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 the context of the Syrian conflict, aiming to provide support and assistance to victims, survivors, and families affected by this humanitarian crisis. The IIMP operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to upholding international human rights standards and ensuring accountability for violations. The organization is relatively new, and its establishment reflects the international community's recognition of the need for a dedicated body to address the complex issues surrounding missing persons in Syria. The IIMP is expected to engage with various stakeholders, including UN entities, international organizations, and local communities, to fulfill its mission effectively. The organization may also expand its operations to other relevant locations as needed, depending on the evolving situation in Syria and the surrounding region.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the IIMP as it involves a range of responsibilities aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the context of the Syrian conflict. The incumbent will be tasked with reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments and standards, particularly those that pertain to victims, survivors, and families of missing persons. This role requires a deep understanding of human rights issues and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including UN staff, institutional counterparts, and relevant partners, to ensure that projects and activities align with human rights-based approaches. The Human Rights Officer will also prepare reports for the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, highlighting the status of human rights in Syria and the progress made in addressing the issue of missing persons. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for developing and implementing training and awareness-raising activities on human rights and victim-centered approaches, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all programs. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying trends and patterns in human rights data, which will inform decision-making and strategic planning within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments; supporting the work of treaty-established bodies and mechanisms; preparing human rights reports for various UN bodies; meeting regularly with institutional counterparts and UN staff to plan and review projects; integrating human rights into UN and non-governmental programs; ensuring up-to-date information on human rights matters; coordinating with other sectors of the UN and international organizations; developing training and awareness-raising activities; serving as a team leader responsible for work coordination and administrative functions; training and supervising new or junior staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a strong commitment to human rights and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve the organization's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area. Experience in leading or contributing to coordination with UN entities and international organizations in the design or implementation of humanitarian or human rights programs is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working directly with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses, as well as experience in institutional planning, monitoring, or reporting processes. Experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex legal and political frameworks that govern human rights issues, particularly in the context of the Syrian conflict.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with UN entities and international organizations, particularly in the context of humanitarian or human rights programs. Experience working directly with victims and survivors of human rights abuses is essential, as is experience in institutional planning and monitoring processes. Familiarity with the Syrian context and the challenges faced by individuals affected by the conflict is highly desirable, as it will inform the officer's approach to their duties and responsibilities.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. While English and Arabic are mandatory, knowledge of French is also beneficial, given that it is one of the working languages of the UN. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the field of human rights.

Additional Notes:
The appointment or assignment to this position is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve relocation to Damascus, Syria, or another relevant location, and candidates must be willing to accept such reassignment in accordance with UN regulations. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform to ensure their applications are complete and accurate.