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 the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various human rights mechanisms and promoting accountability for human rights violations. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights. The OHCHR is committed to the principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all, and aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in various regions, addressing a wide range of human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for conducting substantive research and analysis on human rights and economic policy issues. The incumbent will assess the impact of these issues on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country. This role involves collecting and analyzing human rights and economic policy data, including gender-specific indicators, to provide comprehensive insights into the human rights landscape. The officer will support various sub-commissions and commissions, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The position requires the development of work plans in accordance with established terms of reference and involves assisting military and police forces in implementing training programs focused on human rights, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, democracy, and the rule of law, with a particular emphasis on gender perspectives. The officer will also supervise field verification work, represent the UN human rights program at meetings, and direct capacity-building efforts in the assigned region or country. Writing reports, communications, and briefings for policy-making bodies is also a key responsibility, along with performing other related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights and economic policy issues; assessing the impact of these issues on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country; collecting and analyzing human rights and economic policy data, including gender-specific indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and commissions; ensuring the integration of human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; assisting military and police in developing training programs on human rights and international humanitarian law; supervising field verification work through periodic visits; representing the UN human rights program at working level meetings; directing capacity-building efforts on human rights; writing reports, communications, briefings, and statements; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights and economic issues, with the ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation is crucial. Candidates should also show a commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork are key competencies required for this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, international development, 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 essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, economic affairs, or a related area is required. At least three years of work experience as an economist engaged in economic policy and human rights issues is also required. Experience working with the United Nations, regional institutions, or similar international settings is desirable. Additionally, experience in managing and conducting technical cooperation, capacity-building (both in-person and remote), and/or training programs is considered an asset. Familiarity with economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as sustainable development goals, is also desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, while proficiency in French is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. External candidates selected through this job opening will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, in accordance with administrative instructions. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested.