot country

• Human Rights Advisor

  • 2007 - 2007

  Geneva, Switzerland Consultancy for the Human Rights Indicators Project, Research and Right to Development Branch Drafted metadata for indicators on the right to education. Involved analysing the indicators and reviewing their suitability for use by the Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, and other UN human rights mechanisms.

• Human Rights Expert

  • 2007 - 2007

  Geneva, Switzerland Consultancy for the Methodology, Education and Training Unit, Research & Right to Development Branch. Responsible for developing the first Guidelines for State Reports to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism (UPR). Involved consultation with senior leaders and staff throughout all branches of OHCHR. Developed additional guidance on preparation of OHCHR reports to the UPR.



Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions

• Switzerland
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Researcher

  • 2006 - 2007

  Primary author of a major publication on the Olympic Games and other mega-events and their impact on local people’s housing conditions and the right to adequate housing, including forced evictions. Conducted fact-finding missions to Seoul, Atlanta, Barcelona, Sydney & Athens, prepared 7 separately published reports on each city (including editing of field consultants’ research, & primary research and authorship of report on London), & drafted Multi-Stakeholder Guidelines on Mega Events &… Show more Primary author of a major publication on the Olympic Games and other mega-events and their impact on local people’s housing conditions and the right to adequate housing, including forced evictions. Conducted fact-finding missions to Seoul, Atlanta, Barcelona, Sydney & Athens, prepared 7 separately published reports on each city (including editing of field consultants’ research, & primary research and authorship of report on London), & drafted Multi-Stakeholder Guidelines on Mega Events & Housing Rights. Show less



International Commission of Jurists

• Switzerland
• Government Relations Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Legal Advisor & Manager of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Program

  • Oct 2004 - Mar 2006

  Geneva, Switzerland Managed ICJ’s economic, social and cultural rights programme, led advocacy for an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR). Tasks included: - advocacy and lobbying at the UN; - providing legal advice; - conducting training for judges, lawyers, diplomats, and academics; - writing publications; - Coordinating Member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Coalition for an OP-ICESCR; - Advisor to the French… Show more Managed ICJ’s economic, social and cultural rights programme, led advocacy for an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR). Tasks included: - advocacy and lobbying at the UN; - providing legal advice; - conducting training for judges, lawyers, diplomats, and academics; - writing publications; - Coordinating Member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Coalition for an OP-ICESCR; - Advisor to the French Ambassador for Human Rights and the MFA in the organisation of a High Level Experts Seminar on OP-ICESCR; - designed & facilitated an independent 2 day NGO Advocacy & Campaign Development Workshop. Show less



International Service for Human Rights

• Switzerland
• International Affairs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Human Rights Officer

  • 2006 - 2006

  Geneva, Switzerland - researched and analysed developments in UN human rights system; - developed key publications including the Human Rights Monitor (an annual analytical review of the UN human rights proceedings), Council Monitor (daily analytical overview of the Human Rights Council) and the Treaty Body Monitor; - wrote and edited guides and other information resources on human rights mechanisms and processes; - coordinated internship program including recruiting, training & supervising interns… Show more - researched and analysed developments in UN human rights system; - developed key publications including the Human Rights Monitor (an annual analytical review of the UN human rights proceedings), Council Monitor (daily analytical overview of the Human Rights Council) and the Treaty Body Monitor; - wrote and edited guides and other information resources on human rights mechanisms and processes; - coordinated internship program including recruiting, training & supervising interns, outreach activities, internal reporting, and developing strategic priorities for the program. Show less



The University of Tulsa

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Guest Lecturer

  • 2006 - 2006

  Designed & taught intensive course on Economic and Social Rights as Universal Human Rights to graduate law students.



Amnesty International, UN Geneva Office

• Advisor on International Organisations

  • 2004 - 2004

  Geneva, Switzerland - advocacy and lobbying on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights; - advising AI’s International Secretariat and membership on developments in UN human rights bodies; - mobilising membership advocacy on UN related activity; providing advice and support to AI’s regional programs; - policy development and evaluation of advocacy strategies; - contributing to publications; - provided cover for the UN Representative in his absence.



Corrs Chambers Westgarth

• Australia
• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Solicitor

  • 2001 - 2004

  Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Variety of transactional and corporate advisory work. Role included advising clients on complex corporate law issues including directors duties, formation of corporate entities and business structures (including joint ventures), supply contracting, drafting commercial agreements, capital raisings and initial public offerings, mergers, acquisitions and divestments in a range of industries including transport, technology, food and beverages and resources. Included training and mentoring junior… Show more Variety of transactional and corporate advisory work. Role included advising clients on complex corporate law issues including directors duties, formation of corporate entities and business structures (including joint ventures), supply contracting, drafting commercial agreements, capital raisings and initial public offerings, mergers, acquisitions and divestments in a range of industries including transport, technology, food and beverages and resources. Included training and mentoring junior staff, marketing and practice development. I initiated and conducted a review of the firm’s national pro bono program. Awarded the Paul Baker Memorial Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights, by the Law Institute of Victoria, 2003. Show less



Peninsula Community Legal Centre

• Legal Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Solicitor

  • 2002 - 2003

  Greater Melbourne Area Selected for the Inaugural Attorney-General's Pro Bono Secondment Program Tasks included: advice work, advocacy and law reform in various areas of general human rights, civil, family, criminal and administrative law. Acted as duty solicitor at the Frankston Magistrates Court Intervention Order Support Service (family violence); frequently briefed to appear in the Family and Federal Magistrates Courts (child support and custody issues). Achievements included: - developing and… Show more Selected for the Inaugural Attorney-General's Pro Bono Secondment Program Tasks included: advice work, advocacy and law reform in various areas of general human rights, civil, family, criminal and administrative law. Acted as duty solicitor at the Frankston Magistrates Court Intervention Order Support Service (family violence); frequently briefed to appear in the Family and Federal Magistrates Courts (child support and custody issues). Achievements included: - developing and coordinating several human rights based law reform projects, including on issues such as homelessness and poverty, domestic violence, children’s rights, protection of civil liberties under proposed anti-terrorism legislation, and youth and police. - Represented the Legal Centre at the Federation of Community Legal Centres, including as a member of the Human Rights Working Group. - Facilitated training and planning workshops for the Centre’s first long term strategic plan. Show less



NATIONAL FOODS Limited

• United Kingdom
• Food & Beverages
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Acting General Counsel and Company Secretary

  • 2002 - 2002

  Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Six-month secondment as the only in-house solicitor for the largest public listed Australian dairy company, reporting directly to the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Tasks included: ensuring regulatory compliance in relation to the Corporations Act, Securities Institute and Stock Exchange requirements; corporate governance; administration of the company’s executive option plan; providing legal advice on issues such as supply contracts and tender documentation, corporate… Show more Six-month secondment as the only in-house solicitor for the largest public listed Australian dairy company, reporting directly to the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Tasks included: ensuring regulatory compliance in relation to the Corporations Act, Securities Institute and Stock Exchange requirements; corporate governance; administration of the company’s executive option plan; providing legal advice on issues such as supply contracts and tender documentation, corporate structuring, trademarks and promotions, privacy, business operations and risk management, and sale of assets. Show less



Scott Sheils & Glover, Barristers & Solicitors

• Office Manager

  • 1994 - 1996

  Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Responsible for client services, business development, marketing, recruitment and performance reviews for legal and support staff, training, office management including implementation of time costing and case flow management systems.