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 fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are respected and upheld. The organization operates in various countries, including Sudan, where it has a country office. The OHCHR is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability, justice, and the rule of law. It engages with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights and to support the implementation of international human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is a critical role within the OHCHR, specifically focusing on the Darfur region of Sudan. The incumbent will serve as the team leader, coordinating the engagement of the Sudan Country Office in Darfur, which includes human rights monitoring, analysis, and documentation. The officer will work closely with UN and other stakeholders to implement programs that integrate human rights considerations, including gender dimensions, into their initiatives. The role requires the preparation of reports for the Human Rights Council and other relevant bodies, ensuring that the human rights situation is accurately assessed and communicated. The officer will also be responsible for developing training programs to enhance capacity in human rights and related fields, ensuring that non-discrimination and gender perspectives are prioritized. This position demands a proactive approach to building relationships with various actors in the region, including humanitarian organizations and government entities, to foster collaboration and policy alignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: coordinating the Sudan Country Office's engagement in Darfur; monitoring and documenting human rights issues; preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders; integrating human rights into UN and NGO programs; assessing the impact of human rights situations and providing recommendations; developing relationships with UN and humanitarian actors; assisting in training programs related to human rights and international humanitarian law; leading the Darfur team and managing administrative functions; supervising and training team members; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues and the ability to navigate complex political and social environments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, political affairs, or international relations, with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in these fields. The role requires expertise in human rights monitoring and reporting, as well as experience in conflict or crisis settings. Familiarity with humanitarian action and the provision of technical assistance in human rights is desirable. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work is essential.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area. At least two years of this experience must be in a field presence, particularly in conflict or crisis settings. Candidates should have a proven track record in human rights monitoring and reporting, with additional experience in humanitarian action being advantageous. This level of experience is necessary to effectively navigate the challenges and responsibilities associated with the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it can enhance communication and engagement in the region. Additionally, knowledge of French is also considered beneficial, given the multilingual context of the UN and its operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment process, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for this position to promote gender balance within the organization. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Staff members may be assigned to different duty stations as part of their service, and adherence to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity is expected.