Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 202

• The organization focuses on addressing the issue of missing persons in Syria, aiming to provide support and facilitate the search and identification of individuals who have gone missing due to the ongoing conflict. The IIMP operates with a commitment to uphold human rights and ensure that the needs of families of missing persons are prioritized. The institution is relatively new, reflecting the international community's recognition of the need for dedicated efforts in this area, and it is expected to grow in terms of staff and operational capacity as it establishes its presence in the region. The organization is committed to gender equality and diversity, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the IIMP, as it involves planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, particularly concerning the search and identification of missing persons. The officer will conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, assess their impact on the situation in the assigned region, and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into various efforts. The role requires a strong focus on gender perspectives and the ability to engage with families of missing persons, ensuring a victim-centered approach throughout the search process. The officer will also represent the UN human rights program in meetings, direct capacity-building efforts, and produce various reports and communications to inform policy-making bodies. This position demands a proactive and analytical mindset, with the ability to collect and analyze data to support decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates; conducting research and analysis of human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators; integrating human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; supervising field verification work; engaging with families of missing persons; 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 to support institutional reporting and strategic coordination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. The role requires excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to identify sources for data collection, and the capability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, as well as a client-oriented approach to service delivery.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience supporting search or investigation activities related to missing persons, as well as engaging with families of missing persons in the context of search or identification processes. Experience collaborating with forensic experts in this context is desirable, as is experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic, which would provide valuable insights into the local context and challenges.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and conducting research and analysis.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, strongly encouraging female candidates and applicants from underrepresented Member States to apply. The position may require relocation to Damascus, Syria, or another relevant location, and candidates should be prepared for such reassignment in accordance with UN regulations. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.