Investigator at the Institute for Human Rights

We are looking for someone who wants to contribute to an organization that monitors and ensures that human rights are respected and realized in Sweden. At the Institute for Human Rights, you will participate in the work of further developing an independent institute tasked with strengthening the compliance of human rights and fulfilling the role of an independent national mechanism according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

About the Institute for Human Rights

We advocate for Sweden to respect, protect, and promote human rights. Our vision is a society where every individual enjoys their human rights.

We started in 2022 and will operate in accordance with the Paris Principles, which are the international standards for national human rights institutions.

Our work is led by a board with a director responsible for the operations at the office located in Lund. The organization consists of three units, and you will be placed in the unit for investigation and analysis.

About the role of Investigator

As an investigator, your work will include monitoring, investigating, and reporting on the development of human rights in Sweden across various areas, as well as following national and international legal developments relevant to human rights. You will prepare memoranda and materials for reports and other documents within the institute's area of operations and present findings to management. The role also involves driving projects on behalf of the institute and conducting outreach activities, such as engaging with rights holders and liaising with authorities and organizations at local, regional, national, and international levels.

The Institute for Human Rights is currently in a development phase. The work will be characterized by ongoing and close dialogue with colleagues, other authorities, and organizations, as well as with rights holders. Being collaborative, able to work on various tasks, and functioning in a changing environment is crucial for thriving with us.

The Institute for Human Rights strives for diversity among its employees and welcomes all applicants with qualifications for the position regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or disability.

Qualifications

To be considered for the position, we require that you:

• have a relevant degree in social sciences, such as political science, law, or equivalent,
• have broad and solid knowledge, as well as experience working on human rights issues,
• have extensive knowledge of the international human rights standards that Sweden is bound by, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and UN and Council of Europe conventions on human rights,
• express yourself very well in Swedish and English.

It is an advantage if you also:

• have an academic background in human rights
• have good knowledge in the area of human trafficking
• have experience with a rights-based approach
• have experience in conducting investigations, writing reports, and drafting responses
• have experience from fieldwork and conversational methodology for interviews and dialogue with individuals and groups in vulnerable situations
• have experience from public administration, supervision, or the judiciary
• have experience working within civil society
• have experience working on human rights within the EU and the Council of Europe
• have knowledge of one or more of the national minority languages, Swedish sign language, and/or one or more other languages spoken widely in Sweden.

Skills

We are looking for individuals with a solution-oriented approach who engage with colleagues, rights holders, and other stakeholders professionally and respectfully. It is essential to take personal responsibility for driving the work forward within the framework of the assignment and to demonstrate good judgment by being able to assess what may need to be coordinated and anchored. Furthermore, the role requires the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new areas of work, handle various tasks, and prioritize based on a given situation. Collaborating well internally and externally to solve tasks and enjoying creating and maintaining new contacts are prerequisites for being successful in the role.

Other

Permanent employment with immediate start or as agreed. A probationary period applies. Travel within the scope of employment may occur. Some work may be performed remotely.

We have removed the personal letter from the application process and replaced it with selection questions to create an inclusive recruitment process.

The Institute strives for a diversity of knowledge and experience among its employees. We are committed to a recruitment process free from discrimination that provides equal opportunities for all. We are located in accessible premises at Mobilvägen 10 in Lund, close to good transport links. We do not see further adjustments as a barrier. If you have protected personal data, please inform the recruitment consultant listed below so that we can handle your personal information correctly.

Are you interested?

If you would like to know more about the job and what we offer, please contact recruitment consultant My Bohman at 070 844 7 471.

We welcome calls from those interested in the position, but we decline calls from those selling advertisements and recruitment services.

The application deadline is February 15, 2026.