National Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various regions around the world, including Southern Africa, where it focuses on addressing human rights issues specific to that area. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of human rights and accountability, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these principles.

Job Overview:
The National Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's efforts in Southern Africa, focusing on the promotion and protection of human rights within the region. The officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, and assessing their impact on the local situation. This role requires a strong understanding of human rights from a gender perspective, as well as the ability to collect and analyze relevant data. The officer will also support various human rights bodies and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The position demands a proactive approach to implementing human rights-based strategies, particularly concerning drug policy, and requires the officer to represent the UN human rights program in various meetings and discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: planning and coordinating thematic and country-specific human rights activities; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and other bodies; ensuring the integration of human rights issues into various programs; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; supporting the implementation of human rights-based approaches to drug policy; providing technical assistance to member states and civil society; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; directing capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; and performing other related duties as required. The officer may also provide guidance to junior staff and will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, political affairs, or related fields. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Experience in formulating human rights analysis and integrating these considerations into law and policy is essential. Additionally, experience in delivering technical assistance programs and capacity building on human rights is desirable, as is experience working with international organizations. The role requires a deep understanding of human rights issues and the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of human rights law and policy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as human rights, political affairs, or international relations. Candidates should have a proven track record of formulating human rights analyses and integrating these considerations into legal and policy frameworks. Experience in delivering technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives related to human rights is highly desirable, as is familiarity with human rights and drug policies. Experience working with international organizations will be an added advantage.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either French or Portuguese is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates must be of the nationality of South Africa, where this position is located. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.