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, protected, and fulfilled in all countries, and it plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability. The organization operates in various regions around the world, including Central America and the Dominican Republic, where it focuses on enhancing the capacity of local authorities and civil society to uphold human rights standards. The OHCHR is committed to integrating gender perspectives into its work and ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international bodies, to achieve its mission of promoting human dignity and justice for all.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical in advancing the OHCHR's mission in the Central America and Dominican Republic region. The officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender perspectives. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country. The officer will collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, and provide support to UN human rights mechanisms. The position requires the integration of human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, ensuring that gender equality considerations are prioritized. The Human Rights Officer will also assist in capacity building and technical assistance for local authorities and counterparts, participate in field missions, and contribute to the development of reports and communications that reflect the human rights situation in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including: planning and coordinating human rights activities; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues; collecting and analyzing data and indicators; supporting UN human rights mechanisms; integrating human rights considerations into various programs; defining work plans; assisting in capacity building and monitoring; participating in field missions; writing reports and briefings; providing guidance to junior staff; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for identifying trends and patterns in human rights data and presenting insights through data visualization methods to support decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills are essential, as well as the ability to draft human rights reports and evaluate information from various sources. The officer must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to analyze and interpret data are also critical qualifications for this role.

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 ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex human rights issues effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates with experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations are preferred. Experience in human rights legal analysis and capacity building is also desirable, as it indicates a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting human rights at the national and regional levels.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and conducting research and analysis in the field of human rights.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three (3) months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be of the nationality of Panama, as this is a National Professional Officer category position. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The selection process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.