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 regions around the world, including South-East Asia, where it focuses on addressing human rights issues pertinent to the region. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of human rights and aims to integrate human rights into all aspects of governance and development. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to achieve its mission. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the pursuit of human rights.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly the right to a healthy environment. The officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities that relate to these issues, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all initiatives. The role involves conducting substantive research and analysis on human rights issues linked to climate change, assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country. The officer will collect and analyze relevant human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, to inform policy-making and program implementation. This position requires a proactive approach to integrating human rights considerations into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the OHCHR. The Human Rights Officer will also represent the UN human rights program in various meetings and will be involved in capacity-building efforts within the region, ensuring that human rights are prioritized in discussions and actions related to climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: planning and coordinating activities related to climate change and human rights; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and other bodies; ensuring integration of human rights issues into broader efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; following up on cases verified by regional offices; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; directing capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; providing guidance to junior staff; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be expected to analyze data trends and provide insights through various data visualization methods to support decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly those related to climate change and the right to a healthy environment. They should have the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. They must also show professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

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 (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Additionally, two or more years of experience specifically related to climate change and the right to a healthy environment is desirable. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle complex human rights issues and contribute effectively to the organization's goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. To be considered fluent, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language skills: reading, speaking, understanding, and writing. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Thailand. The position is open to locally recruited General Service staff members who meet the minimum requirements. The selection process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to strict standards of integrity and efficiency in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment.