Association for the Prevention of Torture is looking for a Research Officer

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Term: 19 months (until August 2027)
Projected start date: 2 February 2026
Application deadline: 21 November 2025

The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is seeking to recruit a Research Officer to lead the preparation of several publications and events around the APT’s 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture in 2027.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an effective researcher to join the APT team from February 2026 until August 2027. The selected individual will design, write and coordinate various publications and events in the lead-up to the APT’s 50th anniversary in 2027, in collaboration with APT colleagues and partners around the world. This role demands excellent writing, coordination and time management skills, as well creativity, a commitment to results, and a strong ability to work both independently and in a team. Experience of working with people from diverse countries and cultures will be a definite plus.

About the APT

The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) is an international non-governmental human rights organisation established in 1977. APT works for societies without torture and ill-treatment, advocating at the international, regional and national levels with an approach based on cooperation, dialogue and partnerships. Our multicultural team of 16 staff comprises members working at the Centre Jean-Jacques Gautier in Geneva and in different locations around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Bangkok and Senegal). 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 by:

• Influencing national, regional and international legal frameworks, standards, policies and practices to reduce the risks of torture and ill-treatment
• Supporting partners’ efforts to advance torture prevention, contributing our respective expertise and resources to maximise impact
• Bringing people together in constructive dialogue to build support for torture prevention and identify practical solutions

Background to the Position

In 2027, the APT will celebrate its 50th anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The APT will mark these events with an effort to put the prevention of torture back at the heart of international priorities, while inviting open reflection on the experience of torture prevention gained since the publication of the landmark study "Does Torture Prevention Work?"

The APT will engage in debates and reflections on progress and current threats to the absolute prohibition of torture, as well as the means to mitigate the risks of torture and ill-treatment in a context that is increasingly unfavourable to human rights and multilateralism. A particular focus will be on the collection of data and narratives from around the world on the successes and challenges facing National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) and other actors working for the prevention of torture.

Main Role and Responsibilities

The Research Officer will lead the following publications and events:

• Report on 25 years of torture prevention through monitoring deprivation of liberty:
  The Research Officer will prepare and lead a survey of NPMs and other actors from around the world, to gather data and testimonies on the impact of contributions to the prevention of torture through monitoring places of deprivation of liberty, as well as challenges faced and lessons learned. Based on the survey results, the Research Officer will prepare a report analysing the effectiveness of the monitoring of places of deprivation of liberty as a prevention tool, while making concrete recommendations to strengthen the impact of monitoring, 25 years after the adoption of the OPCAT. They will also organise online events to disseminate and discuss the outcomes of this report.
• Commemorative publication on torture prevention:
  The Research Officer will oversee a call for papers that will gather diverse analyses and perspectives on torture prevention, review proposals and select a number of papers for an online commemorative publication on the prevention of torture. They will then oversee the collection and editing of all contributions, ready for final review and publication in 2027. The Research Officer will also support the APT Communications Manager in developing a series of short videos with the authors of the papers, to express the diversity and power of the movement supporting the prevention of torture.
• Public event:
  In 2027, the Research Officer will lead the organisation of an event in Geneva to celebrate the anniversaries and encourage collective action against torture. They will be responsible for both the content and logistical arrangements for this event, and support associated fundraising efforts.

In addition, the Research Officer will support the APT with other research initiatives related to torture prevention, or writing and reporting tasks.

The Research Officer will complement the expertise of APT senior advisers and work closely with the Communications Manager and all members of the APT team in achieving collective outcomes.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in law, political science, international relations, social science or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a similar role, ideally in cross-cultural settings.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong commitment to human rights values and to the preventive approach
• Proven research and writing skills, including a solid understanding of research design, analysis and interpretation
• Experience in coordinating a research project and working with diverse stakeholders
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as attention to detail
• Excellent communication and event planning skills
• Fluency in English. Advanced French. Spanish or Portuguese an asset
• An adaptable and versatile approach
• Enjoyment of working collaboratively in a team

What We Offer

• Salary: CHF 5’300 gross per month at 100% (40 hours per week from Monday to Friday)
• Benefits: standard pension plan; 20 days of holidays per annum (at 100%) plus national holidays and additional days at the end of the year; option to work from home up to 2 days per week. 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, in a green location near to public transportation and the United Nations HQ building.

Conditions to Apply

• Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens.
• Applications should be made in English, and include:
  • A one-page motivation letter
  • A CV (maximum two pages)
  • A writing sample
  • Two professional references
• Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] (subject line: Research officer).
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews (in December 2025).

APT is guided by a human rights-based approach and welcomes applications from qualified candidates 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.

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