Human Rights Officer (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights)

• Jan 2022 - Present

Human Rights Research Project Coordinator

• Aug 2020 - Oct 2022

Human Rights & Social Movements Department (https://www.latinia.org/laura-gálvez-castrillo) - Develop lines of work; - Prepare work plans and schedules for research projects; - Monitor project progress, and identify delays and deviations and accordingly revise work plan to ensure timely completion; - Review and recommend improvements to existing research methodologies; - Provide assistance for research team members when required; - Participate in research activities Human Rights & Social Movements Department (https://www.latinia.org/laura-gálvez-castrillo) - Develop lines of work; - Prepare work plans and schedules for research projects; - Monitor project progress, and identify delays and deviations and accordingly revise work plan to ensure timely completion; - Review and recommend improvements to existing research methodologies; - Provide assistance for research team members when required; - Participate in research activities

Human Rights Officer

• Jul 2021 - Jan 2022

- Provided legal research and analysis on issues related to conflict-related violations and abuses; - Drafted weekly and daily situation reports on human rights violations and abuses; - Reviewed reports and other documents relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments; - Prepared relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc.; - Ensured up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and made recommendations on actions to take. Show less

Visiting Research Scholar (Indigenous Peoples' Rights)

• Aug 2019 - Sep 2020

I participated in the production of a legal training guide for judges and lawyers to improve the domestic implementation of international human rights standards in the field of indigenous peoples. Main activities: - Identified and analyzed relevant Supreme Court decisions from different countries; - Prepared reports containing legal loopholes and shortfalls, as well as best practices. - Translation of court decisions and other relevant legal documents (English/Spanish) Main achievements and key learnings: I successfully identified common legal patterns that prevent/facilitate the incorporation of international standards into national frameworks. This position allowed me to gain in-depth knowledge and relevant experience in the field on indigenous peoples’ rights under International Law, as well as to develop analytical, drafting and reporting skills. Show less

Human Rights and Peacebuilding Officer

• Sep 2017 - Dec 2019

My position as an analyst in the Peacebuilding Department of the OAS consisted in supporting its monitoring and accompanying activities in the context of the Peace Process of Colombia. This was a highly dynamic and multi-faceted position in a rapidly changing post-conflict situation. Main activities: - Monitored and reported on the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and related laws and public policies. This included the identification and analysis of nationwide patterns of human rights violations related to the armed conflict. - Identified sources, gathered and compiled data and information, produced documents, guidelines, position papers and speeches, and gathered updates from technical teams. - Prepared information for the audit of the mission, and supported the preparation of financial reports to donors. - Liaised with mission staff and external partners and stakeholders (government, intergovernmental organizations, international and local NGOs, civil society organizations, etc.). - Made arrangements for the organization of workshops, events, meetings, training and missions (requisitions, preparation of briefing materials and presentations, travel arrangements, identification of potential participants, etc.). - Attended and reported on relevant meetings, high-level events, training and workshops, and supported follow-up activities. - Provided support to the Communications Department (generating data visualizations and graphs, monitoring traditional and new media, translating and proofreading texts, etc.). Main achievements and key learnings: I proactively contributed to the development of a gender and minority-based approach, which impacted the quality and effectiveness of the monitoring and reporting activities. I strengthened my analytical skills, learned how to include cross-cutting perspectives, and gained a clear understanding of risk management. Show less

Research Intern (Human Rights, Socio-Economic Development)

• Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

I coordinated a research team of six people, and participated in the identification and analysis of socio-economic opportunities for Bangladeshi women through the use of Grameen Bank’s microcredits. Main activities: - Coordinated the research team (designed program work plans, proposed research strategies, identified sources of information, developed interviews models, etc.). - Coordinated and participated in the gathering of data and information through field visits, interviews with the main stakeholders (female borrowers and their families, and personnel deployed in the field), and quantitative research. - Collected and registered accurate and verified borrowers’ experiences into an established database. - Liaised with personnel from other departments to gather relevant information and to share knowledge. - Participated in the drafting of situation reports containing analysis and recommendations addressed to relevant departments of the Bank. - Participated in the design of the communications strategy (prepared briefing packets, designed graphics, edited photos and imagines, etc., with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, delivered oral presentations, etc.). Main achievements and key learnings: As a team, we managed to identify some root causes that prevent more effective socio-economic empowerment for women through the use of Grameen’s microcredits. I gained relevant experience in coordinating a team, working in a culturally and ethnically diverse environment, and developing quantitative and qualitative research. Show less

Legal Researcher (Human Rights, Corporate Responsibility)

• Oct 2016 - May 2017

I coordinated a team of eight junior researchers and participated in the elaboration of a project to advocate for an improvement of the Spanish legislation related to corporate responsibility and human rights. The project, which involved the analysis of domestic legislation, foreign relevant cases, and international human rights instruments, was presented before the Spanish Parliament. Main activities: - Coordinated the research team (work plan, research strategy, etc.), and liaised with AI’s personnel and a law firm (Garrigues). - Identified sources, conducted qualitative research (Atlas), wrote briefings, and revised the final report. - Prepared Power Point presentations and briefings. - Coordinated and conducted outreach and representational activities for external audiences (email marketing, etc.). Main achievements: I successfully coordinated a team with different backgrounds, introducing a cross-cutting perspective and promoting inclusiveness and motivation. Show less